Whether you’re trying to get a delicious platter of fluffy white rice or trying a new dish like crunchy rice, there are steps to follow to get the exact result you want. But, if you’ve ever made a pot of bad rice then you’ll know how discouraging it can be when rice goes wrong. Follow the tips below for all different kinds of rice to come out cooked to perfection.
Fluffy Rice
The key steps to making the perfect pan of fluffy rice are as follows.
- Start with a long grain rice.
- Rinse the rice first.
- Use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice.
- Bring the water up to a boil before adding the rice.
- Once rice is added reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
- Do not take the cover off before 20 minutes.
- Once rice is done, fluff with a fork.
For Sticky Rice
For sticky rice you’ll want to create a different texture and this is helped by starting with the right type of rice.
- Start with a short grain rice. Depending on your preference and what stores you shop at you can choose rice labeled “sweet rice” or “glutinous rice”.
- Soak the rice beforehand for 6-24 hours, depending on how soft you want the finished product to be.
- Use a rice steamer to cook the rice. If you don’t have a bamboo steamer or a rice cooker than can do this for you then you can make your own.
- Cook for 30-45 depending on how soft you’d like the rice to be.
- Serve hot and keep rice warm because at cold temperatures it is hard to digest.
- Wet the serving utensils so that the rice sticks to them less.
Crispy Rice
Rice doesn’t have to be soft, chewy, or fluffy. It can also be served crunchy (and no, we don’t mean burned). The trick for this type of rice is to season the pan before the rice goes in so that it can crisp instead of blacken.
- Start by seasoning the pan with oil, milk, and salt.
- Add pre-cooked rice and spread in an even layer.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water.
- Wrap the pan lid in a clean dishtowel to absorb any liquid.
- Cover and cook on medium high for 10-15 minutes.
- Invert onto serving plate and crispy side will be face up.
Risotto
Risotto is one dish that can be hard to master since it takes a lot of time and patience. But, it’s well worth the effort. And, you can make it easier on yourself by following the tips below for a creamy risotto that you can be proud to serve.
- For an ideal risotto start with a carnaroli rice, which is medium grain.
- Lightly toast the rice and onions before adding liquid, but do not brown them.
- Add the stock one ladle-full at a time, keeping the liquid bubbling the entire time.
- Always stir the mixture to avoid sticking and to release more of the starch. Using a girariso, a spatula with a hole in the middle, is even better for this.
- Take the risotto off the heat to stir in the final butter and cheese, done at a rapid pace.