Have you ever noticed that the rice you get in restaurants tastes completely different from the versions you make at home? Rice is one of the simplest foods to make, so how do restaurants manage to make it taste so fluffy and delicious? There are a few secrets to cooking rice that will make your homemade version taste just like it would during a fancy meal.
Firstly, the majority of rice types should always be soaked before cooking. Not only does soaking rice speed up the time it takes to cook, but it also allows the rice to better absorb water, thus making it easier to digest. If you have the option to soak rice overnight, this is the best way to soak it. However, even soaking the rice for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking it will make a difference.
Another important aspect of cooking rice is how much water you use. Many people assume that all rice should be cooked with a ratio of two cups water to one cup rice. However, white rice (including Basmati and Jasmine) should be cooked with less water, about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups of water to one cup of rice is fine. However, the 2:1 ratio works with brown rice. And for wild rice, a 3:1 ratio is even better.
When you actually cook the rice, adding in a pinch of salt along with a spoonful of butter or olive oil helps to make it soft and give it a little bit of flavor. When cooking any variety of rice, it’s important to let the pot simmer after a gentle boil has been reached. When the rice is simmering, keep the lid on at all times so that your rice steams perfectly and takes on that fluffy texture.
Now that you know a little more about cooking rice, you’ll be able to whip up a restaurant-worthy side dish. Happy cooking!
