My rice always came out in one sticky lump. My friend from church cooks perfect fluffy rice every Sunday, so I asked her. She laughed and said I was doing three things backwards.
1. Rinse It First
Rinse white rice in cold water until the water runs mostly clear. That washes off the extra starch on the outside that makes rice gummy.
2. Use the Right Amount of Water
Too much water is the number one cause of mushy rice. Follow the package for your type of rice, and measure carefully.
3. Let It Rest With the Lid On
When the time is up, turn off the heat and leave the lid on for about 10 minutes. The rice finishes steaming and firms up. Then fluff it with a fork.
Other Tips
- Don’t stir while it cooks. Stirring breaks the grains and releases starch.
- Keep the lid on the whole time it’s cooking.
- Use a heavy pot so the bottom doesn’t scorch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rinse brown rice?
A quick rinse is fine. It’s less starchy than white rice.
Can I fix mushy rice?
Spread it on a sheet pan for a few minutes to dry, or use it for fried rice or rice pudding.
Rinse, measure and rest, and you’ll get fluffy rice every time.
