Name: Cook Perfect White Rice Every Time
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup of white rice; 2 cups of water; 1 tsp of salt

If you are tired of ending up with a pot of clumpy or undercooked rice on the dinner table, don’t worry! Cooking perfect white rice every time may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few basic steps. Whether you’re cooking rice for a stir-fry, sushi, or a simple side dish, these tips will ensure your rice turns out fluffy and delicious every time.

Cook Perfect White Rice Every Time | Eat Urban Garden — Cook Perfect White Rice Every Time

Types of White Rice

White rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world and it comes in a variety of different types. Each type of white rice has a unique texture, flavor, and recommended use. Here are the three main types of white rice:

Short-Grain White Rice

Short-grain white rice is known for its small, stubby grains that cling together when cooked. It has a soft, slightly sticky texture and a mildly sweet flavor. Short-grain white rice is commonly used in sushi and other Japanese dishes, as well as creamy rice puddings.

Medium-Grain White Rice

Medium-grain white rice has a slightly shorter, rounder grain than long-grain rice. It has a tender, moist texture and a subtle, nutty flavor. Medium-grain white rice is often used in Mediterranean and Latin American dishes, such as paella and arroz con pollo.

Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is a popular variety of medium-grain white rice. It originated in California and is now widely grown in other parts of the world. Calrose rice has a distinctively sticky texture that makes it ideal for dishes like sushi and risotto.

Long-Grain White Rice

Long-grain white rice has a long, thin and slender shape. Its grains stay separate from one another and have a fluffy and dry texture when cooked. This type of white rice has a neutral, nutty flavor and is used in a variety of dishes from around the world, such as pilaf, biryani and jambalaya.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a popular variety of long-grain white rice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has long, slender grains that are prized for their fragrant aroma and nutty flavor. Basmati rice is perfect for dishes like biryani and pilaf.

Why Rinse Rice?

Many of us think that rinsing rice is an unnecessary step. However, rinsing rice is an important step that should not be overlooked. There are several reasons why rinsing rice before cooking is crucial. Here are some of them:

Removes Excess Starch

One of the primary reasons why you should rinse rice before cooking is to remove excess starch. When rice is harvested, it usually contains excess starch on its surface. If you fail to rinse it properly, the excess starch will make your rice sticky and clumpy, resulting in a not so appetizing texture.

Gets Rid of Debris

Another reason for rinsing rice is to get rid of any debris or dirt that might be on it. Rice usually comes in large sacks or bags, and it is difficult to tell what conditions it has been exposed to during transportation. By rinsing the rice, you can get rid of any debris that may have made its way onto the rice, resulting in a cleaner and more appealing meal.

Improves Flavor and Texture

Rinsing rice also improves its flavor and texture. Starchy, clumpy rice tastes bland and often overcooked. Rinsing the rice properly results in fluffier, perfectly moistened grains. Properly rinsed rice will also allow for a wider variety of seasonings that can be added to it, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.

While it may seem like a hassle, rinsing rice before cooking is necessary to achieve perfectly moistened, fluffy, and delectable grains. It is an essential step that should not be skipped or overlooked.

The Water-Rice Ratio

When it comes to cooking white rice, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the water-rice ratio. This refers to the amount of water you need to use in relation to the amount of rice you are cooking. While the ideal water-rice ratio varies depending on the type of rice you’re using, the general rule of thumb is to use two cups of water for every one cup of rice.

Types of Rice

Before proceeding to cook rice, it’s essential to know the kind of rice you’re dealing with and the ideal water-rice ratio for it, as this could vary from one type of rice to the other.

Long-Grain Rice: The most common type of rice, Long-grain rice has a mild flavor, drier and fluffier in texture than short-grain rice. The ideal water-rice ratio for long-grain rice is 1.5 cups of water per 1 cup of rice.
Short-Grain Rice: This type of rice is plumper, stickier, and more moist. Ideal for sushi and other delicacies. The perfect water-rice ratio for short-grain sushi rice is 1.25 cups of water per 1 cup of rice.
Basmanti Rice: This rice has a distinct aroma, fluffy and separate grains, and a nutty taste to it. Ideal water rice ratio for it is 1.5-1.75 cups of water per 1 cup of rice depending on how fluffy you want the rice.

