Cooking rice is not difficult, but it does require some basic knowledge!
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Cooking rice is pretty straightforward, but you need to make sure that you choose the right type of small grain white rice, wash it well, and then use a fair amount of water. Otherwise, you could end up at the bottom of your pot with sticky or overcooked rice, or burnt rice. But there are a few simple tricks that will help you make the perfect rice every time.
1. Choosing the right rice variety
There are many varieties of rice on the market. It doesn't matter if you put it on a stove or in one Rice cooker, Choosing the right type of rice depends on what dish you are preparing. You can choose between white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, long grain rice or combinations of these types. When making plain white rice as a side dish to meat and vegetables, it's best to stick to the basics: small-grain white rice. There are even rice varieties that are specially tailored to certain dishes such as risotto or paella. For this type of meal, professionals usually choose short grain rice because it absorbs more fluids than usual. Some other types of meals like sushi are made with brown rice, which has a firmer texture and rich taste. If you want a fluffy, non-sticky rice, choose white short or long grain rice. The list goes on and on, but the important thing is knowing what you are going to use the rice for so you can choose the right variety. The way the rice is cooked depends on the type of rice. Some may take longer to cook while others may take less time, just as some may need more water than others. There isn't a one-size-fits-all rule so make sure you cook your rice the right way!
2. Wash your rice
Do you wash your rice If you do, then you are probably doing it wrong. Professional cooks and cooks recommend washing the rice thoroughly before cooking it to remove any excess starch that can cause the rice to stick together. The purpose of washing is to get rid of grains of dirt and starch, which will make your rice more attractive. You can do this by simply rubbing your rice with your fingers in a large container filled with water. The rice will begin to discolor and the water will appear cloudy as the starch loosens from the surface of the grains. Drain and repeat until the water is no longer cloudy. That way, your rice will be fluffy, not sticky.
3. Water-to-rice ratio
The general rule for cooking white rice is a ratio of one cup of rice to one and a half cups of water. It's important to use the right amount of water so the rice doesn't get mushy or dry. You can stick to this rule to get the right consistency, but there are a few exceptions when cooking white rice. If you want moist and tender results, use two cups of water for each cup of rice you plan to cook. For dry or fluffy results, use one cup of water for every cup of rice. After deciding which method to use, remember that the pan / pot should be filled just enough so that it does not spill over when cooking, but not too much when excess water boils on the stove or countertop . There are also some exceptions to the water-to-rice ratio. As mentioned earlier, it also depends on the type of rice you are cooking. For example, if you're cooking jasmine rice, it's best to use one and three-quarters of a cup of water per cup of rice, as it will absorb more liquid than usual. Brown rice also needs more water as it absorbs two to three times more water than regular white rice. If you are cooking in a rice cooker and using brown or wild rice, it will need to be cooked with less water (usually half the amount of water) as it will take much longer to cook. These are just a few examples, but when you're cooking white rice, follow the general rule.
4. Use a fraction of oil or fat
The traditional way to cook any type of rice is to use oil or fat in a saucepan / saucepan over high heat until it gets hot enough. It's important to use only a small amount, especially when making white rice. Using too much oil can be tempting, but it will make the rice mushy and unhealthy. You can also add a piece of butter or some other type of fat if you want more flavor. It is beneficial to add any kind of fat to the rice as it gives the rice a nice shine and keeps it moist. Also, don't forget to add salt to your rice while it's cooking for extra flavor!
5. Cooking time
The cooking time also depends on the type of rice you are cooking. Typically, if you are using white rice, cook it for 16-18 minutes. During this time you need to bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to low. While keeping an eye on your rice, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove the rice from the heat and let it rest covered for 6-8 minutes. The reason you have to wait 6-8 minutes is because the rice continues to steam in its own heat. After this time, you can finally uncover the rice and loosen it up with a fork.
When it comes to cooking rice there are many different methods that you can use. One of the most important things is choosing the right type of rice because each variety has its own flavor and texture. When deciding on the perfect rice for your dish, you need to wash the grains well and then use a certain amount of water. We hope our guide has helped you learn more about cooking rice like a pro.
