Do you need to rinse steamed rice: dispelling myths

Steamed rice differs from regular rice in that it undergoes a special steam treatment before being milled. This makes it more crumbly, retains most of its nutrients, and allows for faster cooking. Many people believe that steamed rice does not need to be rinsed, as it is already cleaned of excess starch and debris during processing.

FoodOboz editorial team will help you figure out whether it's really worth rinsing steamed rice and how it affects its quality. There are several important nuances to keep in mind.

Do I need to rinse steamed rice before cooking?

Even steamed rice should be rinsed. Although this type of cereal is heat-treated, it still needs to be washed. The reason is that during production and packaging, dust, small particles of husks, or impurities can remain on the grains. Rinsing helps to remove these residues and improve the taste of the finished dish.

Steamed rice contains less starch than white rice, but there is still a certain amount of starch. If you don't rinse the rice before cooking, the starch can make the cereal a little sticky. Rinsing with water will help make it even more crumbly and tender.

You can't be sure what conditions the rice was stored in before it got to your house. Rinsing in several waters helps to get rid of possible contaminants and make the product as safe as possible for consumption.

How to rinse steamed rice correctly

• Pour the required amount of rice into a deep bowl.
• Cover it with cold water and mix it gently with your hands or a spoon.

• Drain off any dust and impurities that may have remained in the water.
• Repeat the procedure 2-3 times until the water is almost clear.

After that, the rice is ready for cooking, and you will get a delicious, crumbly dish without unnecessary impurities.

How long to cook steamed rice

• In a saucepan: 20 minutes, then leave covered for another 5 minutes.
• In a slow cooker: about 25 minutes.
• In the microwave: 15 minutes.
• In the oven: 40 to 50 minutes.

Steamed rice cooks faster than traditional rice, and when cooked properly, it is crumbly, flavorful, and ideal for any dish.