PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Help! I can’t cook rice!

Options
My basmati rice always ends up soggy and mushy - what am I doing wrong?! Any foolproof methods please?
«1

Comments

  • VfM4meplse
    VfM4meplse Posts: 34,269 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    dbrookf wrote: »
    My basmati rice always ends up soggy and mushy - what am I doing wrong?! Any foolproof methods please?
    Water to rice ratio of 2:1 by volume. Simples.
    Value-for-money-for-me-puhleeze!

    "No man is worth, crawling on the earth"- adapted from Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio

    Hope is not a strategy :D...A child is for life, not just 18 years....Don't get me started on the NHS, because you won't win...I love chaz-ing!
  • bouicca21
    bouicca21 Posts: 6,690 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Add enough water to come about an inch above the rice; boil without a lid until the surface is puckered and looks like a moonscape; put lid on saucepan and reduce to v low heat; leave it steaming like that for approx 15 minutes.
  • Make sure you rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
    I use a microwave rice cooker which takes 10 minutes to cook then 5 minutes to stand to finish cooking.
    In a pan I do the same boil/ simmer for around 10 minutes, you do need a good fitting lid or the steam escapes and the rice will dry. Leave to stand then fluff with a fork.
    Hope this helps 😊
  • Rice cooker or a multi cooker with a rice cooking setting (mine does white, quick white rice and brown rice). I would not be without it. Makes life so simple. Measure as stated in manual and turn on. No worries about boiling over or burning as when finished goes onto a warm function.
    I am a vegan woman. My OH is a lovely omni guy :D
  • Ilona
    Ilona Posts: 2,449 Forumite
    As I don't eat much rice, I can't be bothered to cook it any longer. I buy the vacuum packed ready cooked from Aldi. One bag makes three meals, keep it in the fridge once opened. Three minutes in a small pan with a little oil, throw in anything else that needs using up.

    ilona
    I love skip diving.
    :D
  • -taff
    -taff Posts: 15,325 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The instructions on the side of the packet usually work...
    Non me fac calcitrare tuum culi
  • Seconded on the microwave rice cooker, we have the sistema one. 2:1 water:rice, 12 minutes for a full cup and perfect rice every time.
  • bouicca21 wrote: »
    Add enough water to come about an inch above the rice; boil without a lid until the surface is puckered and looks like a moonscape; put lid on saucepan and reduce to v low heat; leave it steaming like that for approx 15 minutes.

    I do something similar:
    I follow the old advice to place the tip of my index finger on the rice, and have the water come up to the first knuckle.
    I bring to the boil, then turn off (or down to lowest on induction hob) and put a folded, clean tea towel over the top.
    I leave for about 20 minutes, but actually it will sit there for ages.
  • kazwookie
    kazwookie Posts: 14,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Buy the rice in a bag about 50p to 70p, cut the top off, place in microwave for 2 mins, tip out on plate and eat.
    Breast Cancer Now 100 miles October 2022 100 / 100miles
    D- Day 80km June 2024 80/80km (10.06.24 all done)
    Diabetic UK 1 million steps July 2024 to complete by end Sept 2024. 1,001,066/ 1,000,000 (20.09.24 all done)
    Breast Cancer Now 100 miles 1st May 2025 (18.05.2025 all done)
    Diabetic UK 1 million steps July 2025 to complete by end Sept 2025. 114,256/1,000,000
    Sun, Sea
  • JulieM
    JulieM Posts: 764 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Newshound!
    Are you stirring it too much as it cooks? That can break down the grains and make it go mushy.

    I find that Tilda basmati rice works best, it costs more than some of the others but you can usually find it on offer somewhere. I also find I get better results in a non stick saucepan than a heavy bottomed stainless steel one.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 256.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.