Rice: secrets of proper cooking. How to cook rice so that it is fluffy

Rice is one of the favorite lunch options for children and adults. And this is not surprising, because it goes well with any seafood, vegetables, meat, chicken, and fish dishes. It is very important to cook the cereal correctly so that it does not overcook and turn into porridge. Tips on how to cook rice so that it is crumbly will help the housewife with this.

How to cook rice correctly so that it is crumbly?

First of all, the features of preparing rice depend on its variety. For example, round grain is the most difficult to keep crumbly. But, if you try, even this variety can be turned into a delicious, delicate side dish.

Round grain

Short grain rice softens quickly because it contains a lot of starch.

It is ideal for making porridges and casseroles. If you need to turn such rice into a crumbly side dish, then you need to cook it in a special way.

The cereal is thoroughly washed under running water cold water, poured into a saucepan with big amount boiling water (there should be 4 times more liquid than cereal).
It is very important to tightly cover the container with a lid. If the latter does not fit too tightly to the pan, then you should use a weight.
First, cook the rice for 3 minutes on high heat, then 6 minutes on medium and another 3 minutes on low.

The total cooking time for cereal does not depend on its quantity. As soon as the specified time has elapsed, the pan is removed from the heat and does not open for another 10 minutes. After this, you can add salt, seasonings, and any oil to the rice for garnish.

Long grain rice

Rice grains of this type have a length exceeding 5.5 mm. His main feature is that the grains retain their shape well during heat treatment and do not stick together. Therefore, it is not difficult to prepare such crumbly rice. All the main secrets of this process are published below.

350 g of rice is poured into a bowl and filled with water. After thorough mixing, the liquid is drained and a new one is added. Washing is repeated until the water from the container comes out completely clear.
The cereal is poured clean water so that the liquid is approximately 2 cm above the grains.
The rice is salted. If it becomes only part of a complex side dish, then you need to remember that salt will be added to other ingredients, sauce, gravy, etc.
The cereal is cooked exactly 5 minutes after the water boils at maximum power.
Then another 15 minutes on low heat.
After turning off the burner, the rice should sit for some more time. After 5-7 minutes you need to add 1 tbsp to it. vegetable oil, and mix the mass thoroughly.

After another couple of minutes, you can serve the treat to the table. You can cook rice this way in a container made of any material.

The cereal is soaked in ice water in the evening. In the morning, immediately before cooking, it is thoroughly washed under running water and then transferred to the multicooker bowl. The rice is poured with broth and salted.
The garlic is pressed whole into the grain. You don't even have to peel it.
In the “Porridge” program, the dish is prepared in 30 minutes. Some multicookers even have a special “Rice” mode. All that remains is to set the appropriate time in it.
After the corresponding signal, the lid of the device opens. The garlic is removed and discarded and added to the cereal olive oil, and it is thoroughly mixed.

You can serve rice with spicy garlic sauce based on yogurt or mayonnaise. Traditional tartar with pickled cucumbers would also go well with this side dish.

Rice is very useful product. It contains vitamins E, B and many others. It also contains minerals that have a very beneficial effect on health. For this reason, rice copes well with digestive disorders and perfectly cleanses the entire body. No wonder many diets have been created based on it.

There are a large number of options for cooked rice. Some people like to make it rice porridge, while some prefer fluffy rice. It is rice in crumbly form that is used by many as a side dish.

How to cook rice so that it is crumbly - which rice to choose

There are several varieties of rice. There are round-grain, medium-grain and long-grain. Each variety has its own shape, cooking and cooking characteristics. For this reason, the results are completely different dishes. Rice also differs in the type of polishing. There is a polished and steamed look. Because the process of polishing rice removes upper layer, then it boils much easier and can stick together. But steamed rice has an upper shell and can retain its shape for as long as possible.

Short grain rice

When cooked, it sticks together and absorbs a large amount of water. Therefore, it will be extremely difficult to prepare fluffy rice from it.

Medium grain rice

This rice does not absorb as much water, but it often contains starch and can also stick together when cooked. It is also not suitable for fluffy rice.

Long grain rice

But this type of rice will definitely turn out fluffy if cooked correctly. Its grain shape will prevent them from sticking together during cooking, so the long-grain variety is ideal for fluffy rice. The ideal option would be a steamed long-grain variety.

How to cook rice so that it is crumbly - recipe 1

For preparation you will need the following ingredients:

Rice and water in a ratio of 1:2.
Vegetable (refined) oil 1-2 tablespoons.
Salt to taste.

