How to Cook Perfect White Rice Without It Sticking

White rice is one of the commonest foods in many homes in Nigeria, where it really goes well with stews, sauces, and even beans. But cooking white rice to perfection can sometimes be tricky. If it has too much water, you can end up with a sticky mess. If it has too little water, the rice would be undercooked. In this blog, I am going to show you a simple method of cooking white rice so that it comes out fluffy, separate, and just right every time.

Also Read: Top African Rice Dishes You Must Try

Ingredients

2 cups of white rice (long-grain, short-grain, or basmati)

4 cups of water

1 teaspoon of salt (optional)

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Perfect White Rice

1. Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing is a very important step to ensure that your rice is not sticky. Place the rice in a big bowl, fill with water, and swish around with your hands. Drain out the cloudy water and repeat the process 2–3 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which is the main culprit behind sticky rice.

2. Measure the Water: Most white rice varieties call for 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Basmati rice, however, usually requires a little less water-1.5 cups of water per cup of rice.

3. Boil the Water First: Put the water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add to that a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of oil or butter if you want some extra flavor and to prevent the rice grains from clumping. 

4. Add the Rice and Lower the Heat: Once boiling, add your washed rice and quickly stir to distribute it evenly. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Also Read: Canilla Parboiled Rice: Your Secret Ingredient for Perfect West African Rice Dishes

5. Let It Simmer: Let the rice cook, undisturbed, for about 15–20 minutes, depending on the variety. Try not to lift the lid, as this lets steam out and interferes with the cooking process.

6. Check: Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the heat, and let it stay in the pan covered for another 5 minutes. The steaming during this time is soft and the water will all be absorbed.

7. Fluff with a Fork: Fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains but not mashing them. Your rice should be light and fluffy, with every grain cooked as perfectly as perfect can be.

Also Read: Various Nigerian Rice Recipes for Different Occasions

ROUNDING OFF:

The secret to non-sticky rice is washing the grains, measuring water correctly, and cooking on low heat without stirring. The method here allows the rice to absorb enough water for cooking while it remains fluffy and separate.

Want to give it a try with premium quality rice? Visit My Sasun African Market for your supply of the finest long-grain, basmati, or parboiled rice. See you next time. 

Also Read: Angwamo: How to Make Ghana's Oiled Rice