Cooking Tips

7 tricks for making perfect rice

By Gretel Morales - 2023-02-08T14:13:30Z
A respectful Mexican knows how to cook red rice to perfection, as it is essential for accompanying all kinds of dishes. However, becoming an expert in rice takes time and effort, so these 7 tips will be your secret weapon, take note! Tips for cooking rice If you want to prepare rice, whether it’s red, white, or morisqueta, these practical and easy tips are a must in your repertoire, they will help you cook the perfect rice in no time! 1. Measure the rice The first thing to do is to correctly measure the rice using a measuring cup, which you will also need to measure the water afterward. 2. Wash the rice Some people skip this step; however, it is important to wash the rice with water to remove all the starch, a substance that gives it a sticky consistency. So don’t hesitate to rinse or soak it before cooking. 3. Fry the rice Once you drain the rice, fry it with a little vegetable oil, as this prevents it from breaking, sticking, and adds more flavor. On the other hand, our chefs recommend using two tablespoons of oil for each cup of rice. 4. Measure the water Remember that for every cup of rice, you should add 1 ½ cups of water. It is essential to measure it to avoid sticking or breaking. 5. Monitor the cooking Once the rice has the right amount of water or broth and is seasoned, start cooking it over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the temperature and cover the pot. 6. Do not stir the rice To avoid breaking the red or white rice, we remind you not to stir it while it cooks. 7. Let it rest When the rice is well cooked, let it rest for at least 5 minutes, as this allows the rice to finish absorbing the water and becomes well cooked and fluffy. You can also read: Air fryer: Tips and advice for beginners How to make red rice Mexican style This Mexican red rice is a classic of Mexican cuisine, as it is the best side dish to accompany stewed tacos, mole, chicharrón in green sauce, onion steaks, and more. So don’t think twice and follow this recipe step by step, you will love it! Ingredients 1 cup of riceHot water, to soak the rice1/4 onion2 tomatoes, quartered1 1/2 cups of chicken brothSalt2 tablespoons of vegetable oil1 clove of garlic, peeledJuice of lime, just a few drops1 cuaresmeño chili4 sprigs of cilantro1/2 cup of carrot, precooked, diced1/2 cup of peas, precookedPreparationPlace the rice in a bowl, then pour hot water until completely covered and let it rest for 15 minutes to soften the grain. After the time has passed, drain and rinse with cold water as many times as necessary until the water runs as clear as possible. This step will help reduce the starch content in the rice so that it doesn’t become sticky, and it will also be more digestible when consumed. Let the rice dry as much as possible; if necessary, place it on absorbent paper.Blend the onion, tomato, chicken broth, and enough salt. Set aside.Pour a little vegetable oil into a saucepan; this ingredient will help prevent the rice from sticking. Place the garlic clove and, over medium heat, cook until lightly browned. It will be time to add the rice. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it browns evenly.When the rice is browned, squeeze a few drops of lime, as this will help the rice to fluff and not stick.Lower the heat and pour in the blended mixture. This is the perfect time to flavor the rice! Add some herbs or extra ingredients, such as a cuaresmeño chili and some sprigs of cilantro, and you can also adjust the seasoning with a little salt.Once the broth begins to boil, cover the saucepan and cook on very low heat for 18 minutes.Uncover the saucepan; you will notice that a large amount of water has evaporated. Then add the precooked vegetables. You can stir a little to combine, but just a little, cover again, and cook for 3 more minutes.Turn off the rice and let it rest uncovered for 5 more minutes. After the resting time, you can serve the red rice Mexican style.Now that you know how to make perfect rice in no time, prepare it for your meals during the week, as it is ideal for accompanying enchiladas, moles, broths, tacos, and more, enjoy!You can also read: 10 legendary cookbooks that must be in your collection