How to Soak White Rice Prior to Cooking

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Things You'll Need

  • Measuring cup

  • Large bowl

  • Mesh sieve

Soaking white rice before cooking helps make it more digestible.

White rice is milled brown rice that's had its bran, germ and hull removed. You might prefer the sweet taste and fluffy texture of white rice rather than the grain in its whole form. Soaking white rice improves its final texture, makes the grain less brittle and prone to breakage during the cooking process, and helps the rice become more digestible. Soaking also helps promote more thorough cooking by allowing moisture to reach the center of the rice kernel. Learn the proper way to soak white rice prior to cooking.

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Step 1

Measure the amount of white rice you plan on cooking.

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Step 2

Rinse the white rice under running water. When the bowl fills with water, swish the rice around with your hand. Drain the water and continue to rinse the rice until the water runs clear.

Step 3

Fill the bowl with enough fresh water to completely cover the rice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate. Allow the rice to soak for one hour.

Step 4

Discard the soaking water. Place the rice in a mesh sieve and hang it over a bowl for 30 minutes to allow any excess water to drain out prior to cooking.

Warning

Don't soak the white rice longer than one hour or it could become too watery and lose some of its flavor.

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