Sequencing:

Rice should be washed thoroughly under cold water. A large bowl is best for this. Water must be filled and drained approximately 5-6 times. The water should be clear.
Pour in rice a small amount cold water and let it soften a little. This requires 20-25 minutes. After this, all the water must be drained.
Pour water into a saucepan and place on high heat. After boiling completely, you need to add salt in the right amount.
Add rice and vegetable oil. Stir the rice so that it does not stick.
Cover the pan with a lid for 20 minutes. If polished rice is used to cook rice, the time should be reduced by 2 times.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice sit for 10-15 minutes.

Already cooked rice can be seasoned with oil or spices. This will make the rice even tastier and more aromatic.

How to cook rice so that it is crumbly - recipe 2

To prepare rice you will need:

Rice 1 cup.
Water for cooking 2 liters.
Water for washing rice 1-2 liters.
Vegetable (refined) or butter for refueling.
Salt to taste.

Sequencing:

Rinse the rice with cold water. This must be done until the water becomes completely clear.
Pour water into a saucepan and place it on the fire. Wait until the water boils completely and add salt. Reduce heat and add rice.
Cook the rice over low heat for 20 minutes. It should turn out a little undercooked.
Place the rice in a colander and rinse hot water.
Ready rice can be seasoned with oil or various spices.

Very few ingredients are required to make fluffy rice. However, it is imperative to take them in the right proportions. This will allow you to achieve the correct consistency of the resulting dish.

Rice is one of the most common foods. It is used in the preparation of many dishes. The most popular culinary creation using this grain is pilaf. Very often it is necessary to boil rice so that it is crumbly and tasty. Despite its simplicity, this is not so easy to do. It all depends on several conditions, from the choice of grains to the cooking technology. How to cook rice so that it is crumbly? Let's talk about this.

Choice

One of the most important rules for preparing fluffy rice is the choice of the starting product. There are many varieties of cereals that differ from each other and are intended for specific dishes.

If you choose the wrong variety, then boiled rice will not turn out fluffy in any case, despite your excellent culinary abilities. Some types of this cereal cook well, having increased stickiness. They will not make a crumbly side dish. Therefore on this fact worth paying attention.

Varieties

Let's look at a few of the most popular varieties that are most often found in our kitchens. Traditional short-grain rice is a classic among cereals. In former times, housewives, not spoiled by great abundance, used only it. This variety absorbs water well and sticks together well. It will not make fluffy rice, the recipe for which we will consider further.

The medium-grain variety should also not be chosen if you want a good side dish that won't clump. It can be used to make risotto or added to soup. It also absorbs water well and does not clump. The best option for preparing a crumbly side dish is long-grain cereal. It does not boil soft and does not absorb water as quickly as previous varieties.

A few tricks

In addition to choosing the most suitable variety, you also need to know a few subtleties of preparation. The first is pre-washing the cereal. This must be done several times until the drained water becomes clear. This will rid the cereal of excess starch and stickiness. An even better idea is to soak the rice in cold water a few hours before cooking. Water should be poured twice as much as the volume of cereal. Rice is placed only in boiling water. After boiling, cover the pan with a lid and do not open until the end of cooking.

Cooking time is usually about 12 minutes. We keep the heat to a minimum so that the cereal simmers and steams. Turn off the finished rice and leave it in the pan for another 10-15 minutes so that the dish, as they say, finishes cooking. You can then supplement it with other ingredients and seasonings. If you don't know how to cook rice so that it is fluffy, then use these tips.

Selection of cookware

Another important point- choice of dishes. At first glance it may seem that this is not the main thing. Of course, you can cook rice in any container, but there is still a difference. It is better to take a pan with a thick bottom and walls for cooking. Cast iron containers are ideal for this.

Rice should not stick to the bottom or walls. The lid of the pan should fit tightly and not allow steam to escape. Rice is not just boiled, but steamed. Many modern housewives use the help of miracle technology. This is also an option instant cooking. But anyway old way, in our opinion, the best.

Classic recipe

How to cook fluffy rice? Here is the simplest recipe. Take a glass of rice, two glasses of water, two tablespoons of vegetable oil and salt. Before boiling rice, it must be thoroughly washed or soaked in water in advance. Boil water separately. Choose a suitable container, preferably with a thick bottom. Place the pan on the fire and pour oil into it.

Then put the rice there and fry it for about 3 minutes. This will give it a golden color. After this, pour boiling water into the pan and add salt. Mix everything, close the lid and cook the rice until cooked. The fire should be minimal. When the water is absorbed, the delicious fluffy rice will be ready.

