Cooking rice like

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Cooking rice like hotels or restaurants often involves a few key techniques to ensure fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups water (or adjusted as per rice type)
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter (optional, for added flavor and non-stick effect)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice
  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
  1. Soak the Rice (Optional but recommended for basmati or jasmine rice)
  • Soak the rice in water for 20–30 minutes. This helps the grains expand and cook evenly.
  1. Measure the Water Ratio
  • For most long-grain rice, the standard ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Adjust for specific rice types (e.g., 1:1.5 for jasmine or 1:1.75 for basmati).
  1. Boil the Water
  • In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil. Add salt and oil or butter if desired.
  1. Add the Rice
  • Add the rinsed and soaked rice to the boiling water. Stir once to distribute evenly.
  1. Simmer and Cover
  • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently without removing the lid or stirring.
  • Cooking Time:
    • White rice: 15–18 minutes
    • Basmati: 10–12 minutes
    • Jasmine: 12–15 minutes
  1. Check and Rest
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier.
  1. Fluff and Serve
  • Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving. This separates the grains and gives a light, hotel-style texture.

Tips for Restaurant-Style Rice

  • Use a rice cooker: Many hotels use rice cookers for consistent results.
  • Add a bay leaf, cardamom pod, or a splash of lemon juice to the water for a subtle aroma.
  • Keep it warm: After cooking, hotels often keep rice warm in a steam table or oven. You can replicate this by keeping it covered until ready to serve.
  • For fried rice, cook the rice a few hours ahead and refrigerate to ensure firm, non-sticky grains.

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that’s just like you’d find at a hotel! 🍚✨

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