Rice is one of the most common dishes all around the world. Yet, it’s also one of those things that can be difficult to cook well. Regarding the rice cooking issue, people normally have the same question of “Why is my rice crunchy?”
The reason your rice might be crunchy could be the type of rice that you are using or how long it has been cooked. In most cases, though, if your rice is crunchy, it will most likely have been overcooked to the point where the starches in the grains have become dry and brittle.
In this post, we will point out these errors and how to fix crunchy rice to make your cooking process easier in the future. Read on!
Why Is My Rice Crunchy?
My rice is crunchy – why? Four common mistakes may cause the problem. Let’s see what they are!
#1. Not Enough Water
The top reason why the rice becomes crunchy (or even burns) is that you use too little water in the cooking process.
There are many different cooking techniques for the food, but the basic skill is that you must add enough water when steaming or boiling it.
Typically, each type of rice will require a different ratio of water. For example, long-grain rice will need more water than short-grain rice, while brown rice will need more water than white rice.
If you do not know exactly how much water is required for the type of rice you are using, you can apply the ratio of 1 cup of rice to about 2 cups of water!
#2. Too many times to open the lid while cooking
Constantly opening the lid to check while the rice cooker is operating will result in hard, crunchy, or undercooked rice.
Therefore, if not necessary, you should only check after the rice has been completely cooked!
#3. Too Much Stirring
Your rice only needs a quick stir with chopsticks after cooking. The constant stirring of the rice will create a creamy consistency for the risotto, activating the starch and leaving the rice clumpy and mushy – definitely not the result you want.
#4. Hastily Serving Rice
After the rice is cooked, don’t rush to serve it right away! Instead, turn off the heat and leave the rice inside the rice cooker for the next 10 minutes. This technique will help distribute the heat evenly, helping the rice cook evenly from the inside out.
How To Cook Rice Properly So That It Won’t Be Crunchy
“I don’t want to eat crunchy white rice or crunchy brown rice, so what should I do to make it delicious in the first place?” Let us help you solve this problem!
#Step 1: Soak The Rice
After choosing the type of rice (whether it’s basmati rice substitute or long grain rice), the first step is always to wash it thoroughly with water.
Ideally, you should scrub the rice grains carefully to remove all dirt about two times and soak them in clean water for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is also the precise answer to the questions of how to soften hard rice or how to make rice not hard.
During the soaking process, the rice grains will absorb water inside and expand, making them softer and retaining their aroma. Also, it will make your cooking process faster and easier.
This is the key to the proper cooking process, so you shouldn’t skip this step!
#Step 2: Wash The Rice
To ensure the rice is clean, wash them with warm water a few more times and rinse until the water is limpid completely.
Note: aromatic rice like basmati and jasmine will need more time to wash and soak than other types of rice.
#Step 3: Pour Water Into The Pot
As mentioned above, the right amount of water will be the deciding factor for tasty rice. You should estimate the exact amount of water needed for the rice to cook properly, then pour it into a pressure cooker or instant pot.
A lack of water is a common mistake that everyone is prone to make, so you should check the amount of water a little more carefully.
If you don’t provide the required amount of water, the final result can be crunchy or undercooked, or the rice can be burnt and stick to the bottom of the pot.
#Step 4: Check The Cooker And The Lid
It’s better to check the pressure cooker lid before it starts working, as this will help you avoid the rice from boiling over.
A safe pot with a lid that fits snugly and properly will be the ideal tool for cooking delicious rice.
It is important to check the lid before starting the lighter. Make sure the steam doesn’t come out of the pot too much, as this will cause the rice grains to lose moisture and lead to crispy and undercooked rice.
#Step 5: Cover The Pot
A traditional but effective way to cook rice in utilizing an open pot or pan is to cover the pot with a damp cloth, a dough, or foil. This way will help prevent steam from escaping, helping the rice cook more evenly.
How to tell if rice is undercooked? If the rice grains are still very hard and separate from each other when you stir them up, this means that your rice is undercooked!
#Step 6: Stir The Rice And Wait
Once the rice is completely cooked, open the lid and stir it to remove the rice grains stuck to the bottom. Then, cover the lid and wait another 10 minutes before serving, as this allows the heat to spread thoroughly and make your dish tastier.
What Are Tips To Avoid “Crunchy Rice” Problems
Learning how to fix undercooked rice or what to do when rice is still hard will help you save the day and avoid food waste. Yet, be mindful that the final result certainly won’t taste as good as successfully cooked rice from the first try!
So, here are some tips to avoid “crunchy rice” from happening:
#1. Make Sure The Pot Lid Is Closed Tightly
A lid that doesn’t fit the rice cooker will evaporate the water, which is what makes your rice crunchy.
To fix it, use a damp cloth or clean dough to cover the openings, but be careful not to expose the fabric to fire or burning oil!
#2. Cooking Rice At The Right Temperature
Cooking rice at the right temperature will help the rice cook evenly and deliciously. Never cook rice over high heat because the steam will lose a lot, making your rice dry, hard, or burnt.
#3. Do Not Open The Lid Too Often
How to save rice that is hard? Do not open the pot lid to check while the rice is cooking! As you know, this will cause the steam to evaporate and result in hard rice grains.
#4. Use Kitchen Timer
It will be better to use a kitchen timer or an alarm clock if you lose track of cooking time while doing housework or are afraid that the rice is cooked on the stove for too long.
#5. Take The Appropriate Measurements
Use measuring tools such as dry cups to measure the proper amount of rice and water. Each type of rice will need water, but the most common formula is usually 1 cup of rice = 2 cups of water.
Or you can follow the rice-to-water ratio guidelines below:
- One cup of about 7 ounces (200 grams) of short-grain rice requires about 3/2 cups of water. (One cup has about 237ml or 8 ounces of water).
- One cup of long grain rice will require almost 7/4 cup of water.
The right proportions of water won’t make you wonder, “Why is my rice mushy?” or “How to fix hard rice” anymore.
#6. Fluff The Rice
You can stir the rice once after it’s done cooking. Fluff carefully once so that the rice grains don’t stick to the bottom of the pot and have a better texture.
Is It Alright To Eat Crunchy Rice?
Whether eating white rice crunchy or brown rice crunchy, the taste mainly depends on its texture.
If the rice seems a little crunchy even though it’s fully cooked, you can cook it into fried rice or make crunchy rice into Payasam, Kheer, etc.
In case the rice is not yet cooked, you should consider using some tips on saving undercooked rice before serving it.
In any case, it would be best if you cooked rice correctly on the first try.
