White rice is an indispensable part of Vietnamese family meals. While cooking rice is a simple daily task, many people have their own special tricks. Some wise homemakers have a unique method of adding a few drops of lemon juice to the rice cooker, which is worth trying.
The benefits of adding a few drops of lemon juice to the rice cooker before cooking
Usually, to cook delicious rice, apart from choosing good-quality rice and determining the right water-to-rice ratio, adding a few drops of lemon juice to the rice cooker before cooking can also bring surprising results.
This method may sound unusual and is not well-known to many. Some people even worry that adding lemon juice to the rice cooker might make the rice sour or bitter. However, in reality, the amount of lemon juice used is very small and will not affect the taste of the rice. Instead, it makes the rice more fragrant, fluffy, and easier to scoop, with whiter grains.
Lemon juice also acts as a natural preservative. Adding a few drops to the rice cooker will help prevent the rice from spoiling, which is especially useful during hot weather.
If you don’t have lemons in your kitchen, you can substitute rice vinegar in an appropriate amount. For every 1.5 kg of rice, add 2ml of rice vinegar. This will help make the rice whiter and more fragrant, and it will also last longer without spoiling. The taste of rice vinegar will not affect the taste of the rice as it will evaporate during the high-temperature cooking process.
The process of cooking delicious, fluffy rice
+ Choose good-quality rice
To buy good rice, it is essential to select a reputable store. It is best to buy fresh, seasonal rice and avoid old rice, as it has lost many nutrients and its natural sweetness, and is more prone to pests.
Look for rice with even, shiny grains, avoiding broken or yellow/black grains, as these indicate old rice. Good-quality, fresh rice will have a subtle pleasant aroma. Avoid rice with an odd or musty smell.
+ Rinse the rice
Although rice is relatively clean nowadays, rinsing it before cooking is crucial to remove any dust and impurities. Rinsing rice is not just about agitation or a quick rinse; it requires a specific technique.
Vitamin B1 is mainly found on the outer layer of the rice grain. Over-rinsing will remove essential minerals and vitamins like B1, B2, and B6. Therefore, gently swish the rice with your hand to remove impurities without overdoing it.
+ Measure the water level when cooking
Traditionally, you can measure the water level by placing your index finger on the surface of the rice in the cooker. Make sure the tip of your finger barely touches the rice and doesn’t press down into the pot. If the water level reaches the first knuckle, it’s enough, ensuring the rice won’t be too dry or mushy. Alternatively, you can use your whole hand, and if the water level covers your hand, it’s good, but only rest your hand gently on the rice surface.
+ Fluff the rice as soon as it’s cooked
As soon as the rice is cooked, open the lid, gently fluff it with chopsticks, and then close the lid again for about 10 minutes for perfectly cooked rice.
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The addition of lemon juice to the rice cooking process is a clever culinary trick that can elevate the taste and quality of the dish. This simple yet effective method is a well-kept secret among culinary enthusiasts, as it adds a subtle tang and freshness to the rice, taking your meal to the next level.