Cooking rice isn’t difficult, but sometimes, it just may not turn out as you expect…well, all may not be lost. Here are a few ways to salvage not-so-perfect rice.
Hard or Chewy Rice
After cooking for the recommended period of time, if the rice is still hard or chewy, add a little bit of water to create more steam (for every cup of uncooked rice used, add about 2 tablespoons of water). Cover the pot tightly and place over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Let rest before serving.
Wet Rice
If, after resting, the rice is cooked through but still too wet, uncover the pot and cook over low heat to evaporate the excess moisture. Alternatively, you can gently spread the rice out onto a baking tray and dry it in a low oven (about 300º F or 150º C). Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out too much.
Scorched or Burnt Rice
If the bottom layer of the rice has scorched or burnt, taste the top layer. If it doesn’t have any off flavors, salvage what you can by gently scooping out as much as possible.
Large Quantities of Rice
When preparing large quantities of rice, consider cooking it in two or three smaller batches. It will cook more evenly and be easier to handle.
FAQs
After cooking for the recommended period of time, if the rice is still hard or chewy, add a little bit of water to create more steam (for every cup of uncooked rice used, add about 2 tablespoons of water). Cover the pot tightly and place over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
What are the most common rice cooking mistakes? ›
Here are a few mistakes to avoid and what to do instead to get that fluffy, delicious rice you're looking for:
- Not Washing Long Grain Rice.
- Washing Short Grain Rice.
- Cooking on a High Flame.
- Not Soaking Aromatic Rice.
- Stirring It Too Much.
The correct cook time and water ratio for brown rice depends on the cooking method that you're using. Properly cooked rice should have a slightly chewy consistency. Overcooked rice will be mushy; undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy.
How to tell if rice is undercooked or overcooked? ›
Perfectly cooked rice is soft and plump, but what happens if your rice is hard? This type of texture could signify that your rice is undercooked and there needs to be more water absorbed into each grain. You can tell rice is undercooked if you bite into a grain and see an opaque, chalky center.
How do you know when rice is cooked enough? ›
Check the rice is cooked at the end by trying a grain - this should also be indicated by the appearance of small holes on the surface and all the water having been absorbed. Keep cooking for another couple of mins if it isn't quite ready, then turn the heat off.
What happens if you don't cook rice properly? ›
In high amounts, lectins in uncooked rice can damage your digestive tract and cause vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms you feel after eating lectins are very similar to those you get after you have food poisoning. You can cut down on lectins in rice by rinsing and cooking it thoroughly.
How to fix rice that is still crunchy? ›
Whatever the case, if your rice is looking dried out, or the texture is still hard or crunchy when all the liquid has been absorbed, add up to ½ cup water and return to a simmer with the lid on. Be patient.
How do you keep rice from getting hard after cooking? ›
Those little cardboard take-out containers may be cute, but they will also let in air, making leftover rice chewy and hard. Transfer the cooled, cooked rice into an airtight storage container or a zippered plastic storage bag (remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing), then store in the refrigerator.
How many minutes to cook rice? ›
Rice Cooking Chart
| Rice Type | Parts Liquid to 1 Part Rice (by volume) | Cooking Time |
|---|
| White, long grain | 2 | 15 to 18 minutes |
| White, medium grain | 1 ½ | 15 to 18 minutes |
| White, short grain | 1 ¼ | 15 to 18 minutes |
| Brown, medium or long grain | 2 ¼ | 40 to 45 minutes |
6 more rowsFor tender grains of rice that easily separate, such as in a pilaf, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. You can also use another liquid like stock in this 2:1 ratio. For slightly chewier, fluffy white rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice, or a 1.5:1 ratio.
Many types of food need to be cooked to kill any pathogens like bacteria or parasites that may reside in and on the food. Rice is no exception. Like meat, rice needs to be cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Is it okay to eat slightly undercooked rice? ›
Many types of food need to be cooked to kill any pathogens like bacteria or parasites that may reside in and on the food. Rice is no exception. Like meat, rice needs to be cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Is mushy rice safe to eat? ›
If the rice is only a little sticky, it can be saved. Turn it out into a colander and rinse it under cool water, separating the grains with your fingers. But if it's extra mushy, the best thing to do is start over, make a new batch, and use the overcooked, leftover rice for another purpose.
