Fixing Mushy, Dry, or Undercooked Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: Varies | Serves: Varies

Every cook ruins rice sometimes. This isn't a recipe so much as a rescue kit, the kind of knowledge that saves dinner more often than it gets credit for.

Instructions

1. If your rice is mushy, it usually means too much water or a rinse that wasn't thorough enough. Spread it thin on a sheet pan and let it air dry for 10 minutes, this pulls out excess moisture.
2. If your rice is dry or slightly crunchy, sprinkle two tablespoons of water over it, cover, and run a short Quick Cook or Steam cycle for a few minutes to finish it gently.
3. If your rice is undercooked in the center, it's almost always because the lid was opened mid-cycle. Close it, add a tablespoon of water around the edges, and restart a short cook cycle.

Chef's Tip: Write your exact ratios down the first time a batch turns out perfect. Your specific machine, your specific rice brand, and your altitude all quietly affect the math, and what works for me may need a small tweak for you.

Nutrition: Varies by base recipe