6 Tips for making the perfect rice every time!

Rice is one of the most popular ingredients in the world! Plenty of dishes include it, and there is a good reason why. It is highly nutritious, versatile, and simple to cook. And the best part about it is that you can eat rice with almost any food!

No matter if you serve rice with chicken, fish, or you add it in a pudding, there are some cooking tips to help you make it perfect. Of course, you can always use a Japanese rice cooker for the best results! But don’t forget to follow the tips for making the perfect rice every time!

1. Select rice type carefully

The first thing you need to do when cooking rice is to consider the type of rice thoroughly. There is a wide array of kinds around the world. So, based on the dish you’re cooking, select the adequate rice. For example, sushi rice is very sticky, while Arborio rice is excellent for cooking a creamy risotto.

2. Wash the rice before cooking

Do you like Indian Basmati rice? Well, the perfect restaurant serving is fluffy and light. And if you ever wondered how chefs achieve that, the answer is quite simple. Almost all rice types benefit greatly from rinsing well under cold water before cooking. So, make sure you drain, rinse, and repeat the process until the water is clear. You will remove most of the starch that makes rice gum up. Keep in mind that some types of rice might require soaking for a half-hour before cooking.

3. Toast the rice rather than boiling it

Of course, it is tempting to simply put a cup of rice in a pot on the stove and boil it in water. But did you know that an important chef’s tip for cooking rice is to toast it? This process will boost the flavor and help you prepare the perfect rice. All you have to do is heat a tablespoon of oil in a pot and add your rice. Stir until the rice is coated in fat and then allow it to toast until it gains a brown color. As soon as your rice is toasted, you can add water and boil it. The result will be a toasty, nice, and perfect rice dish.

4. Cover the rice

We recommend you use a Japanese rice cooker for the perfect rice. But if you don’t have one, you can use the following tip for making the perfect rice every time. Bring your liquid to a boil and then cover the pot, and decrease to a simmer. As soon as you do this, keep the lid on until the cooking time is up. Most rice types require up to 20 minutes of boiling. Yet brown rice needs 50 minutes to be cooked adequately. Also, when the cooking time is up, it is recommended to turn the heat off and allow the rice to sit an extra ten minutes before removing the lid.

5. Add seasoning after you cook the rice

Admit it! You (like most people!) add a bit of salt to the cooking water. But did you know that this has a negative impact on your dish? Well, chefs say that cooking the perfect rice can be done only if you add seasoning after it is cooked. So, when it is done, fluff the rice with a fork and season to taste. You will be amazed by the intense flavor!

6. Get a rice cooker

As mentioned above, a Japanese rice cooker might help cook the perfect rice at home. And this happens since this staple kitchen appliance lets you cook rice with ease and in different ways. Some devices might even keep your rice warm until you are ready to serve it.

The Bottom Line

So, these are the top tips for making the perfect rice every time. The secret is to follow the recommended cooking time and wash it according to the rice type. And, of course, if you want to invest in a kitchen appliance that will get you the perfect serving of rice, you might want to consider purchasing a Japanese rice cooker. Anyhow, no matter what you opt for, following the tips above will help you cook your rice correctly!