Whether it be a simple side or the base of one of your favorites, rice is an underrated and major game-changer in anyone’s kitchen. Making rice may be one of the more simple things in life, but getting the perfect texture and consistency is what can cause challenges. Never fear these tips will have your rise, rising, and fluffing to the perfect texture and consistency in no time. The last thing we want is sticky, porridge-like rice but we have all been in the situation where it simply does not work out. These small tips will leave you with perfect rice each and every time, fluffy and delicate.
Simple Tips And Tricks To Avoid Sticky Rice
Rinse
Starchy rice endures quite a process before reaching your door, and the occurrences along the way also halter the makeup and how your rice will cook in the long run. Rice grains rub against one another when being shipped and this creates a chalky, starchy substance on the rice. This is the main reason we need to rinse our rice before use, and it is just a good idea hygienically too. The boiling water causes the starch to bloom and this creates sticky rice. Rinsing your rice once is not enough as you should rinse and strain it until there is no cloudy water or appearance coming from the rice.
Ratio
Getting the rice to water ratio right is rather challenging and varies. The ratio is different for different brands but also for different grains, your pot, and the way your lid fits the pot will also affect the way in which your rice cooks. testing out pots, lids, and sticking to the ratio on the packet are all some things that can change your rice composition. Additionally, short grains and long grains require different ratios and amounts.
Rest
This step is one that is most often missed and is of utter importance. Once the rice is cooked you should remove it from the heat and place a towel on top, placing the lid over. The towel will absorb any excess water and moisture but also allow for heat to seep through and ensure that the rice ends up evenly cooked. The moisture needs to redistribute and thus, instantly, serving it and forking it out is not the way to go. 15-20 minutes and you will be good to go.
Flavor
An additional trick and tip is adding some flavor to your rice, this can be done by adding spices or seasoning to the water. We personally advise adding chicken stock to your water for an added homey taste and smell, it truly takes your rice to the next level and fills your house up with a sensational smell. Remember to fluff your cooked rice with a fork before removing from the pot this will also help separate the grains and leave them evenly cooked, not sticky. You can also add tomato paste for a Spanish feel, turmeric for yellow rice and you get the added benefits that come along with these spices.
