How to Cook Rice

Rice is a staple dish that can be made so many different ways throughout the world. Chef Nakia shares her favorite ways to cook 5 popular types of rice. We help you troubleshoot the 3 main mistakes people make when cooking rice and learn when to rinse your rice. After we talk about rice to water ratios and adjustments needed for cooking rice at high altitude, then we talk about reheating rice. And lastly we share some of our favorite meals to use up leftover rice.

1. Long Grain Rice vs Short Grain Rice

   1. short grain rice tends to be starchier (stickier) and is used in dishes like sushi, risotto, and rice pudding

   2. examples of long grain rice are Basmati Rice and Thai Jasmine Rice

2. Rinse your rice to avoid sticky rice

3. Rice to Water Ratios

   1. Will vary depending on the type of dish you are cooking and what altitude you are at

   2. Short Grain Rice 1:1 rice to water

   3. Long Grain Rice 1:1.5 rice to water

   4. Brown Rice 1:2 rice to water

4. The Absorption Method for Cooking Rice

   1. Bring water to a boil, add rinsed rice, reduce to a simmer, cover with lid, and cook for about 20 minutes

   2. To add a little extra flavor:

      1. start by caramelizing garlic and onions in olive oil or rendered bacon fat

      2. add rinsed rice and toast in oil

      3. add water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover with lid, and cook for about 20 minutes

5. High Altitude Adjustments

   1. Use about 10% more water and cook for 5 - 10 extra minutes

6. Troubleshooting Top 3 Most Common Mistakes

   1. Mushy Rice

      1. Don’t stir the rice while it’s cooking

      2. Use less water next time

   2. Crunchy Rice

      1. If it’s undercooked, add more water and cook longer next time

      2. Make sure you keep the lid on your pan

   3. Sticky Rice

      1. Rinse your rice more thoroughly next time

      2. Use less water

      3. Don’t stir the rice while it’s cooking

      4. Be gentle when scooping the rice out of the pan

7. Reheating Your Rice

   1. Reheat on the stove

      1. Sprinkle some water on top of the rice and cover with a lid

      2. Warm over low heat for 5 - 10 minutes - don’t stir!

   2. In the Microwave

      1. Sprinkle some water on top and cover with a moist paper towel

      2. Reheat in microwave 30 seconds at a time until it reaches your desired temperature

   3. In the oven

      1. Best option if you are reheating a large amount of rice

      2. Put rice in a casserole dish with about 1/8” of water on the bottom

      3. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil

      4. Place in 325F oven for about 15 minutes or until evenly heated.

   4. Dishes to Make with Leftover Rice

      1. Fried Rice

      2. Burritos

      3. Paella

      4. Bibimbap

      5. Stuffed Peppers

      6. Biriyani

      7. Stir Fry

      8. Lunch Meal Prep

      9. Arancini

      10. Rice Pudding