Ingredients for Fragrant Rice
Fragrant rice: 2 cups (about 300g, for 3-4 people)
Clean water: Depending on the type of rice and cooking utensil
Salt (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
Utensils
Rice cooker or clay pot/earthenware pot
Measuring cup
Rice washing bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Choose and Wash Rice
Choose rice: Go for fragrant rice with evenly sized, unbroken grains and a natural aroma. Rice that is newer (harvested within 6 months) will result in more tender and fragrant rice.
Wash rice: Pour the rice into a bowl or pot, add clean water, and gently rub to remove dirt and impurities. Wash 2-3 times until the water becomes clearer (no need to make it completely clear to retain some nutrients). Note: Avoid rubbing too hard as it may remove the rice bran.
Step 2: Soak the Rice
Soak the rice in clean water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the rice grains to absorb moisture, resulting in softer and more tender rice. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
After soaking, discard the soaking water and let the rice drain.
Step 3: Measure the Water
The ratio of water to rice depends on the type of rice and your personal preference (dryer or stickier rice). Generally:
Fragrant rice: For every cup of rice, use about 1.1 to 1.2 cups of water.
Sticky rice: For every cup of rice, use 1.3 to 1.5 cups of water.
Traditional tip: Place your index finger in the pot, and the water level should reach the first knuckle (for fragrant rice).
If using a rice cooker, you can refer to the measurement lines indicated in the pot.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Rice cooker:
Add the rice and water to the cooker, and optionally add a pinch of salt if you prefer more flavorful rice. Then, close the lid, press the cook button. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker will automatically switch to keep warm mode. After the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it up with a rice paddle or chopsticks.
Clay pot/earthenware pot:
Add rice and water to the pot, cover, and cook over medium heat. When the water boils, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the water is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes). Then, turn off the heat, cover, and let the rice steam for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle or chopsticks from the bottom up to ensure the grains stay intact. Serve the rice in bowls or on plates, accompanied by savory dishes, soup, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Tastier Rice
Add a few drops of cooking oil or a small knob of butter to the water before cooking for shinier rice. If you want your rice to have a unique aroma, add 1-2 cleaned and tied pandan leaves to the pot while cooking. To prevent the rice from sticking to the pot, grease the inside of the pot with a thin layer of oil (for clay pots). Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process to maintain a stable temperature.
Note
Different types of rice absorb water at varying rates, so adjust the water quantity after a few tries to find the perfect ratio for your rice.
If your rice turns out too dry, add a little warm water, cover, and let it steam for another 5 minutes. If it’s too sticky, uncover and cook over low heat to let some moisture escape.
I hope this guide helps you cook a pot of fragrant, fluffy, and tasty rice to elevate your family meals!
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