Foolproof rice cooking!

[wanye]

Just watching an episode of Americas test kitchen presents (on pluto.tv via a US VPN of you're in the UK) and Dan souza has solved a problem I've had with large batches of rice for ages!

So, the "normal" ratio of rice to water is 1:1.5

So one cup of rice, 1.5 cups of water. This works for pretty much all small batches, and it's something I e done for years (I use a rice cooker or a microwave for nearly all rice)

But if you need more than 2 cups of rice for dinner parties or something, that ratio can ruin your rice... 3 cups of rice to 4.5 cups of water leaves you with soggy overcooked rice.

The trick is...

One cup of rice to one cup of water for nearly every rice you can find, PLUS half a cup of water for evaporation.

So if you're doing 3 cups of rice, do 3.5 cups of water... 10 cups of rice? 10.5 cups of water!

How do you cook your rice? Do you put your rice in a load of water and drain it when it's done? Sure, if you're a psychopath and want to be babysitting your pan for the entire duration, but for normal people, that's far too much effort!

The easiest way? A rice cooker! I adore mine! But you can do it just as easily in the microwave! Just put your rice in a plastic (or glass) tub, and put a lid on! Whether that's a plate on top, cling film with a few holes poked in), or am actual proper lid (just leave it cracked open so that extra half cup can escape) - for under 3 cups of rice, you just blast it for around 8-10 mins then leave it to stand inside the microwave for 5 mins. Bigger batches usually need a few extra minutes

For large batches (5 cups or more) I use either my pressure cooker or a Dutch oven on the hob (with foil or a tea towel between the pot and the lid to create a good seal)

Dan's new method will be a game changer for me!

So, talk to me about rice! What's your favourite brand/type? My go-to rice is XXL basmati, but I have at least 6 different types of rice in the cupboard at any one time...

XXL basmati
Thai sticky rice
Sushi rice
Arborio rice

... And a few others, including ship koji rice (fermented for use on proteins like fried chicken or steak)

Feel free to share your favourite rice dishes here too, I'm a sucker for a good mushroom risotto (usually served with sliced duck breast)

Here's Dan's atkp segment...

[firedance]

Awesome tips, I usually try and do Jamie's 1 rice to 2 water but will try 1:1.5 instead as it's sometimes too wet but also some as stuck to the bottom of the pan

[Bondy007]

To be honest, my method is simply use enough water to cover the rice, boil/simmer for about 10 minutes then turn the heat off and leave for 10 minutes. Pretty much perfect rice every time. Generally only have basmati in.

[Ivegottadream]

I soak the rice for minimum 30 minutes, then 1:2 ratio rice to water. Always perfectly cooked.

Interesting to hear such different ways to cook and we all say it turns out great 😃

[sky13]

I just use a Zojirushi rice cooker (current one is 18 years old and still working!). Perfect rice every time with almost zero effort, plus it has a keep warm function...

[angelbabe]

I use my instant pot especially for basmati. It's the simplest and easiest way ever, there's no rinsing and comes out perfect every time. Ratio is 1-1 rice and water, cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, leave to natural release for 10 minutes then fluff. I was dubious when I first saw the recipe but it really works!

[Scottishmum24]

Originally Posted by wanye

The easiest way? A rice cooker! I adore mine!

See more...

Which rice cooker do you use? I've been thinking of buying one but there is so many to choose from.

[Gryff]

I also use my instant pot 1/1 works every time

[Louisa Jane]

We’ve got a rice cooker but I always find I get a ‘skin’ on the surface that touches the metal. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong but I prefer my ‘saucepan’ method!

[mskitty]

I've got a microwave rice cooker and I use a ratio of 1:2 (with boiled water) cooked for 11 minutes for basmati and about 13 for long grain. I then leave it to stand for 5 mins before opening the pot. Perfect rice every time.