How to Make the Perfect Rice

Rice is a versatile and staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, yet getting it just right can sometimes be tricky. White rice should be light and fluffy, and not soggy or too dry. With a few steps, you can learn what it takes to make the perfect rice every time. Since white rice is a perfect side dish to many occasions, learning how to make it well can be very handy and a valuable kitchen skill. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare white rice, from rinsing and measuring to cooking and steaming.

White Rice Tutorial Ingredients

Equipment

• 1 Pot with lid

Ingredients

• 1 cup White Rice (Jasmine or another long-grain rice)
• 2 cups Boiling Water
• 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 Garlic clove, minced (optional, but recommended)

How to Make the Perfect Rice

1. Start by washing the rice. Add the rice into a bowl and add water and mix it with your hand. Throw the water away.
2. Repeat this process until the water is not cloudy anymore, but transparent. Drain well and let the rice rest for 10 minute to dry.
3. In a medium-high heat pan, add the oil. When the oil heats up, garlic and salt and sauté for a minute. (do not burn the garlic)
4. Add the rice and stir fry it for 1 minute. (this is a very important step)
5. Add the boiling water and mix it well, to make sure no rice is stuck at the bottom of the pot.
6. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat to low and partially close the lid. Do NOT stir the rice from now on until it has absorbed all the water. The time depends on the pan, but it’s usually around 15-20 minutes.
7. To check that the rice has absorbed all the water, gently pry a few grains of rice away from the side with a fork until you see the bottom of the pan. If there is still water at the bottom, wait a few more minutes.
8. When the water dries up, cover the pan and let the rice rest for 10 minutes – this step is essential.
9. Enjoy your perfectly made rice.

Recipe Tips

1. After washing the rice you need to make sure you removed all the water, otherwise the rice can turn very soggy. So use a strainer and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before stir frying it in the pan.
2. The stir frying of the rice first is very important to make sure the rice does not ended up soggy. Mix it well to make sure all grains are involved with the vegetable oil.
3. Really add boiling water to the pan (and not cold, directly from the tap) when cooking the rice.
4. After reducing the heat to low and partially adding the lid, do NOT mix the rice anymore. Leave it alone until all water is absorbed or evaporated.
5. Do not skip the 10 minutes of resting time before serving. This is also to avoid it doesn’t turn out soggy.

How long does leftover rice lasts in the fridge?

• About 4-6 days.

Can you freeze cooked rice?

• Yes! Simply put the rice into a container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to re-heat rice?

• Defrost the rice in the fridge, rather than at room temperature. However, this method takes longer, so remember to take the rice out of the freezer the day before.
• When it’s time to eat the rice, it’s best to heat it up on a pot in low heat with just a little bit of cold water. Place the lid on for this. Believe me, this will make the rice look like it was made on the day!