Gordon Ramsay's secret to perfect, fluffy rice revealed
Rice is still a common addition to dinner, although most people don't pay special attention to the cooking process when preparing it. Usually, they just toss the rice into the water and drain it after about 15 minutes. However, Gordon Ramsay highlights a better method for making the rice fluffy.
Gordon Ramsay is not only a Scottish chef but also a renowned television personality, cookbook author, and owner of numerous restaurants. Viewers worldwide love him for shows like "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef." He has confirmed his culinary talents by earning an impressive 17 Michelin stars. Ramsay also shares his expertise on YouTube, where he demonstrates how to cook perfect rice.
How to cook rice?
It all starts with choosing the right kind of rice. Gordon Ramsay suggests opting for basmati rice. With its longer grains and lower starch content, it is less sticky. Before cooking, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and impurities.
The correct water-to-rice ratio is also crucial - use 1.5 parts water for 1 part rice. It's important to start cooking with cold water, not boiling. For approximately 400 grams (14 ounces) of rice, you need about 600 millilitres (2.5 cups) of cold water. This amount doesn't include the water used to rinse the rice.
Embrace the spices
Ramsay recommends seasoning the rice before cooking, adding star anise, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Cook the rice covered on high heat, and when the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it continue cooking with steam.
This technique is similar to braising, and as emphasized by Ramsay, it is the secret to perfectly cooked rice.
After cooking without lifting the lid, let the rice steam on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to absorb water and increase in volume. The key to achieving the perfect texture is Gordon Ramsay's braising-like approach. Finally, remove the larger pieces of spices and fluff the rice with a fork.
This way, you'll have perfectly fluffy rice on your plate, free from any mushy consistency. Enjoy your meal!
