ATK Rice Basics

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Clockwise, from upper left-- wild rice, long grain rice, short grain rice, medium grain rice.
From The America's Test Kitchen online cooking course

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Ingredients

  • Rice
  • Salt
  • Water

Preparation

Step 1

Absorption Method
The grains, liquid, and salt (1/2 teaspoon per cup of raw grains) are brought to a boil, the heat is reduced, the pot is covered, and the grains are gently simmered until tender.

Pilaf Method
This method adds a step: the grains are first sautéed in oil or butter (2 teaspoons per cup of raw grains) until opaque and nutty-smelling, about 3 minutes. The water and salt (1/2 teaspoon per cup of raw grains) are then added to the pot. Once the water comes to a boil, the heat is reduced, the pot is covered, and the grains are gently simmered until tender.

Stand and Fluff
With both methods, don't forget the final step: Let the pot stand off heat for 10 minutes and then fluff the grains with a fork before serving.

Long-Grain White Rice
Rinse: Yes
Best Cooking Method: Pilaf
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 1-1/2 cups
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 18 to 20 minutes

Medium-Grain White Rice
Rinse: No
Best Cooking Method: Absorption or Pilaf
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 1-1/3 cups
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 16 to 18 minutes

Short-Grain White Rice
Rinse: No
Best Cooking Method: Absorption
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 1-1/4 cups
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 16 to 18 minutes

Bulgur
Rinse: No
Best Cooking Method: Pilaf
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 1-1/2 cups
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Millet
Rinse: Yes
Best Cooking Method: Pilaf
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 2-1/4 cups
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Quinoa
Rinse: Yes
Best Cooking Method: Pilaf
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 1 cup
Salt 1/2 tsp per cup of raw grain
Cooking Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Wild Rice
Rinse: No
Best Cooking Method: Absorption
Water (per 1 cup of raw grain): 2 cups
Cooking Time: 35 to 45 minutes

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