Rice is an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, and cooking the perfect pot of rice is an art. To achieve this, attention to detail is key, from choosing the right type of rice and determining the correct water-to-rice ratio to employing tricks like adding a few drops of lemon juice to the pot before cooking.
Why add a few drops of lemon juice to the pot before cooking rice?
Contrary to concerns that it might sour the rice, adding a few drops of lemon juice to the pot before cooking actually enhances the dish. This simple trick results in softer, fluffier, and more fragrant rice that is easier to fluff. The small amount of lemon juice used does not alter the familiar taste of the rice.
Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the pot before cooking can result in tastier, more fragrant rice.
Lemon juice acts as a natural preservative, helping to keep the rice from spoiling, even in hot weather. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can substitute vinegar in the right proportion. For every 1.5kg of rice, add 2ml of vinegar to achieve both fragrance and preservation.
The high cooking temperature causes the vinegar to evaporate, so you don’t have to worry about its smell affecting your meal.
How to cook delicious, fluffy rice without it becoming too dry or mushy
Choosing the right rice
– Opt for fresh, in-season rice and avoid varieties that have been stored for long periods, as they may have lost nutrients, natural sweetness, and could be infested.
– Select rice grains that are uniform in size and free from cracks or discolored grains (black, yellow, etc.).
– When choosing rice, smell it. Fresh rice usually has a subtle, pleasant aroma, while older, less desirable rice may have a musty odor.
– Source your rice from large, reputable stores to ensure you’re getting fresh, high-quality rice.
Purchase fresh rice from reputable, large stores.
Rinsing the rice
– Rinsing rice before cooking is essential to remove any dirt or impurities. However, it’s important not to over-rinse, as the outer layer of the rice grain contains valuable nutrients like B vitamins. Gently swish the rice with your hand to remove impurities.
Water quantity
– To determine the right amount of water for the amount of rice, place your hand on top of the rice in the pot and add water until it reaches just above your hand. Ensure your hand is gently resting on the rice, not pressing down.
Once the rice is almost cooked, fluff it with chopsticks and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Fluffing the rice
– As soon as the rice is almost done cooking, open the lid and gently fluff it with chopsticks. Then, cover the pot again and let the rice rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
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