Another easy way

If you need cereal without adding other ingredients, then cook it according to the following recipe. Before cooking fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly. Then fill with water so that there is about two fingers more of the cereal. Now set it aside for one and a half to two hours. During this time, the rice will swell and absorb almost all the moisture. Next, add a little water, about one finger's worth, and let the cereal cook. Make the fire small. After 10 minutes, all the liquid will evaporate and you will be left with crumbly rice.

Fragrant dish

The fluffy rice, the recipe for which is given in this article, should also be tasty. This is especially true when making a side dish. Let's prepare it in the following way. First, fill the cereal with water and set it aside for about 15 minutes. Then you need to put the rice on a sieve and let all the liquid drain. It should stay dry. Take a large frying pan, heat it up and put rice on it. Dry the cereal, stirring constantly. It should dry completely. In a separate pan, boil water, the volume of which is twice the volume of rice. Then add salt and all the necessary spices (herbs and seasonings that will add aroma and taste to the dish).

Next, add the rice to the water and bring to a boil. After this, reduce the heat to low and close the lid. In 10 minutes the dish will be ready. If you don’t know how to cook rice so that it is crumbly and at the same time tasty and aromatic, then use this recipe. Surely it will be a discovery for you.

Simple and tasty

This is another way to prepare crumbly cereal. Before boiling rice, it must be washed. This rule remains the same for any cooking method. Then put it in boiling water and wait for it to boil again. Next, place the cereal on a sieve and rinse. Now you need to pour cold water into the pan and place the rice in it. It will be ready in 7-10 minutes. The side dish turns out tasty and crumbly. At the end of cooking, you can flavor it with butter and sprinkle with herbs.

Rice with vegetable broth

To make the rice more flavorful, you can use meat or vegetable broth instead of water. First, wash the cereal and fill it with water. Then put a pan of water on the fire and put vegetables in it (carrots, onions, various roots, etc.). When the broth is cooked, it must be strained. Place the rice in a colander and fill it with broth. Let it cook for ten to twelve minutes. The pan should be tightly closed with a lid. Don't forget to add salt to taste. This can be done at the end of cooking.

You can use modern technology also cook the fluffy rice. This will take less time, but the result will be almost the same. To prepare, take two cups of rice, salt to taste, a little garlic, a little olive oil and 4 cups of water.

You almost always get fluffy rice in a slow cooker. As usual, rinse the cereal until the water is clear. Then put it in the multicooker bowl, add chopped garlic, water and salt. We set the buckwheat cooking mode and wait for the process to complete. At the end, add olive oil and mix everything. It turns out fluffy rice in a slow cooker is delicious.

Conclusion

Using all the above tips and recommendations, you can prepare exactly the dish you had in mind. Choose the right variety of rice, the right utensils and follow the technology, then the process of creating a culinary masterpiece will not be difficult.

Now you know how to cook rice so that it is fluffy. Wash the grains well, soak them if you have time, and use seasonings to add flavor to the dish. Use these recipes to prepare side dishes and they will decorate any dish of meat, vegetables or fish.

On our planet, rice is one of the most popular cereal crops. It goes well with fish and meat, fruits and vegetables and was known to mankind more than six thousand years ago.

Rice is suitable for preparing pilaf, soups, it can be added to salads or cooked as an independent dish. However, not everyone knows how to cook rice, because often when cooked it sticks together and becomes not very appetizing.

How long should you cook rice and in what proportions?

Each type of rice has its own proportions and cooking time. For 200 grams of long rice you need to take 400-450 ml of water and cook for 18-20 minutes. For short rice you need water - 350-400 ml, cook the same amount. Brown and wild rice is cooked for 45-50 minutes, you need to take 450-575 ml of water. As a rule, the type of rice is indicated on its packaging.

How to cook rice at home?

Brown rice is considered the healthiest variety, but basmati is the best variety for cooking. Its grains are small, long and crumbly. Of course, it is more expensive than other types of rice, but it is more convenient and easier to prepare.

It is best to measure rice by volume rather than weight. Typically, 65 ml of rice is measured per person. For a family of 4 people it turns out - 260 ml. It is necessary to cook rice in the proportion: 1 to 2, that is, for 1 serving of rice - 2 servings of water. If you took 200 ml of basmati rice, then you need 400 ml of water.

How to cook fluffy rice correctly?

