Cooking rice is an art that requires some expertise. Although rice is a staple food that is tasty, versatile, and filling, it can easily go wrong. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes when preparing rice, which can ruin the dish’s texture and taste. In this article, we will highlight the six most common mistakes people make when cooking rice and how to avoid them.
1. Using the wrong pot
Using the right pot is essential to achieve perfect rice. A heavy-bottomed pot does a much better job of distributing heat and storing it, ensuring the rice cooks evenly. Conversely, using a thin-bottomed pot can lead to uneven cooking, with the area above the flame becoming too hot while the edges remain cold. Investing in a heavy-bottomed pot is not only helpful for cooking rice, but it also makes preparing many other dishes much easier.
2. Using the wrong amount of water
Getting the right amount of water is crucial when cooking rice. Too much water can make the rice soft and watery, while too little can leave the rice hard and undercooked. The instructions on the packaging can be misleading, so follow these guidelines instead: for 170 grams of white rice, use exactly 240 milliliters of water, and for 170 grams of brown rice, use 300 milliliters of water.
3. Not washing the rice
Although washing rice is a matter of debate, it is recommended to do so to avoid foaming and clumping. Starch builds up on the rice’s surface, and excess starch leads to foaming and clumping when cooking. Thus, washing rice can help remove excess starch and prevent these issues from arising.
4. Letting the rice steam
After cooking, it’s essential to let the rice steam for a few minutes, which helps to create a nice grainy texture. Just leave the rice in the pot with the lid on, ensuring that there is no excess water in the pot.
5. Stirring the rice
During the cooking process, avoid stirring the rice as this activates the starch and causes the rice to become soggy. Unless you’re making risotto, stirring the rice is unnecessary and can ruin its texture.
6. Not adding salt
Adding a pinch of salt while cooking the rice is crucial to prevent it from being bland. Rice, like pasta, needs some salt to bring out its flavor. This is particularly significant on the off chance that you eat your rice as a feature of European or American-style dishes as these are by and large not as sweet-smelling and taste-concentrated as Asian dishes.