Stop Soggy Rice How Do You Cook White Rice The Fluffy Restaurant Method

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water, tossing the grains gently, until the water draining from the bottom runs completely clear. This removes surface starch, which causes stickiness.
2. Drain the rice and transfer the rinsed rice to a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the measured cold water, salt, and the optional butter or oil to the pan.
3. Bring to a Boil (Uncovered): Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Stir once to distribute the salt and ensure no grains are sticking to the bottom.
4. Reduce and Cover: As soon as the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat immediately to the lowest possible setting (a gentle simmer). Immediately cover the pan tightly with the lid.
5. Simmer: Set the timer and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. It is crucial not to lift the lid during this period, as the steam must be trapped to cook the rice properly.
6. Rest: After exactly 15 minutes, turn off the heat completely. Leave the pan covered and undisturbed for another 10 minutes off the heat. This resting time finishes the cooking process and ensures the grains separate beautifully.
7. Fluff and Serve: After the 10-minute rest, remove the lid. Using a fork (not a spoon), gently fluff the rice from the bottom upwards. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.