Cooking rice may seem like a rudimentary skill, but rice can be a tricky dish to perfect. The general rule of thumb to properly cook your rice is to use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part rice, but that’s just the basics. If you want to take your rice dish to the next level, here’s an easy technique for making perfect fluffy rice every time. The fingertip method is a simple and convenient way to cook rice like a pro without the need for precise measuring tools. And it works well for most types of rice, including long-grain rice, basmati rice and jasmine rice. Follow these foolproof tips to create a rice dish you can be proud of.
Watch the video above to learn how to cook perfect fluffy rice using the fingertip method.
How to cook perfect fluffy rice using the fingertip method
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add the rice to a rice cooker or pot on the stove. Level the rice using a spatula or your finger.
- Touch your index finger to the top of the rice.
- Add water until it reaches your first knuckle.
- Cook the rice according to the instructions on the rice cooker. If cooking rice in a pot on the stove, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. This will help trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Do not stir the rice while cooking. Stirring can cause the rice to become sticky.
- Let the rice sit for 5 minutes after cooking. This will help the rice to absorb all of the water and become fluffy.
- Fluff it with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make the rice light and fluffy.
More rice cooking tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or rice cooker. This will help prevent the rice from burning.
- Don’t overcook the rice. Overcooked rice will be mushy and sticky.
- Season the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water will help flavor the rice.
- For brown rice, rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help soften the bran and make the rice easier to digest.
- For wild rice, rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 1 hour before cooking. Wild rice is a type of grass seed and should be cooked slowly over low heat.
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