Perfecting rice at home: Gordon Ramsay's tips for fluffy results

Rice – this humble ingredient, present in the cuisine of almost every culture, can surprise with its variety of flavours and textures. However, it's worth knowing a few simple tricks to bring out its full aroma and achieve a perfectly fluffy consistency. One of the most esteemed culinary authorities who has shared his knowledge of cooking rice is the world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

Rice is an indispensable element of cuisine worldwide, full of nutritional value and versatile usage. It works excellently in dinner dishes, casseroles, and even desserts. Despite this, many people struggle to cook it properly. Sticky, overcooked rice is the nightmare of many cooks. So, how do you cook rice to make it fluffy and aromatic? One of the most famous chefs, Gordon Ramsay, answers this question. This culinary master, whose restaurant in London has maintained three Michelin stars for years, shared a few simple tips that will allow you to prepare perfect rice.

According to Ramsay, the secret to perfect rice lies in a few key factors: the right proportions, thorough rinsing, aromatic spices, and precise cooking time. By following these simple rules, even a novice cook can prepare rice that matches the taste and texture of dishes served in the best restaurants.

Cooking rice, although it seems like a simple task, requires some precision. When the rice is already in the pot with the right amount of water and spices, we cover it and put it on the stove. It is essential to observe the cooking process – when the water starts to boil, immediately reduce the heat to a minimum. This way, we do not classically cook the rice but allow it to "steam" slowly, which prevents overcooking. The steaming time is from 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of rice and the amount.

Gordon Ramsay emphasises that after the cooking is done, you cannot serve the rice immediately. There is one more significant step. After removing the rice from the heat, Ramsay removes the spices from it, such as cardamom seeds and star anise, which were previously added for flavour. Then, he starts to gently "fluff" the rice with a fork. This technique makes the rice fluffy and light instead of dense and sticky. The end result is perfectly fluffy, aromatic rice that serves as an excellent base for many dishes.