Perfect Rice for Fried Rice

Steps

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1. 1
   Measure out 2 cups of rice and rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear to remove starch and ensure the grains stay separate during cooking.
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2. 2
   Stovetop method: Pour 2 cups of water into a non-stick pot and add half teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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3. 3
   Once the water reaches a gentle boil, add the washed rice and stir gently. Continue cooking on high heat until grains appear on the surface (about 5 minutes).
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4. 4
   Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no steam escapes. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes—remove at 15 minutes for firmer, grainier rice, or at 20 minutes for softer, fully cooked rice.
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5. 5
   Rice cooker method: Add the washed 2 cups of rice to the rice cooker with 2 cups of water and half teaspoon of salt. You may optionally add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter. Stir gently.
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6. 6
   Cover and turn on the rice cooker. It will cook automatically until done (approximately 22–23 minutes). For grainier rice, remove at 15 minutes. For softer rice, reduce the water by about 1/4 cup.
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7. 7
   Instant pot method: Add the washed 2 cups of rice to the instant pot with 2 cups of water and half teaspoon of salt. Stir gently.
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8. 8
   Cover the lid and line up the pressure valve with the triangle. Select the rice setting (default 12 minutes). Press to start cooking.
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9. 9
   Once the instant pot finishes cooking (approximately 19 minutes), let it sit for 5 minutes. Then perform a quick release to let out steam and open the lid. The instant pot rice will be softer than the rice cooker version. To make it drier, reduce the water by about half a cup.
   ▶ ≈4:40
10. 10
    Transfer the cooked rice to a single layer on a sheet pan to cool immediately and prevent it from continuing to cook. All three methods produce rice suitable for fried rice; your preference depends on desired texture—very grainy, medium, or soft.
    ▶ ≈5:40