There are over 40,000 different varieties of rice found around the world, with the most commonly consumed being white, brown, basmati, jasmine, and arborio.
Rice is categorized into three sizes. Long-grain, medium-grain and short-grain.
Each type of rice has its own unique flavor, unique characteristics and texture, and including cooking methods.
Different countries and cultures have their own preferred variety of rice, and it is an integral part of their cuisine.
No matter what country you visit, you are bound to find a type of rice that is perfect for the local cuisine.
Different Types Of Rice To Cook With
White long or medium grain rice have a neutral flavor and are often used in Asian cuisine, such as Chinese sticky rice or fried rice. Try this Chinese-style, Leftover Chicken & Vegetable Fried Rice.
Jasmine rice is commonly used in Thai cuisine and has a subtle floral flavor. Try this Umami Ginger Pork Rice Bowls.
Basmati, a long-grain rice is popular in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. It is known for its fragrant aroma. Try this Chicken Biryani.
If you don’t have basmati in your pantry, you can substitute it for a white long-grain rice.
Keep in mind though, regular long-grain rice has a neutral flavor and can change the over all flavor out come of your dish.
Arborio rice is popular in Italy and is the key ingredient in creamy risotto dishes.
When using Arborio, do not rinse it. The starch content is what gives a risotto dish its creamy texture. Try this Bacon and Spring Pea Risotto.
Brown rice with its nutty flavor, is a whole grain that has not been stripped of its bran and germ layers, which contain valuable nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
White rice on the other hand, has been refined and polished, removing these nutritious layers and leaving behind only the starchy endosperm.
Overall, brown rice is considered the healthier option due to its higher nutrient content and lower processing and therefore is the alternative for some cooks and consumers who practice eating healthy.
Try this Instant Pot Cashew Chicken served over brown rice.
Basmati brown rice has a very distinct smell that may be describe as being similar to popcorn when it’s cooked. Try this Asian Style Broccoli & Pork Fried Rice.
Cooking With Rice
Before cooking your rice, the basic method is to rinse it, unless the recipe states otherwise.
Rinsing your rice under running water helps get rid of the starch content. You should rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
For More Information Read This Article
Water is an essential element when it comes to cooking rice. The amount of water needed and the cooking time can vary depending on the type of rice being used.
Cooking Brown Rice
It is important to follow these measurements and cooking times for brown rice due to the size of the grain, either long, medium or short.
Following the ratios and cooking time is the only way to achieve the perfect texture and consistency.
For long grain brown rice, the ratio is 2:1 (2 cups of water – 1 cup rice) and it should be cooked for 18-20 minutes.
For medium grain brown rice the ratio is also 2:1, but should be cooked for 20-25 minutes.
For 1 cup of short grain brown rice, you will need 2 1/4 cups water and should be cooked for 25-30 minutes.
Cooking White Rice
For one cup of long grain white rice, you will need 1 ½ cups of water and cook it for 18-20 minutes.
For one cup medium grain white rice, the ratio of water to rice is 1 ¼ cups to 1 cup, and the cooking time is slightly shorter, 15-18 minutes.
One cup of short grain white rice, requires 1 ¾ cups of water and the cooking time 15-18 minutes.
You can swap out the water for chicken stock or broth. Either in whole or part. As an example, replace 2 cups water with 2 cups chicken broth. Or replace only 1 cup water for broth.
Related
Get this recipe – How To Make Homemade Chicken Stock
In Conclusion
It is crucial to follow the above mentioned measurements and cooking times precisely to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
Any deviation can result in undercooked or overcooked rice, which can greatly affect the taste and texture.
Just follow the instructions on the package or refer to a trusted recipe for best results.
Read Here What You Should Know About The Rice You Plate
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- Cooking With Rice
I never knew there were different cooking times for the different grains of rice. Thank you
Your welcome
So many ways to use rice in a meal. Thanks for reposting 🤓👍🏼🍻