A Useful Guide To Help You Make The Perfect Rice Like A Professional
It is not difficult to cook rice, but it does require some basic knowledge!
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Cooking rice is rather simple, but you need to make sure that you choose the right variety of small grain white rice, wash it well, and then use a proportionate amount of water. Otherwise, you may end up with sticky or overcooked rice, or burnt rice at the bottom of your pot. But there are a few simple tricks to help you make the perfect rice every time.
1. Choosing the Right Rice Variety
There are many varieties of rice available on the market. It doesn’t matter if you cook it on a stove or in a Rice Cooker, choosing the right type of rice will depend on what dish you are making. You can choose white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, long-grain rice, or combinations of these types. When making simple white rice as an accompaniment to some form of meat and vegetables, it’s best to stick with the basics: small grain white rice. There are even rice varieties that are specially designed for certain types of dishes like risotto or paella. For that kind of meal, professionals usually choose short-grain rice because it absorbs more liquid than usual. Some other types of meals like sushi are made with brown rice, which has a firmer texture and rich flavor. If you want rice that is fluffy and not sticky, choose short- or long-grain white rice. The list can go on, but the point is to know what you will use the rice for so you can choose the right type. The way of cooking the rice depends on rice variety, some may need a longer time to cook while some may need less time just like some need more water than the other. There’s not a universal rule so be sure to cook your rice the right way!
2. Wash your Rice
Do you wash your rice? If you do, then you’re probably doing it wrong. Professional chefs and cooks recommend that you wash your rice thoroughly before cooking it to remove excess starch that can cause the rice to stick together. The purpose of washing is to get rid of the grains of dirt and starch, which will make your rice more appealing. You can achieve this by simply rubbing your rice with your fingers in a large container filled with water. The rice will start to change color, and the water will appear cloudy when the starch comes off from the surface of the grains. Drain and repeat until there is no more cloudiness in your water. That way, your rice will come out fluffy and 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 won’t be soggy or dry. You can go by this rule to get the correct consistency, but there are some exceptions when cooking white rice. If you want moist and tender results, use two cups of water for every cup of rice you plan on cooking. For dry or fluffy results, use one cup of water for every cup of rice. After you’ve decided which method you’re going to use, remember that the pan/pot should be filled just enough so it doesn’t spill over while cooking but not too much where excess water boils out onto the stove or countertop. Also, there are some exceptions for the water-to-rice ratio. As mentioned before, it depends on the type of rice you are cooking as well. For example, if you’re cooking jasmine rice, it’s best to use one and three-quarter cups of water per cup of rice as it absorbs more liquid than usual. Brown rice also needs more water as it absorbs two or three times more water than regular white rice. If you’re cooking in a Rice Cooker and using brown or wild rice, it needs to be cooked with less water (usually half the amount of water) because it takes much longer to cook. Those are just some examples, but if you’re cooking white rice follow the general rule.
4. Use a Fraction of Oil or Fat
The traditional method for cooking any type of rice is using oil or fat in a saucepan/pot over high heat until it gets hot enough. It’s important to use just a small amount, especially when making white rice. It can be tempting to use too much oil, but it will make the rice soggy and unhealthy. You may also add a pat of butter or some other type of fat if you wish for more flavor. Adding any kind of fat to the rice is beneficial because it gives the rice a nice sheen 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 will also depend on what type of rice you’re cooking. If you’re using white rice then the general rule is to cook it for about 16-18 minutes. In that time, you will need to bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. While keeping an eye on your rice, let it simmer for 5 minutes. After that, remove rice from heat and let it sit, still covered for 6-8 minutes. The reason that you need to wait for 6-8 minutes is that the rice will continue to steam in its own heat. After that period of time has passed, you can finally uncover the rice and fluff it 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 taste and texture. When you decide on the perfect rice for your dish, you need to wash the grains well and then use a certain proportion of water. We hope our guide has helped you learn more about cooking rice like a professional.
