How to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

It’s a side staple that appears at so many of our tables, and while it may not be the star at dinner, it’s certainly a supporting act. However, we don’t want a side to weigh down main entrée, so here’s some tips from the USA Rice Federation to make your rice as light as can be—creating the perfect go-along.
 

• Leave room: Keep in mind that rice triples in volume when cooked. So make sure whatever you cook it in has plenty of room.
   
• Baking rice: If you’re baking rice in the oven, boiling water should be used to start the cooking process.
   
• Stovetop Cooking: If you want the grains to be more separated, then sauté the rice in a little butter or margarine before you add any liquid to the pan.
   
• Don’t stir: Also, resist the urge to stir the rice while it cooks. Stirring releases starches and makes rice sticky.
   
• Keep it covered: Keep the lid on tight to prevent steam from escaping while cooking rice. This releases heat, which can affect the cooking process.
   
• Getting fluffy: Once it’s cooked, fluff the rice with a fork or slotted spoon, these are better than a solid spoon because they allow steam to escape and help separate the grains of rice.