Add 2 Ice Cubes for Tastier Rice
Cooking rice is a daily chore for most families. Beyond the basic methods, many chefs also have simple tricks up their sleeves that make a world of difference.
The Japanese, in particular, are known for their delicious rice, and their cooking methods have inspired home cooks worldwide.
Those who have tasted Japanese rice can’t help but marvel at its flavor. This excellence is not only due to the type of rice used but also the wonderful secrets of Japanese housewives.
Here’s a tip for cooking better rice using just 2 ice cubes.
– Rinse the rice first: To cook delicious rice, always start by rinsing it. This cleans the grains, after which you add just enough water before turning on the heat. The ideal rice-to-water ratio is about 1:1.2.
However, this ratio varies depending on the type of rice, so it’s best to rely on experience. The ice cubes will delay the rice’s absorption of water: add 2 to 3 cubes, wait about 15 minutes, then plug in the cooker and press the cook button.
This is one of the methods used by the Japanese to make their rice fragrant and sticky. And magically, after cooking, the rice turns out wonderfully fluffy, tasty, and highly nutritious.
– Measure the water level when cooking: After cleaning the rice, pour in the water and measure how much is enough. Using the traditional method, place your index finger on the rice in the cooker, with the tip just touching the rice and not pressing down to the bottom. If the water level reaches the first knuckle, that’s enough; the rice won’t be too dry or mushy. Or, you can use your whole hand, and if the water level reaches your wrist, that’s enough. Just remember to rest your hand gently on the rice surface.
– Add a few small ice cubes: After soaking the rice, add a few small ice cubes, wait about 15 minutes, then cook as usual. The ice cubes will slow down the rice’s water absorption, making it tastier and stickier.
At the same time, the ice also increases the amino acid content and prevents the enzyme from breaking down the rice’s natural sugars, preserving its fragrance and enhancing its flavor.
– Fluff the rice when it’s done: As soon as the rice is ready, open the lid, and gently fluff it with chopsticks. Let it rest for about a minute to release some steam, then close the lid again for another 10 minutes.
Kitchen Tip: How to Choose Delicious Rice
– Fresh rice: First and foremost, to cook delicious rice, we need to choose fresh, high-quality, in-season rice. The best rice is freshly harvested; choose rice according to the season and avoid buying old stocks, as they will have lost their nutritional value, natural sweetness, and distinctive aroma.
– Uniform grains: Look for rice with uniform, round, and shiny grains. Avoid broken, discolored, or black grains, as these indicate damaged or old rice. Be wary of rice that is too white or has a bleached appearance, as it may have been overly processed or chemically treated, removing the healthy outer layer.
– Aroma: Good rice should have a subtle, pleasant fragrance, without any musty or strange odors.
– Mild sweetness: Taste the rice to check its quality. Chew a grain, and if it has a mild sweetness and a soft, starchy texture, it’s good rice.
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