Ingredients
To make plain rice that is fluffy and perfect every time, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of long-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups of water (more if necessary)
A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice
Before cooking the rice, it’s essential to rinse it in cold water to remove any excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it until the water runs clear.
2. Measure the water
In a saucepan, measure 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice. The water ratio is essential for achieving perfectly cooked rice.
3. Add the rice and salt
Once the water is measured, add it to a saucepan and stir in the rice and salt if using.
4. Bring it to a boil
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat
Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Simmer
Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid or stir the rice during the cooking process. Doing so will release the steam, and the rice won’t cook evenly.
7. Check for doneness
After 18 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, check if the rice is fully cooked by fluffing it with a fork and tasting it.
8. Fluff the rice
Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid, and fluff it with a fork. This will separate the grains and make the rice fluffy.
Tips for Making Perfect Rice
If you’re new to cooking rice, here are some tips that will help you achieve perfectly cooked rice:
Use the right rice: The type of rice you choose will affect the cooking method and time. Long-grain white rice is the best option for making plain rice.
Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice removes surface starch that can make the rice sticky.
Measuring the water: For every cup of rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water. This water ratio will help to ensure that the rice is perfectly cooked.
Cover the pot: Always cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.
Don’t stir the rice: During the cooking process, resist the urge to stir the rice, as this can release the steam and make the rice less fluffy.
Fluff the rice: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid, and fluff it with a fork. This will make the rice fluffy and separate the grains.
Conclusion
Plain rice is a staple food that is easy to prepare and goes well with a wide variety of dishes. By following these steps, you will have perfectly cooked and fluffy rice every time. Remember to use the correct water ratio, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and resist the urge to stir the rice during cooking. With these tips, you will be able to make delicious and fluffy rice that is the perfect base for a variety of meals.