Rice is one of those foods that transcends the simplicity and comfort of actual food, and instead represents a cultural staple, especially among Asian cultures. It is simple in taste, but it’s all about being receptive to that taste when making it. There is so much more to it. One may use it as a main dish with some meat and vegetables, or may concoct sweets and desserts using it. As with any other food, it is usually about simple flavors and simplicity but with the right set of ingredients for the best result. Here are a five tips for cooking rice:
1. What to cook with?
There are various types of rice. For instance, short grain rice is best used for sushi preparation, while long grain rice is best used for pilafs and pinwheels. Some rice is sticky, while others are not. If you’re looking for a sticky rice, use the stickier rice. Avoid using sticky rice if you’d want a rice dish that’s not sticky (for instance, fried rice). What also has a huge impact on the taste of the rice is the amount of water you’ll cook it in, so it is a good idea to follow any specific instructions provided by the specific type of rice packet. There are also various ways to cook : in a pot, in a pan or in a rice cooker which might be the easiest way, there are some tips on how to cook rice in a rice cooker.
2. Measure it!
Knowing how to measure the amount of rice to water is an essential tip in the preparation of rice. Be sure to be precise when it comes to measuring the amount of water to rice or you’ll end up with poor-tasting rice. Follow the instructions on the package of rice to exactly how much water to rice ratio. Once you start measuring the amount of water to rice ratio, you can then experiment with a variety of factors such as the amount of water, amount of rice, and the time it takes to cook it.
3. Rinse it!
Rice has to be washed before cooking it. It is best to rinse it under running water and then let it soak in plenty of water while you prepare the rest of your cooking ingredients. If you are using an electric rice cooker and you are using the rice’s original packaging for cooking, make sure to follow the instructions. Most often, it is best to pour out most of the water (leave some in case of added ingredients), leave the rice to soak for an additional 15 minutes in water, and then dry the rice and use it for cooking.
4. Keep heat to medium
Rice unlike most other food will get sticky and almost burnt if cooked at too high a temperature. Always keep the heat at medium setting for your rice to avoid this. You can then let it simmer for a while to give the rice time to absorb the amount of water it needs.
5. Fluff it with a fork
When you have finally let the rice simmer and absorb all the water that it needs, then it is time to fluff it with a fork. Fluffing the rice will give it a lighter taste and texture than it was before. By fluffing it, you separate the grains which makes the rice easier to serve and will give it a more distinct and individualized taste.
Verdict
Rice is so versatile that one could cook any meal from hearty breakfast dishes, to desserts, to main course dishes. It is simple, yet complex, in its preparation, so it is best not to rush the preparation. Follow the steps above to cook the best rice that you will surely love to eat.
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