Rice 101: Three Methods to Cook Rice Perfectly

Cooking rice seems to be the most basic kitchen task. You have done it numerous times yet cooking it to its most desired form can still be difficult and frustrating. The perfect rice can be described as a perfect pot of fluffy, tender rice grain which is not to mushy or too hard to eat. Although it may seem difficult and sometimes exasperating, learning how to cook perfect rice is not an impossible feat. You just need to learn a few essential tips and you are on your way in cooking ideal rice every time.

There are three methods to cook rice, each requiring different amounts of water. These are the Japanese method, the boiling method and steaming method. Whichever method you use, you should remember that for rice grains to be cooked properly, it must be whole and distinct. A good tip is to keeping them from forming a pasty appearance by not over stirring or leaving them too long to cook. 

The first method is the Japanese method. This is an economical way of cooking rice. The procedure start from washing the rice properly and adding it to boiling salted water. It must continue boiling for approximately another 15 minutes. After this is done, cover the pan and place it an oven for another 15 minutes, allowing water to evaporate completely and make the grains soft and fluffy.

The next technique you can use is the boiling process. This is the simplest way of cooking this staple food. Pre boil water with 3 teaspoon of salt. Wash the rice carefully and add this to the water. Continue boiling until the water appears to be milky as the starch comes out of the rice into the water. Check if the grain is soft and can be crushed between the fingers.  Put off the flame and drain the rice. Pour cold water unto it to wash out the remaining loose starch. Reheat the rice by shaking it over the fire and serve. You can put in gravy, cream or butter for added flavor.

Steaming the rice is the last manner you can cook rice. This process requires extra time and is usually cooked for a duration of one hour. Cook the rice in boiling water with one and a half teaspoon of salt for 5 minutes. You should then place it on a boiler and allow it to cook until it is soft.  This is usually creates better results with a much more white, fluffy appearance than the first two methods.

To achieve cooking the most ideal rice, here are still some helpful tips for you to keep in mind.

• You should rinse your rice with a few changes of cold water. This removes loose starch which is an important step for imported rice.

   

• Make sure to drain your water completely when washing your rice grains. This can help avoid using more water in cooking than what is intended.

   

• Follow the general rule of cooking rice which is to use 1 ½ - 1 ¾ cups of water per cup with at least 1 ½ teaspoon of salt.

   

• Also use a tight fitting lid to keep the steam in while cooking.

Now that you have learned these essential tips on how to cook perfect rice, always keep it in mind the next time you cook rice. These tips will unquestionably help you to achieve cooking the most ideal rice each and every time.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Crab meat Fried Rice" courtesy of avlxyz - "Boiled white rice" courtesy of kamath_ln - "Arroz meloso con almejas" courtesy of jlastras