Copyright dailyrecord
Rice is a kitchen staple for countless households thanks to its incredible versatility. Whether you're rustling up a paella, creamy risotto, or serving it alongside a fragrant curry or warming stew, it's a go-to ingredient, yet achieving that perfectly fluffy texture can prove tricky. Overcook it and you're left with a gloopy, unappetising mush, while undercooking it and you risk food poisoning alongside an unpleasant crunch. But if you've been battling to achieve the perfect bowl of rice , help is at hand. Chef Chris Carpentier has shared the secret to preventing rice from turning stodgy during cooking, and you'll only need a basic ingredient that's probably already sitting in your kitchen. In a helpful TikTok video, the Spanish chef advised: "If your rice is mushy and sticky, something that can help is adding a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar." It genuinely is that straightforward to get perfect rice every single time with ingredients costing as little as 30p. When rice cooks, the heat and water cause the starches (mainly amylose and amylopectin) within the grains to swell and seep out, creating that sticky texture. Introducing a small amount of acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) to the cooking water reduces the pH. This acidic environment helps stabilise the starch granules, making them far less likely to rupture and release their sticky starch into the water. The rice grains remain more intact and separate with this method, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice. However, Chef Chris emphasises the importance of following packet instructions for optimal results, as no amount of vinegar can salvage seriously overcooked rice. He further advised: "It helps, but it does not solve the problem, so always be very careful about the quantity of water you add to the rice, the temperature and the cooking time." 1. Rinse uncooked rice until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch that can make everything overly sticky. 2. Follow packet instructions – ensuring the ratios are correct will help you to achieve the desired texture. 3. Don't stir while cooking – this releases more starch, which can cause stickiness. Instead, stir once to prevent clumping. 4. Drop the heat and use a lid – after bringing your rice to a boil, simmer with a lid on to promote even cooking. 5. Let it steam when it's done – resting allows excess moisture to redistribute, finishing the cooking process. 6. Gently fluff with a fork – this will help to separate the grains without crushing them. 7. Avoid overcrowding – Cooking too much rice at once can lead to uneven cooking. Try using a pot that gives the rice room to expand.
