Rice is one of the most consumed cereals in the world. These small seeds with various shapes find their place in our savory and sweet dishes. However, a common problem is often noticed after cooking: the rice is either overcooked or undercooked, too sticky or even bland.
What ingredient should be added during cooking for perfectly cooked rice?
Some simple tricks can make an ordinary dish truly exquisite. This is the case, for example, of cooking rice, which can be perfectly successful with a single cooking ingredient. Simple and accessible, it will help you obtain a particularly tasty rice dish.
Wine vinegar for non-sticky rice
Glass of vinegar on a plate of white rice. Source: spm
Once the rice has started cooking, it is not uncommon for the seeds to end up sticking to the pan. In addition to leaving an unpleasant burnt taste, it can totally ruin your risotto or your meat or fish dish. To remedy this, it is possible to add a single ingredient: wine vinegar. Pour a teaspoon of this product as soon as the rice water begins to boil. Drain the rice then season your dish as planned. By doing so, the rice will not only be brilliantly white but will retain its softness. It is possible to use rice vinegar, which is less acidic, to obtain the same results. Just count 3 volumes of rice for one volume of rice vinegar and you’re done! Another complementary tip: cover the vinegared rice with a damp cloth for at least two hours to prepare homemade sushi. Do not let it air dry or in the refrigerator.
Other Tips for Successful Rice Cooking
As you will have understood, rice often tends to stick during cooking because of its starch. Besides the wine vinegar trick, there are several ways for perfectly cooked rice.
Use lemon while cooking rice
Lemon juice. Source: spm
Before starting, it is essential to rinse with clear water in order to remove some of the starch. By doing this, you reduce the chances of the rice sticking while cooking. Next, fill a pot with water and add the rice. Once the cooking water comes to a boil, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the pan, stirring gently. The lemon will prevent the rice from sticking while giving it a sweet citrus flavor. It is possible to add a little more lemon on the rice before serving it.
Opt for the method of steaming rice
Steam cooking. Source: spm
To obtain rice that does not stick, it is essential to follow certain essential steps. First pour the rice into a pot of boiling salted water and stir until the water starts boiling again. Over low heat, let the rice cook slowly, half covered. Pour the al dente rice into a colander metal, rinse and drain. Then add salt, oil or other flavorings according to your preferences. Place the colander over a pan filled with water and reheat the rice gently and covered. Stir occasionally. Your rice will be flavored and not stick.
You have now learned about the main techniques for cooking rice. If your rice inadvertently smells burnt after cooking, it is possible to eliminate this unpleasant smell by rinsing it then putting it back in a saucepan with bread water and salt. After five minutes, you will have caught up with the unpleasant burnt taste of your rice.
