A single easy step enhances the grain’s taste.
If my life depended on it, I still couldn’t cook a simple pot of plain white rice. In such cases, I rely on a rice cooker, order takeout, or find another solution.
microwave
But cooking Mexican rice comes naturally to me. Given how familiar I am with this recipe, allow me to share that there’s one crucial step that cannot be omitted: sautéing the rice initially.
Although everyone in my family prepares rice like this, I am aware that toasting rice isn’t specific to our Mexican heritage. It’s a cooking method employed in numerous global rice dishes such as rice pilaf, risotto, and certain variations of Indian-style basmati rice.
Althoughfriedrice typically brings to mind dishes like ChineseorThai fried rice—wherecookedricesis stir-friedwithadditionalingredients—the processI’m referringtois actuallyquite different:the ricemightbefryingbeforeitiscooked. Thistepbestowsuponthericesomeawesomenuttyflavorandagorgeous,goldenhue.Coatingthecookedricewithoillastsbeeforeotherliquidsareaddedhelps”encapsulatetheric,”ensuringmoreuniformcookingwhichresultsinlightergrainsthataredoesn’tclumptogethermuchlikehowitisintendedforsushirice.
Read More:
Alton Brown’s Technique for Achieving Flawless Brown Rice Consistently Each Time
How to Roast Your Rice Prior to Preparing It
If you’ve never prepared rice using this method before but want to try, you likely have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry. Actually, you can achieve this technique with numerous different types of rice.
types of rice
Including both medium- and long-grain types, along with basmati, jasmine, and certain short-grain options like Italian Arborio. When selecting an oil, aim for one with a high smoke point to prevent a burnt taste. Suitable choices include vegetable, avocado, and non-extra-virgin olive oils.
Start by pouring a tablespoon of oil into a medium-sized saucepan equipped with a snug-fitting lid, then heat it up at medium-high temperature. As soon as the oil becomes visibly shimmery without starting to smoke, introduce one cup of rice and keep stirring continuously. In roughly a minute, you should detect a nutty aroma along with the grains turning slightly golden brown.
Now, add one and a half cups of water or broth, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, put the lid on the pan, and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, use a fork to separate the grains, then uncover and allow it to rest for several minutes prior to serving.
For classic Mexican rice, or even pilaf or risotto, include diced onions in the pan and allow them to turn transparent prior to incorporating the rice. Using ground spices and herbs can lend an authentically rich flavor to this side dish; however, simply roasting the rice gives a simple serving of rice a delicious twist, turning it into an enticing dinner option.
Read More:
The Sole Method to Store Uncooked Rice, As Per Lundberg Family Farms Suggests