Many people don’t know what is the best way to cook rice: in a saucepan, in a double boiler, in the microwave or in a frying pan? It is best to cook rice in a thick cast iron pan. A pan with thin walls heats up unevenly, so the cereal may remain raw on top and burn at the bottom. Pour the required amount of water into the pan and bring to a boil (1 part rice to 2 parts water).

Rinse the rice and pour it into a pan, fill it with the required amount of water. Add salt to taste and 50g butter, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. To make the rice more crumbly, add 1 tbsp to boiling water. spoon lemon juice or a few spoons of cold milk.

Cover the pan tightly with a lid and cook over low heat until all the liquid has evaporated. In this way, the rice is cooked for 15-20 minutes.

How to cook rice in a steamer?

It has long been known that steamed food is much healthier than fried or boiled food. It contains less calories, is easier to digest by the body and practically retains the original taste of food. Rice cooked in a steamer turns out very tender and crumbly.

Cooking rice in a steamer is easy. The steamer has a bowl or tray for cereals. Pour the washed rice into this bowl, add salt to taste and spices. Pour in enough water to completely cover the rice and leave about 5mm of water above it. In the steamer, use only one tier, insert the bowl into it. Cook the rice for 40 minutes (or the time indicated in the instructions). If desired, you can add butter a few minutes before the end of cooking.

How to cook rice in the microwave?

In the microwave, rice comes out especially tasty and fluffy. Moreover, this convenient way cooking, since it does not require careful attention, is quite fast.

Take a glass of rice, rinse and place in a microwave safe container. Pour two glasses of water, cover and cook for 18 minutes. The rice is ready!

How to cook rice in a frying pan?

The ideal frying pan for cooking rice is a deep one with a lid. Pour some vegetable oil into a frying pan and fry the rice grains in it. Stir until all the grains are in the oil - this will make the rice crumbly and will not stick together when cooked. After the rice is fried, add water: for 1 part rice - 2 parts water. Once the rice boils, stir it thoroughly once. Do not stir it constantly during cooking - you can break the grains. After the rice is mixed, reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and do not open it again until the end of cooking.

How long does it take to cook rice in a frying pan? In this way, brown rice is cooked for 40 minutes, and white rice for 15 minutes. Rice is very easy to overcook, so watch the time carefully. When the time is up, check several grains for doneness. If water has accumulated around the edges of the pan, the rice is not ready yet. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat.

How to cook rice for sushi and rolls?

Rice is the basis of any roll, so it is important to learn how to cook it correctly. The rice should not crumble, otherwise it will be difficult to shape the rolls.

To prepare the rice you will need: 250 grams of Japanese rice; 2.5 tbsp. spoons of sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 3 tbsp. spoons of rice vinegar.

Japanese rice is best suited for sushi and rolls - it has good stickiness. You can take round grain, but you shouldn’t take steamed one - it will crumble. Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until it becomes completely clear. Place the rice in a sieve and let it sit for an hour. Then transfer the cereal to a saucepan and add cold water: for 200 grams of rice - 250 ml of water.

Cover the pan with a lid, place over medium heat and bring to a boil. After this, reduce the heat and cook the cereal for 10-15 minutes - it should absorb all the water. Remove the rice from the heat and leave covered for 15 minutes.

How to cook sushi rice?

Dissolve in rice vinegar salt and sugar, place the rice in a shallow bowl. Pour the vinegar dressing over the finished rice, stirring slightly with a wooden spatula.

How to cook steamed rice?

Steamed rice becomes translucent and has an amber-yellow hue. This rice retains 80% of vitamins and minerals. However, the cooking time for steamed rice increases because... after processing, the rice grains become harder and cook slower than regular rice.

How to cook brown rice?

If it takes 15-20 minutes to cook regular rice, then steamed rice takes 20-25 minutes. But after cooking, the grains do not stick together, the rice remains crumbly and tasty, even after reheating the dish. Otherwise, the cooking method is no different from cooking regular rice.
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Before learning how to cook fluffy rice as a side dish, I went through all the circles of culinary hell. My first experience of cooking “Saracen millet” happened at a time when the Internet was something ephemeral and not entirely clear. So I stepped on several rakes at once and spent half an hour scrubbing the burnt rice water off the stove. Of course, I forgot that fluffy rice is only “friendly” with hot water. Or I didn't know. Therefore, without a second thought, I dumped half a pack of cereal into the pan. Turned on medium heat and went with clear conscience prepare the salad. By the way, the salad turned out delicious. The same cannot be said about the side dish. I managed to do the almost impossible - cook rice that was half-baked and tightly stuck together into an unappetizing conglomerate. But with experience came skills. Therefore, I suggest that beginners study proven recipes for cooking this “harmful” cereal. But if experienced chefs If they find something new for themselves, I will be very pleased.

