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
If at the end of the cooking time your rice is dry and undercooked but all the water is gone, you're gonna need more water. Add 1/4 cup boiling water to the pot, keep the flame low, and cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Then remove the pot from the stove and let it sit for another 10 minutes with the lid on.
How do you troubleshoot 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.
What are the most common rice cooking mistakes? ›
4 Common Mistakes When Cooking Rice
- Underestimating Differences Between Rice Varieties. Using the wrong rice is mistake number one. ...
- Rinsing and Soaking Rice. To rinse or not to rinse? ...
- Ignoring the Water-to-Rice Ratio. ...
- Stirring Too Much.
Maybe you took the lid off of the pot too early, letting the steam escape. Maybe you didn't add enough liquid to begin with. 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.
Why does my rice always come out mushy? ›
Mushy or soggy rice is simply overcooked rice that has absorbed too much water. Water over-absorption causes the rice grains to split open, ruining the texture and creating a starchy, gummy result.
How long should I cook 1 cup of rice? ›
Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover. Ensure it's simmering and not boiling or the rice can cook too quickly. Simmer until water is completely absorbed and rice is tender – about 15-25 minutes (will depend on size and freshness of rice). Drain off any excess water if there is any (there shouldn't be).
What to do with failed rice? ›
How to fix mushy rice in the fridge
- Distribute mushy rice on a baking sheet and spread it into a thin layer. Cover the rice with parchment paper.
- Transfer the rice to the fridge and let it cool for 30 minutes.
- Check to see if the moisture has dried out.
- Microwave the rice to reheat before serving.
To test the doneness of cooked rice, press a kernel with a spoon. When ready for serving, it should be soft throughout.
What are 2 things to be aware of when cooking rice? ›
Pay Attention to Ratios
The key to cooking rice well is perfecting the water-to-rice ratio. Different grains of rice require different amounts of water—for example, brown rice requires slightly more water than white rice, and long grains require more water than short grains.
How do I make sure my rice is cooked properly? ›
Swirl the rice in the pan (or stir once) to make sure it's well distributed. Put a lid on and turn the heat down to as low as possible. If you cook the rice on too high a heat, it will cook too quickly and may end up chalky in the centre. Simmer gently for 10 mins and do not take the lid off.
"If you stir rice while it's still cooking and rehydrating, the grains can break, resulting in multiple non-uniform pieces." This can lead to a gummy texture, as the small pieces of rice will cook faster and disintegrate, giving you a half-pudding, half-rice hybrid, says Thanh.
What is the ratio of water to rice? ›
A 2-to-1 ratio, liquid to rice, produces soft, tender rice. Chewier rice will result from using a 1-to-1 ratio, or from adding a bit more water. I usually go with a 2-to-1 ratio for cooking a long-grain rice like basmati. Traditionally, basmati rice first is soaked for 30 minutes to as long as two hours.
What happens if you boil rice too long? ›
The resulting product is sticky and extra-soft, and the rice might be clumping together. 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.
What can happen if you eat undercooked rice? ›
Raw or uncooked rice is not safe to eat for two specific reasons. The first is that rice can harbor bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The other is that it contains a protein that your body can't digest, and this protein can cause several problems for your body.
What are the effects of eating uncooked rice? ›
Raw rice contains a very high amount of resistant starch, which makes it difficult for the body to digest. Raw rice can also cause constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain when consumed in large quantities. In some cases, it may even lead to bowel obstruction or perforation, which requires urgent medical attention.
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.
How to fix rice that is too wet? ›
Fill a small sauce bowl with salt. Place the bowl with the salt inside the pan of rice. Leave it in there and the salt should absorb all the extra moisture.
