How To Cook Rice on the Stove
COOKING LESSONS FROM THE KITCHN
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-rice-on-the-stove-44333
There’s always newbies out there, so I wanted to share this.
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For most rice, use a 1:2 ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of water . Measure a half cup of uncooked rice per person and scale this ratio up or down depending on how much you’re making.
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It’s back to basics! How to cook a big pot of rice to go with dinner is one of the first lessons many of us learn in the kitchen. It’s an easy and straightforward process that can nonetheless feel like a culinary triumph when you’re first starting out. Here’s how we do it. What’s your technique?
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
What You Need
Ingredients
1 cup rice
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
Equipment
Small (2-quart or so) saucepan with a lid
Stirring spoon
Pre-cooking: It’s good practice to rinse your rice in a strainer before cooking. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it will rinse off any dusty starch on the surface of the rice along with any leftover chaff or stray particles. (Some rices have more starchy coating than others.)
1. Measure the Rice and Water: For most rice, use a 1:2 ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of water. Measure a half cup of uncooked rice per person and scale this ratio up or down depending on how much you’re making. Some rice varieties will need a little less or a little more water as it cooks, so check the package for specific instructions.
2. Boil the Water: Bring the water to boil in a small sauce pan. Rice expands as it cooks, so use a saucepan large enough to accommodate. A 2-quart saucepan for one to two cups of uncooked rice is a good size.
3. Add the Rice: When the water has come to a boil, stir in the rice, salt, and butter (if using), and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low. Don’t take off the lid while the rice is cooking — this lets the steam out and affects the cooking time.
Approximate cooking times: •
White Rice: 18 to 25 minutes• Brown Rice: 30 to 40 minutes•
Wild Rice: 45 to 60 minutes
Start checking the rice around 18 minutes for white rice and 30 minutes for brown rice. When done, the rice will be firm but tender, and no longer crunchy. It is fine if it’s slightly sticky but shouldn’t be gummy. If there is still water left in the pan when the rice is done, tilt the pan to drain it off.5. Turn Off the Heat and Remove the Lid: When the rice is done, turn off the heat and take off the lid. Fluff the rice with a spoon or a fork, and let it sit for a few moments to “dry out” and lose that wet, just-steamed texture.Rice keeps well in the fridge for several days, so you can make extra ahead to serve later.
In my family’s Latin recipes, we use just under half that amount of water, about 7/8 cup of water for 1 cup rice. If I’m making an Asian dish, I will use more water, but still far less than the 2:1 ratio (about 1-1/2 cups water for 1 cup rice). The main result from the lower water is what my family calls “pegao”, which is the crunchy rice that gets stuck to the bottom of the pan. We consider it to be a delicacy, and have often fought over it. I know most people are looking for perfectly cooked rice from top to bottom, and our method won’t create it. Just wanted to point out what happens with less water, and that it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 😉
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thanks 😀
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THANK YOU…for adding info. An ex bf (Cuban) from NY, use to only get his Chinese food from one place here in Mesa AZ. He said it was the only place that made the rice like he grew up with. All this time I thought it was New York style, lol.
And another ex but still a loved friend I dated for more than 5 years, been friends for 15 years now & traveled all over Mexico. …somehow missed letting me in on this one 😀
Again, thank you
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Haha, no worries! Everyone who’s married into the family has been surprised and befuddled when first asked if they want to try the “burned” rice. My hubby is the only who isn’t so appreciative of it since his teeth are a bit more delicate & sensitive.
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😀
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I finally figured out how to not miss yur posts, lol. I checked the get email option.
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Yay!
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