Contents
1. Learn the secrets behind tasty steamed rice with hints for each step of the process!
2. Step 1: Choose your rice
3. Step 2: Measure the rice
4. Step 3: Wash quickly and gently
5. Step 4: Soak in water
6. Step 5: Cook
7. Step 6: Let sit
8. Step 7: Gently stir the rice
9. Conclusion
More stores serve sushi and onigiri around the world, making it easy to enjoy these iconic Japanese dishes. Japanese rice has a characteristic aroma, sticky texture, sweet flavor. Demand is increasing for this tasty rice around the world. Cooking rice in a delicious way is naturally essential at Japanese restaurants and cafeterias that provide the appeal of Japanese cuisine to people outside the country. However, this skill is also vital at supermarkets and company canteens as well.
1. Learn the secrets behind tasty steamed rice with hints for each step of the process!
Cooking tasty rice requires a few creative ideas and a little bit of knowledge. The actions at every step of the process each play an important role—from selecting the right type of rice to gently stirring the cooked rice at the end. This article gives details for each step so that you can cook Japanese rice the right way, even on your first try.
2. Step 1: Choose your rice
First of all, the type of rice that you choose deeply affects how the finished product turns out. Japanese rice is a short-grain variety (Japonica rice), and has a very sticky texture and shiny appearance when cooked, unlike long-grain rice (Indica rice) from other countries.
[Key points]
◇Variety: There are many types of Japanese rice, such as Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, and Sasanishiki. Each type has its own merits. Ideally, you should choose freshly harvested rice or a high-quality variety out of the selection available outside Japan.
◇Freshness: You can enjoy an enhanced aroma and sweetness if you choose rice with a recent polishing date.
◇Polished rice and pre-washed rice: You can choose either, but they differ regarding washing requirements as well as the amount of water used for soaking.
Japonica rice (left) Indica rice (right)
3. Step 2: Measure the rice
You need to measure accurately to get tasty rice. Make sure to use kitchen scales or a dedicated rice measuring cup so that you get the right amount.
[Key points]
◇Measurements: When using kitchen scales, one serving (one go) is 150 grams (or 180 ml in volume). When using a dedicated rice measuring cup, level the rice using a chopstick or other utensil so that it is flush with the rim of the cup.
level the rice using a chopstick so that it is flush with the rim of the cup.
4. Step 3: Wash quickly and gently
Washing rice removes excess starch. This is an important step for achieving a translucent appearance in the steamed rice. Keep the key points below in mind when you carry out this step. If you use a rice washer, you can prevent the grains from breaking or absorbing excess water.
Note: If you have pre-washed rice, you can skip this step because it can be cooked without rinsing.
[Key points]
◇Water temperature: Using cold water prevents the rice from absorbing excess water when washing.
◇Washing method: First, add water to the rice, gently mix it around, and then discard the water immediately. Next, wash the rice gently without using excess force, and then discard the cloudy water quickly. Try to avoid leaving the rice in the cloudy water for a long time.
◇Repeat this process three or four times in total until the water is transparent when washing.
You're finished washing when the water color matches the color shown in this picture.
If you are cooking the rice in a pot, please wash the rice in the pot as well.
5. Step 4: Soak in water
The ratio between rice and water is extremely important. You need to use different amounts of water for white rice, pre-washed rice, and other types of rice.
The rice will come out plump when cooked if it absorbs a lot of water before steaming.
[Key points]
◇Water amount: For white rice, use about 200 ml for each serving (150 g) of rice (about 1.2 to 1.3 times the volume of the rice). Adjust the amount of water to make the rice slightly firmer or softer according to preference.
For pre-washed rice, use about 230 ml for each serving (about 1.4 times the volume of the rice). You need slightly more water for this type of rice.
◇Type of water: Soft water is ideal. If you are in a hard-water area, let the rice soak for slightly longer.
◇Water temperature: Room temperature is fine, but you can get plump and tasty rice if you use slightly colder water—aim for around 15°C.
◇Soaking time: Soak the rice for around 30 minutes if the water is about 20°C, or around 60 minutes if the water is 15°C or below. The aim of this step is to let the water get into the center of each rice grain.
If you are cooking the rice in a pot, please soak the rice in the pot as well.
6. Step 5: Cook
You can use a rice cooker or a pot to cook rice. This article describes how to cook rice with a pot.
[Key points]
◇Choosing a pot: Ideally, use a thick-walled pot with a tightly fitting lid (such as a cast-iron pot).
◇Heat level: Use high heat for about 10 minutes with the lid on. Once the water boils and water vapor starts to come out from the gap under the lid, use low heat for about 10 minutes.
◇Keep the lid on the pot while cooking to make sure that the heat is distributed evenly.
7. Step 6: Let sit
It is crucial to let the cooked rice sit so that the moisture levels will be even throughout the rice, and to accentuate the sticky texture and sweet flavor. Let the rice steam in its own heat within the pot or rice cooker.
[Key point]
Once the rice is cooked, take it off the stove and leave it for 10 minutes, without removing the lid.
8. Step 7: Gently stir the rice
For the finishing touch, gently stir the rice to create a soft texture.
[Key points]
Use a rice scoop to cut through the rice, with motions starting from the bottom of the rice cooker or pot. Take care not to squash the grains of rice.
The rice looks more beautiful when the grains are intact.
Conclusion
You need to perform many steps and keep several key points in mind if you want to cook rice in a delicious way. These actions can be hard to perform by hand. However, you can use Suzumo's products to get plump rice on your first try. This cooking method results in rice with a taste that will move the hearts of your customers. Give it a try!