Cooking White Rice on the Stove

White rice is a staple food in many households. While it may seem like a simple task to cook white rice, many people end up with overcooked or undercooked rice. Cooking perfect white rice on the stove requires a simple yet precise method. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfect white rice every time:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Before cooking the rice, rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any extra starch or debris. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Measure the Rice and Water Ratio

For every cup of white rice, you will need two cups of water. Measure the rice and water ratio using a measuring cup or a kitchen scale. It is crucial to use the correct amount of water to cook white rice to perfection.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil and Add Salt

Place a medium-sized pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to the water and stir for a few seconds until it dissolves.

Step 4: Add Rice, Lower Heat, and Cover

Add the rice to the pot, lower the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process; otherwise, the steam will escape.

Step 5: Cook the Rice until the Water is Absorbed

After 18-20 minutes, check the rice to see if the water has been absorbed. If the rice still has a lot of water, cook for a few more minutes. Once the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow it to steam.

Cooking White Rice in a Rice Cooker

One of the easiest ways to cook perfect white rice every time is by using a rice cooker. This popular kitchen appliance is specially designed to cook rice and comes in a variety of sizes and models to suit different needs.

Step 1: Measure the Rice and Water

The first step to cooking white rice in a rice cooker is to measure the rice and water accurately. Most rice cookers come with a measuring cup, so use it to add the desired amount of rice to the inner cooking pot. Generally, 1 cup of uncooked rice yields about 3 cups of cooked rice.

Next, add water to the pot according to the ratio suggested by the manufacturer. As a rule of thumb, use a 1:1.5 or 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, add 1.5 to 2 cups of water. This will ensure that the rice is cooked evenly and doesn’t turn mushy or dry.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

Before adding the rice to the pot, rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any excess starch or impurities. You can also soak the rice for 30 minutes to an hour to make it more tender. Drain the water and add the rice to the pot.

Step 3: Turn on the Rice Cooker

Close the lid of the rice cooker and switch it on. Most rice cookers have a simple button or switch that you need to flip to start cooking. Some rice cookers also have a timer or preset functions that allow you to cook different types of rice, such as brown rice or sushi rice.

Step 4: Let it Cook

Once the rice cooker starts cooking, don’t open the lid or stir the rice. Let it cook untouched for the entire duration of the cooking cycle, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes depending on the model and amount of rice. The rice cooker automatically switches off or goes to the “keep warm” mode once the rice is fully cooked.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the cooking cycle is complete, open the lid of the rice cooker and fluff the rice with a fork or spatula. This helps to release any excess steam and makes the rice fluffy and light. Serve the rice immediately, or keep it warm in the rice cooker for up to a couple of hours.

Storing Cooked Rice

When it comes to cooking rice, it’s always a good idea to make a bit extra that you can store in the fridge or freezer for a later meal. Properly stored cooked rice is safe to eat for several days and even months, depending on how you store it. Here are some tips:

Refrigerating Cooked Rice

If you plan to eat your leftover rice within a few days, the fridge is the best storage option. Here’s what you need to do:

Allow the cooked rice to cool down before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
You can use a plastic container, a resealable bag, or a covered bowl to store your rice.
Label your container with the date you stored it to keep track of how long it’s been in the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat the leftover rice, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot all the way through.

Freezing Cooked Rice

If you want to store your cooked rice for a longer period, the freezer is your friend. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Cool down the rice to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Divide your leftover rice into portions that match your future meals.
Label the container with the date and the amount of rice. Remember that cooked rice doubles in volume when cooked, so one cup of uncooked rice yields two cups of cooked rice.
Place the container with rice in the freezer and store it for up to six months.
When you’re ready to eat the rice, you can reheat it from frozen in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Make sure the rice reaches an internal temperature of 165Â°F (73.8Â°C) before serving.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope you found our tips helpful on how to cook perfect white rice every time. Remember to follow these easy steps and you’ll have fluffy, delicious rice. Don’t forget to try out different types of rice and seasoning to spice up your meals. We hope you visit us again soon for more cooking tips and recipes!