TV cook and SunRice ambassador Poh Ling Yeow knows or two about cooking rice. So we asked the kitchen wizard to reveal her fail safe ‘how to cook rice’ secrets. “Rice is such a simple thing to cook when done with the right technique,” explains Poh. “Yet it is still the second most popular ‘how to cook’ search term on Google.” Here, Poh shares her secret rice tricks and tips, and reveals the best grains to use for different dishes.
ABSORPTION METHOD
“There are three standard ways to cook rice, and absorption is my favourite!” says Poh. “This type of cooking is perfect for salads or fried rice as the grain stays nice and firm.”
Poh’s Top Rice Tips
Use a non stick pot with a lid
1 cup of rice = 1.5 cups of water
Bring it to the boil
Leave lid on and sit for 15 minutes
When cooked let rest for 5 minutes
Use a spatula to lift the grains
BOILING METHOD
“Another simple method for cooking rice is to gently boil it – once cooked you’ll need to make sure you strain the rice,” explains Poh. “However, the easiest way to cook rice is with a rice cooker.”
Poh’s Top Rice Tips
2 litres of hot/cold water
Add 1 cup of rice
Bring it to the boil
Once water is boiling rigorously turn heat down to a gentle boil for 15 minutes
While cooking, stir rice
Once cooked, then strain
RICE COOKER
“The easiest way to cook rice is with a rice cooker,” suggests Poh.
Poh’s Top Rice Tips
Use the rice cooker’s measuring cups and instructions (usually ¾ cup)
Measure water to the notches insider the cooker
Put lid on and press start
BROWN RICE
Poh’s Top Rice Tips
Use the absorption method
1 cup of brown rice with 2 cups of water
Stir softly
Bring it to the boil
Then pop lid on
Simmer for 25 minutes
Rest for 5 minutes
Q. How much rice do I need?
A. 1 cup of uncooked rice = 3 cups of cooked rice
This will feed 2-3 people
If using a rice cooker, follow the cooker’s instructions as their cups are usually ¾
Q. Should I wash my rice before cooking?
A. You can for longer grains if you want good separation
With Australian rice, you don’t have to
Don’t rinse your rice for desserts, sushi or risotto
TV Cook and author Poh Ling Yeow is the SunRice ambassador. Recipes courtesy of SunRice.
