Rice is a delicious fluffy grain served as a side or mixed through a main. It’s quick and easy to cook and a staple in many households.
Despite the dish’s popularity, lots of people miss a crucial step when cooking rice: washing. It might sound silly, but not washing rice can make it gummy and sticky.
Washing rice properly also helps to remove dirt and impurities and enhance the original flavour.
Are you supposed to wash rice?
If you’ve never washed your rice, that’s okay. Speaking to the ABC, Lydia Buchtmann, from the Food Safety Information Council, says the boiling process will kill any bacteria present.
“You might occasionally get a bit of grit, but that’s pretty rare these days for commercial rice,” she says.
How to wash rice quickly
You can wash rice in two ways; the first method involves a fine mesh strainer, a bowl, and water.
- Set your strainer on the bowl and your rice in the strainer.
- Pour water over the rice.
- Tip the water out as needed.
- Continue pouring water over the rice until it runs clear.
The second method involves a bowl of water and your hands.
- Place your rice in a large bowl of water, making sure the rice is fully covered.
- Using your hand, move the rice around in the water.
- Discard the water as many times as needed until the water is clear.
When to avoid rinsing and washing rice
Many people skip the rinsing and washing steps when making risotto and paella. This is because the starch is what makes these dishes deliciously creamy.
How to wash brown rice
You can wash brown rice using either of the above methods.
But there’s another step needed: soaking. For fluffy brown rice, the grain must be soaked for at least 20 minutes (90 minutes if you have time) before discarding the water and cooking it. Wild rice and other wholegrain rice also need to be soaked, as do many types of plain white rice.
How to wash basmati rice
Basmati rice should be rinsed in the same way all rice should be. And although it’s not essential, your rice will taste better if you soak it for 30 minutes before cooking.
Should you use hot water or cold water to wash rice?
Cold water is best for washing rice. Using warm or hot water can make your rice gluggy.
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