How much water does it take to cook fluffy rice?

Rules for cooking fluffy delicious rice as a side dish

The first and basic rule is that less is better than more. This applies to water. If you pour a lot of water, you will not end up with fluffy rice, but with a sticky, unappetizing porridge as a side dish. If there is not enough liquid, add a little boiling water. And bring the dish to readiness. Did you find that the rice was not cooked after turning off the stove? Just leave it to rest with the lid closed.

The second rule is no cold water! For any cooking method, you only need to pour boiling water over the rice.

And the rest of the rules and recipes should be described in more detail.

Cooking fluffy rice with pre-frying

The recipe is suitable for preparing long grain rice, basmati, jasmine.

I really love this method and often cook fluffy, delicious rice as a side dish right in the pan.

Before frying the “white grain”, you can chop the onion and carrot. Sauté vegetables in vegetable oil and cook the “pearl grain” directly in it. This can be done either in a frying pan or in a thick-bottomed saucepan or saucepan. Rinse the future side dish thoroughly until the water becomes clear. Drain in a colander. Then lay it out in several layers paper towels so that moisture is absorbed.
At this time, prepare boiling water.
Pour the washed and dried cereal into the hot oil. Stir until the fat completely covers each grain of rice. Heat for a few minutes, stirring.
Then pour in boiling water. I usually fill the rice with water in a ratio of 1 to 2, and so far there have been no unpleasant surprises. Add salt to taste. You can add some of your favorite seasonings. Stir. Cover with a lid. Set the heating intensity to minimum. Cook the fluffy rice until the liquid is completely absorbed.

The water has not yet been absorbed, but the grains of rice are already soft? Turn off the heat. Remove the lid and cover the rice bowl with a clean waffle towel. This will remove some of the moisture.

Cooking fluffy rice in a pan with pre-soaking

The recipe is suitable for cooking short grain rice, basmati and steamed cereals. Jasmine is not cooked this way.

Thanks to soaking, gluten comes out of the cereal, which “prevents” it from being crumbly. In this way, you can cook rice as a side dish or for preparing other dishes.

Rinse the cereal. Fill with cold water. Soaking time is at least half an hour. Drain the water and rinse the cereal several more times.
Prepare the required amount of boiling water depending on the variety (the correct proportions are indicated above). Place rice in a saucepan and pour boiling water over it.
Add coarse salt to taste.
Turn the heat to high and bring the water in the pan to a boil. Reduce the heat intensity to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook rice for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat. Without lifting the lid, wait another quarter of an hour. During this time, the fluffy rice will reach ideal condition.

Add butter to taste and serve as a side dish.

Cook fluffy rice in plenty of water

The recipe is suitable for preparing fluffy basmati rice or round grain cereals.

It's a win-win option. A large number of liquid prevents the grains of rice from sticking together, so you are guaranteed a crumbly side dish.

You will need a lot of water. To cook a glass of rice cereal, you will need a three-liter saucepan with two liters clean water. Additionally, boil a few more liters to rinse the almost finished rice.
Rinse the rice thoroughly, turning the rice with your hands. Change the water until it becomes crystal clear.
Pour the cereal into boiling water. Add a little salt to taste. Cook at the lowest boil for 15-20 minutes. Test for readiness. If the rice is almost ready but a little hard, turn off the stove.
Drain the rice in a colander. When all the water has drained, rinse your future fluffy rice side dish with additional boiled water. This will bring it to readiness.
When the liquid has completely drained, pour the rice into the pan and add butter or vegetable oil to taste. Stir.

The dish must be kept with the lid closed until served.

Recipe for cooking fluffy rice with adding vegetable oil to water

Suitable for preparing short grain rice and basmati.

Even round rice will be crumbly if you use this method to cook it. The perfect crumbly side dish, what can I say.

Rinse the cereal thoroughly. At least 5 times. Then soak it for 20-40 minutes.
It is advisable to use aluminum cookware to cook rice this way. Boil the water. The ratio of liquid and cereal is 1 to 1 (by volume). Add salt until the water tastes slightly salty. Pour in a tablespoon of odorless vegetable oil.
Pour water from the rice. Place it on the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Over medium heat, bring the water to a boil.
Reduce the fire intensity to minimum. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Ready!

Bon appetit!