Rice
Also called white rice
Rice is mostly starch; rinse to remove surface starch for separate grains.
Flavor profile
Aroma: neutral, nutty, floral (basmati)
Good to know
Origin: Asia
Forms: long grain, short grain, basmati
Storage: Keep dry rice in an airtight container; refrigerate cooked rice within an hour and use in 1 to 2 days.
How to use rice
Rinse then rest
Rinse until water is clearer, then let the cooked pot rest covered for 10 minutes so steam evens out the grains.
Toast first
Fry dry grains in a little fat before adding water to give a nutty flavor and keep them separate.
What goes with rice
- Saffron. Saffron鈥檚 aroma compounds infuse rice with a distinctive, vivid flavor.
- Coconut Milk. Rice cooked in coconut milk takes on its fat and sweetness, as in coconut rice.
- Rice Vinegar. Rice vinegar's mild acid seasons sushi rice and keeps it glossy.
- Gochujang. Plain rice calms gochujang's heat and carries its sauce, as in bibimbap.
- Kimchi. Plain rice balances kimchi's sour, spicy punch.
- Black Bean. Rice and black beans together make a complete, classic combination across Latin America.
- Mango. Sweet mango with sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert of fruit and starch.
- Milk. Rice swells in milk to make creamy puddings.
- Parmesan. Parmesan's salty umami finishes risotto with creamy richness.
- Cinnamon. A cinnamon stick simmered in rice adds warm sweetness without sugar.
Mistakes to avoid
- Lifting the lid while it cooks, which lets steam escape.
- Leaving cooked rice at room temperature for hours.
Ideas for tonight
- Cook with a cinnamon stick and cumin.
- Fry leftover rice with garlic and egg.
- Finish with lime and chopped cilantro.
Rice: questions
What does rice taste like?
Rice is mostly starch; rinse to remove surface starch for separate grains., with an aroma that is neutral, nutty, floral (basmati).
What goes well with rice?
Rice pairs best with saffron, coconut milk, rice vinegar, gochujang, kimchi. Saffron鈥檚 aroma compounds infuse rice with a distinctive, vivid flavor.
How do you use rice in cooking?
Rinse then rest: rinse until water is clearer, then let the cooked pot rest covered for 10 minutes so steam evens out the grains.
How should you store rice?
Keep dry rice in an airtight container; refrigerate cooked rice within an hour and use in 1 to 2 days.
What is the most common mistake with rice?
Lifting the lid while it cooks, which lets steam escape.
