How to cook rice to perfection
As a staple in nearly every home and culture, rice is an essential ingredient for chefs all around the world. High in carbohydrates and fibre, it’s the perfect food to fill you up and fuel your body for a busy day ahead. With so many varieties, each with their own taste, texture and properties, the possibilities are endless.
Rice is anything but basic as each recipe, whether it is pilau rice or egg fried rice, requires precision and technique. That’s why we’ve prepped our guide on how to cook rice and the delicious possibilities it holds.
Jasmine rice
A staple in Thai and Cambodian cuisine, jasmine rice is known for its mild and sweet flavour. When cooked, jasmine rice gives off a beautiful aroma. It’s slightly sticky yet soft texture makes it ideal for curries, stir fries and other Asian dishes due its ability to soak up the beautiful spices and aroma which commonly found in Asian cuisine.
Glutinous rice
Well known for its sweet and sticky properties, this rice is popular in south-eastern and eastern Asian cuisines. This rice is primarily used in sweets, snacks and for breakfast and makes for a perfect choice for a filling bowl of porridge.
Brown rice
This rice releases an exotic nutty flavour due to the remaining bran left on the rice grains. High in nutritional value and 100% whole grain, this rice is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome healthy meal. It is a good source of iron, antioxidants, B vitamins and fibre and a healthy alternative to white rice. Commonly used in South Asian dishes and is an ideal choice for rice pilau, stuffed peppers, casseroles and stir-fry dishes.
White rice
Unlike brown rice, this rice has had its bran and germ removed giving it a white colour. It is the most recognisable and familiar rice found in American cuisine and is popular in Asian and Mexican cuisine as its mild flavour compliments spicier dishes.
Black/forbidden rice
This rice is named for its raw appearance. When cooked, it takes form in a beautiful rich purple hue. It’s nutty flavour and soft texture makes it perfect for pudding, baked goods and porridges. It is popular in Chinese and Thai cuisine and has a high nutritional value. As a great source of antioxidant, iron, and vitamins, this is easily the most nutritious of rice family.
Sushi rice
A short grain white Japanese rice which is usually mixed with rice vinegar, sugar and salt before being used in delicious sushi dishes.

How to make rice:
Although different types of rice may vary in time, the way you cook them is relatively similar. Here is a fool-proof recipe to cook the most immaculate fluffy rice for you and your family to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Water
- Knob of Butter
- Salt
Method:
- Measure the amount of rice required. Ensure you remember the amount of rice you have used.
- Wash the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. If you have time, soak beforehand for 30 minutes.
- Pour the rice into a pan on low heat and add a knob of butter. Coat the rice well in the butter.
- Add double the amount of water as rice. Use a 1:2 ratio
- Add salt to taste
- Bring to a boil and stir at least once.
- Put a lid on and bring the heat right down.
- Cook for 10 minutes (or the time required for your relevant rice) and do not remove the lid. Check the rice is cooked by testing one grain. If not cooked, cook for a couple more minutes.
- Turn the heat off. Fluff up with a fork. You can serve immediately and drain the rice, however if you cover with a tea towel for 10 minutes, any residual water will be soaked up.