Technique
Rice cooking
JA: 米の炊き方(こめのたきかた)
Rice cooking is the process of hydrating and heating rice grains until they are tender and fully cooked.
What it means in a kitchen
In a working kitchen, rice cooking typically involves rinsing the rice to remove excess starch, then combining it with water in a ratio of 1:1.5 (rice to water) and simmering at low heat for about 18 minutes.
Common misunderstanding
Beginners often underestimate the importance of rinsing rice, which can lead to overly sticky or gummy results. Additionally, they may not allow the rice to rest after cooking, which affects texture.
Example
For sushi rice, rinse the grains until the water runs clear, then cook with a 1:1.2 ratio of rice to water for 15 minutes.