BEST COOKING RICE RECIPE

Grocery shopping is getting a little more difficult these days with prices higher than ever and shelves that always seem half-empty. So now is the perfect time to revisit one of the most inexpensive and versatile pantry staples available: rice. Once you learn how to cook rice on the stove, you'll have a cheap and filling base on which you can make a million different meals!

COOK RICE ON STOVE

Cooking rice on the stove is one of the many ways you can cook rice. This is my favorite method because it's easy, doesn't require special equipment, and is fairly quick. That being said, you may find that you like a different approach better.

You can also cook rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot, you can cook it in the oven, you can cook it in the microwave, and you can cook it in a lot of water, like pasta! Each of these methods has its pros and cons, so if you're not a fan of cooking rice on the stove, you can always experiment with another method.

WHAT TYPE OF RICE TO USE?

There are many types of rice in the world and each one cooks a little differently. For this reason, this tutorial will only cover white and brown long grain rice. Other types of rice will require different amounts of liquid, different cooking times, and perhaps a different method.

SHOULD I WASH MY RICE?

Rinsing rice before cooking can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Not only does this help remove debris and other contaminants, it also helps remove excess starch, which makes the rice a bit more sticky once cooked.

The easiest way to wash rice is to use a fine wire mesh sieve or colander. This will allow the water to be rinsed properly without the risk of accidentally dousing the rice with the rinse water, and without inadvertently leaving too much water in the rice.

WATER TO RICE RATIO

Using the right amount of water and rice will have a big impact on how your rice turns out. Use too much water and your rice will become mushy. Use too little water and your rice may not cook. The exact amount to use can vary based on your cookware and your personal preference, but in general, for long-grain white rice, you should use 1.5 to 2 cups of water for every cup of raw rice. (Use less for firmer rice. More for softer rice). Brown rice needs a little more liquid, so you can use 2 to 2.25 cups of water for every cup of uncooked brown rice.

Another method for determining the amount of water needed is the knuckle method. This ancient measuring technique is considered foolproof by its users. Simply place your rinsed rice in your pot or rice cooker, touch the top of the rice with your fingertip, then add water until the top of the water reaches the first nose after your fingernail. come on Sounds crazy, but it works!

USE THE RIGHT COOKWARE.

Using the right cookware will also help you get perfectly cooked rice with less effort. Here are some suggestions:

Make sure you choose the right size pot for the amount of rice you are cooking. Choose a pot that is about 6-8 times the volume of uncooked rice (cook one cup of rice in a 1.5-2 quart pot).

Use a thick-bottomed or heavy-duty pot as they will heat more evenly and reduce the chances of the rice burning.

Make sure you are using a burner that is close to the bottom of your pot. This will help the rice cook evenly and prevent raw, undercooked rice around the outer edges of the pot.

HOW TO ADD MORE FLAVOR TO RICE

One of the reasons I like rice is that it's so easy to change the flavor. Here are some easy ways to add more flavor to your rice:

Fry the rice in butter or oil before adding water. This gives the rice a deeper, toastier flavor.

Add flavorings, such as minced garlic or chopped onion, to the rice and water before cooking.

Add herbs and spices to water before cooking.

Use flavored liquids instead of water. You can cook the rice in broth, stock, milk, or coconut milk for extra flavor.

Finish with flavor: Add a drizzle or sprinkle of your favorite sauce, spice or herb after cooking, then stir gently to combine (think lemon juice, fresh herbs, finishing oils, etc.). .

HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE RICE RECIPES:

Yellow jasmine rice

Cilantro Lime Rice

Easy Cheese Broccoli Rice

Creamy Rice Pudding

HOW TO COOK RICE?

A simple step-by-step guide on how to cook rice on the stove, with tips, tricks and answers to all your rice questions.

 Prep Time: 5 mins

 Cook Time: 20 mins

 Total Time: 25 mins

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup long grain white rice*

1.5 cups water

1/4 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Drain the rice through a fine wire mesh strainer.

Add rice, salt and water to a sauce pan.

Place a lid on the pot, turn up the heat, and bring the water to a full boil.

Once the water comes to a full boil, lower the heat and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir while boiling. Make sure it simmers gently the whole time.

After 15 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for another five minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.

After the rice has rested, lift the lid and fluff with a fork. Serve hot.

Notes:

*To cook long grain brown rice, increase the water to 2 cups and let the rice simmer for 45 minutes instead of 15. Don't forget to let the rice rest after turning off the heat, just like you would with white rice.

HOW TO COOK RICE - STEP BY STEP GUIDE

First rinse the rice in a fine wire mesh strainer or bowl. If rinsing in a bowl, shake it a few times then carefully add the rinse water. Repeat this 3-4 times, adding as much water as possible with the last rinse.

Place a cup of rice in a sauce pan, then add ¼ teaspoon salt.

Also add 1.5 cups of water.

Place a lid on the pot, turn up the heat, and bring the water to a full boil.

Once it reaches a full boil, lower the heat and let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid or stir the rice while boiling. After 15 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for another five minutes (do not lift the lid or stir yet!).

Finally, after the rice has rested, lift the lid and fluff with a fork. Serve hot with your favorite food!

TROUBLESHOOTING

Burnt rice: The heat was too high when boiling, not enough water was used or too much steam was released when boiling (keep the lid on tightly), or hot spots on the bottom caused by thin cookware. .

Musk rice: Too much water was used or not enough water was removed after rinsing, the rice was stirred while cooking.

Crunchy rice: not enough water used, too much steam escapes during boiling (don't lift the lid), uneven heating (outer edges not boiling so rice doesn't absorb water), rice resting after boiling Not allowed.

Unevenly cooked rice: The burner was too small for the pot, the thin pot did not conduct heat evenly, the rice was not allowed to rest after boiling.

WHEN TO USE A RICE COOKER

Still can't figure it out? No problem. Sometimes using a rice cooker really is the best option! Rice cookers are generally inexpensive, they're versatile enough (you can cook more than just rice in them), and they free up your hands and attention to other things while you prepare your meal. Leave free. There's no shame in using a rice cooker!