We know cooking seems complicated to people who are just novices, and even making a cup of rice looks like a mountain to cross. Also, it’s impossible to be called a chef if you are not good at making rice.
We bet rice is easy and quick to cook as compared to all the meals you’ve tried so far. Though, it can make you feel perplexed when you try cooking different types of rice such as wild rice, rice pudding, or brown rice.
Rice is part of all cuisines as it is the staple food. You must know about many people who cook rice very well, and you can cook delicious rice as well. Twisting the dry grains of rice into mealy and flavorful rice is an art, and we are here to spill this secret.
We searched all about cooking perfect rice, and we have come up with all the factors that contribute to how to cook ¼ cup of rice expertly.
From preparing to cook the ideal rice to enjoy this delicious meal on your table, we will discuss everything so let’s get into details.
Contents
How to Cook 1/4 Cup of Rice – Step by Step Guide
We decided to tell you all about cooking ideal rice where we will be preparing ¼ cup of rice. After following all the steps, you can cook more rice to serve this delicious meal to your family members and have a memorable day.
Whether you plan to cook wild rice, brown rice, or any other kind, this procedure remains constant. Let’s see what we need to make the ideal rice.
Ingredients Required:
- ¼ cup rice. Plain and white rice is preferred. Having long grains of rice is the best choice.
- ½ cup of water.
- Olive oil, coconut oil, or any other oil you usually use. You can also use butter for better taste. Whatever you choose, you need to have ¼ tablespoon of it.
- Salt as desired. One pinch is a must to have.
- A medium-sized saucepan that has a hefty lower side. Choose a saucepan that has a well-fitting cover.
- A frying pan. A medium-sized frypan is necessary to have.
- A filter. Most people have metal strainers already in their kitchen. If you do not have a filter right now, do not worry, as it is optional.
Step 1: Place the ¼ cup of rice in cold water for some minutes.
Step 2: Put the oil and the butter in the frying pan and let it melt for a few minutes.
Step 3: Now, put the rice in the frying pan and let the game begin. In this way, starch releases, and you can smell a pleasant fragrance if the aroma is so refreshing; how delicious its taste will be!
When the starch releases, it does not let the rice grains get stuck. Not only that, but the rice will also have a leveled structure.
Step 4: Empty the frying pan into the saucepan. Add the water into it. Now it’s time to boil the rice. We recommend cooking the rice at high heat. You can also put them on a medium flame but never put the rice on a low flame as it will make the rice incredibly soft and soggy.
Step 5: Now, take a pinch of salt and sprinkle it into the saucepan. Just lower the flame when you see the water boiling. Now place the cover of the saucepan over it for at least 15-18 minutes. Many people prefer adding stock instead of water, following the same ratio.
We suggest you add stock if it is available. When the rice is cooked in stock, then they become more flavorful. The store also comes in different flavors, mostly in beef and vegetable. Choose the stock which you think goes well with the meal.
Note: You do not need to sprinkle a pinch of salt if you use stock instead of water while cooking the rice. The stock already contains enough salt, and if you add more salt, you will probably end up with salty rice.
Step 6: Cook the rice for 15 to 20 minutes. Never stir the rice as it will tear the rice grains.
Step 7: Put the lid off and check if the rice is cooked or not. You may feel them a little bit wet. In that case, place the saucepan on a cool surface. Put the lid over the saucepan again. Now, wait for 5 to 10 minutes.
This step is a must to follow as sometimes; all the rice grains do not absorb equal amounts of water. This step will not let the water go out, and it will be interested in the rice equally. This makes all the rice grains shaggy.
If you don’t see any wetness and rice grains look dry, you can use a strainer. Just empty a cup of water into a saucepan and place the rice onto a strainer. Now adjust the strainer on the saucepan with water inside it.
Cover the saucepan with its lid. Heat it for a few minutes. This method will make the rice get equal steam and make them fluffy and shaggy.
Step 8: Take out all the rice in a dish. Yes, it’s time to serve this delicious meal!
Note: If you are cooking brown rice today, you need to have more water and increase the cooking time. Cooking for more than 30 minutes is good to have delicious brown rice.
Recommended further reading:
- Watery Pudding (7 Reasons and How to Fix It)
- is brisket supposed to be pink
- how to make jalapeno juice: 3 Recipees with Nutrient Facts
Can I Cook Rice in a Microwave as Well?
If you plan to cook rice in your microwave, then too, it’s straightforward. Just put the rice grains and ingredients into a bowl and place them in your microwave. Cover the bowl with its lid and set the microwave at almost 1200 watts. Follow all the steps as described above for cooking rice on a stove. The rice will be cooked earlier in a microwave.
Store the Rice
¼ cup of rice is a very small amount of rice to cook. If you are cooking a considerable amount of rice and after serving the rice, you are still left with some rice, then you can easily store them in a sealed container. You can enjoy the same rice for the next three days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does cooking rice in a microwave affect the taste?
No. Cooking rice in a microwave takes less time to cook but tastes the same as rice cooked on a stove. They absorb the water, smell, and taste the same as the rice cooked on a stove.
What happens if we accidentally add too much water while cooking rice?
Remember, if you add too much water while cooking rice, rice will become soggy. Similarly, if you add less water than required, the rice will dry. Always follow the accurate ratio.
Why is cooking rice in the microwave easy?
Cooking rice in the microwave is easy as it takes less time to cook and creates less mess to clean.
Final Words
Now you know how to make ideal rice. We recommend following the exact ratio and an excellent recipe to cook delicious rice.