How to cook rice

For some dishes, we need crumbly rice, for others – a dense lump, for others – something in between. This simple product can be very different, and in order for the dish to come out exactly the way you want, you need to know how to achieve the desired consistency. 

How the dish turns out depends largely on the type of rice. But not only: sometimes the wrong method of preparation changes the structure and taste properties dramatically. ” Healthy Food Near Me” together with the chef figure out how to cook rice in different ways.

rice varieties

Before cooking rice, you need to determine which variety is needed for your dish. Some options can be great for porridge or sushi, but they will be tasteless in pilaf, while others are ideal for risotto, but they are not advised to cook an independent side dish from them. 

Among the most popular varieties of rice are: 

1. Aquatics. Wild rice, which is good for salads and soups. Most often it is sold as part of a mixture that takes 20-30 minutes to cook. But clean aquatics will have to be kept on the stove longer, 40-60 minutes. 

2. Basmati. One of the most popular varieties. Long and thin rice is great for side dishes, pilaf and other oriental dishes. It is better to cook this variety for a couple or under a lid, but even without this it will certainly turn out well. 

3. White rice This is already processed rice, which is popular due to the fact that it cooks very quickly: 10-15 minutes and you can serve it. The main disadvantage is that during the preliminary grinding that the groats undergo, most of the useful properties are lost.

4. Long grain rice (indica). Such rice is ideal for side dishes and salads, as it does not stick together during cooking. It is one of the most popular varieties worldwide. You need to cook it for about 20-30 minutes.

5. Jasmine. Pilaf or a side dish will turn out well from this variety, and for the preparation of sweet dishes (for example, kutya), it is better not to find an option. Jasmine is advised to be removed from the fire a little earlier than it is cooked, so that it “reaches” in a cooling pan.

6. Brown (brown) rice. It is considered the second most useful type of rice. It contains more vitamins and minerals than others. You need to cook it for 25 to 40 minutes, and use it for salads and side dishes. 

7. Round grain rice. An excellent option for cooking cereals, casseroles, desserts. Can be used for sushi. But keep in mind that it has a high content of starch. This variety absorbs a lot of liquid, and cooks for 15-20 minutes.

8. Medium grain rice. A good option for making risotto and paella as it doesn’t have a pronounced flavor and won’t distract from the rest of the ingredients. Cooks quickly: about 20 minutes.

9. Black rice It is considered the most useful variety of rice because it contains 2 times more protein than others. You need to cook this cereal for a long time – about 40 minutes. 

How to cook rice in a pot

The most popular way to cook rice is in a pot. Most often, side dishes are prepared in this way.

Step 1. Preparing the Ingredients

You will need 1 cup rice (preferably long grain), 1,5 cups water, 0,5 teaspoon salt.

Step 2. Water preparation

Put water on fire and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Washing the Rice

While the pot is boiling, rinse the rice – this should be done until the water runs clear.

Step 4: Boiling the Rice

Pour washed rice into boiling water, add salt and cover. The fire must be reduced to a minimum. The rice will be ready in 15-20 minutes once all the water has boiled away.

Step 5. Infusion

After the rice is cooked, you need to remove it from the heat and leave it under the lid for another 10 minutes.

Step 6. Submission.

Ready rice can be served on the table. For a milky taste, add a dollop of butter.

How to cook rice in the microwave

This method is suitable for those who do not have access to the stove. For example, while traveling in a hotel room. Rice in the microwave is cooked easily and simply, and most importantly, quickly.

Step 1. Preparing the Ingredients

For one serving of rice, you need two servings of water and salt to taste.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

For cooking, you will need a microwaveable container with a lid. Pour rice into it, add salt and water, then close the lid.

Step 3 Microwave Cooking

Put the container in the microwave and turn it on for 10 minutes at 800 watts. Then take it out, mix it, cover it again and send it back, but at a lower power – about 240 watts.

How to cook rice in a pan

Yes, you can also cook rice in a pan. This is not a very common method, but deserves special attention. About how to do it right, KP told chef and co-owner of Meatarea Chuck and Holy Ribs restaurants Roma Redman. 

Cooking rice in a pan? No problem.

Step 1. Choosing rice

Take regular rice. Our country is large, not all regions have good quality cereals, so the most important thing is not to buy chopped and old rice. The fresher the grain, the better.

Step 2: Washing the Rice

Rinse thoroughly until clear water.

Step 3 Cooking

We send it to boiling water in a pan with high sides. Stir constantly, but gently so as not to damage the grains. I always add a pinch of salt at the end.

Step 4 Finish Cooking and Serve

When it’s time to free the rice from the water, add a little butter. Rinsing rice after cooking is pointless if you do not cook it for future use. It is best to boil rice just before creating a dish from it.

How to cook rice in a slow cooker

This method of preparation allows you to save all the useful properties of the product. The main convenience is that you do not need to watch the clock and be afraid that the rice will burn or boil away, the multicooker will turn off by itself.

Step 1: Washing the Rice

We must not forget that rice must be washed from starch in running water. Once the water has become clear, you need to let it drain, and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Pour the rice into the multicooker bowl. There also add a spoonful of vegetable or butter (to taste). Mix. Salt and pour boiling water.

Step 3 Cooking

We turn on the multicooker for 15 minutes. It is important to turn off the heating, if any, immediately after the end of the program.

Step 4. Infusion

Let the rice stand covered for another 10-15 minutes. After that, the dish can be served on the table.

How to cook rice for sushi

How to cook the perfect rice for sushi – moderately sticky and moderately crumbly – tells Roma Redman. 

Cooking rice for sushi is quite simple, the main thing is to catch the moment. However, it doesn’t always work out the first time.

Step 1. Preparation

Wash the grains properly. Then we take a wide pan, put parchment on the bottom so that the lower layers do not burn. Pour rice and pour cold water so that the liquid slightly covers the grain.

Step 2. Boiling and steaming

Bring to a boil at slightly above medium temperature. After the water boils, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a minimum value – at this moment the rice will no longer be boiled, but steamed. 40 minutes of cooking – and you get great sushi rice.

Step 3. Adding spices

Season the finished cereal with rice vinegar, sugar and salt.

Delicious and easy rice recipes

Rice is a tasty and nutritious product, the recipes for which can be found in thousands. It is perfect as a side dish or as an independent, main dish. 

Almost every cuisine in the world boasts its own recipes. And in some countries, rice is the basis of the diet for most residents. “KP” offers three simple recipes that everyone can easily repeat at home.

Rice fried with onion and garlic

Recipe shared Roma Redman: 

— My favorite recipe for the most simple rice. Slightly undercooked in chicken or vegetable broth, rice is fried together with finely chopped garlic, red onion and bacon with the addition of butter at a high temperature. Literally 2-3 minutes is enough. And it’s very tasty.

Rice in the oven with chicken 

Pour the rice into a baking dish. Add spices and salt on top, put the chicken drumsticks on the grits. Fill with water and put in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 40-60 minutes. During this time, the rice will be cooked, saturated with the aroma of chicken and spices and will become an ideal side dish for chicken drumsticks. Serve cooked rice with chicken. 

Rice porridge with milk 

Wash rice well. Bring water to a boil, add salt and sugar and pour out the grains. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then add hot milk. Cook for another 20 minutes, stirring lightly. Turn off the heat and leave the porridge under the lid for another 20-30 minutes. The porridge is ready! Add butter for flavor before serving. 

Popular questions and answers

To popular questions and answers about how to cook rice properly, answered Roma Redman: