How to Cook Delicious Fluffy Rice, Enjoy the Taste of a Restaurant at Home Without Failing

Kapanlagi.com - Have you ever experienced the pleasure of rice at a food stall that tastes more fluffy and delicious compared to the rice you cook at home? It turns out, there is a secret behind the deliciousness of stall-style rice that makes it so special! From the selection of rice to cooking techniques, all these elements contribute to creating high-quality rice that is appetizing.

In an interesting review summarized by Kapanlagi on Tuesday (25/03/2025) from various sources, we will reveal some tricks and tips that you can apply in your home kitchen. By following these simple steps, you too can serve fluffy rice that is just as delicious as what you find in restaurants.

Some key factors that make rice at food stalls taste better include production volume, the skills of the chefs, the cooking tools used, the quality of the rice, and the proper storage techniques. By understanding and applying these factors, you can improve the quality of the rice you cook at home.

1. The Secret Behind Fluffy Rice Like in Local Eateries

Have you ever tasted the delicious rice at local eateries that always seems fluffier and more appetizing compared to the rice cooked at home? It turns out, there’s a secret behind the deliciousness of that rice! From the selection of rice to the cooking techniques, every step plays an important role in creating high-quality rice. To achieve perfect rice, the choice of rice type is key.

Medium or short grain rice, such as IR64 and Ciherang, is known to produce soft and fluffy rice. Not only that, Pandanwangi or Mentik Wangi rice can also be a great choice to provide a tempting aroma. Make sure the rice used is new, as old rice tends to require more water and the results may not be as satisfying as expected.

2. Why Rice at Local Eateries is Always Fluffier

The rice served at small eateries often has a mouthwatering taste, and there are several secrets behind its deliciousness. First, cooking in large quantities allows for even heat distribution, resulting in fluffy rice. Moreover, the expertise of the eatery cooks, honed over years, makes them skilled at determining the right amount of water and the appropriate method. They also use professional cooking equipment, such as commercial rice cookers or large steamers, which ensures the texture of the rice is always consistent.

The selection of high-quality rice is a key factor, and careful storage techniques—by letting the rice rest briefly before serving—make it even more perfect. All these factors combine to create rice that is not only filling but also delights the palate of every connoisseur.

3. The Right Amount of Water is the Key to Perfect Rice

Illustration of Water Credit: pexels.com/LisaFotius

Determining the right amount of water according to the type of rice is crucial for producing perfect rice. One practical method is the finger joint method: after washing and draining the rice, add water up to the height of one finger joint above the surface of the rice. For one cup of rice, generally, about 1 to 1.2 cups of water are needed. Keep in mind, dry rice requires less water, while sticky rice needs more. Interestingly, new rice usually uses less water compared to old rice. And don't forget to wash the rice three times to maintain its nutrients while ensuring that dirt and dust are thoroughly removed!

4. The Secret of Adding Oil, Margarine, and Pandan Leaves

Want your rice to be more special? Try this simple trick! By adding one teaspoon of cooking oil or margarine for every three cups of rice, your rice will become softer and shinier. Not only that, many stalls use coconut oil to provide an appetizing aroma. For a natural touch, add pandan leaves that will emit a tempting fragrance. Don't forget, a little salt can enhance the flavor of the rice without making it salty. Happy cooking!

5. The Right Cooking Technique Let the Rice Rest Before Serving

Photo: TikTok/@sehati.homeappliances0

After the rice is cooked, there is one crucial step that can determine the deliciousness of your dish: let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes before stirring! This is important to ensure that the steam is evenly distributed, so your rice will be fluffier and tastier. When stirring, use a wooden spoon and make a cutting motion, not a circular one, so that the rice grains remain intact and perfect. Get ready to enjoy perfect rice!

6. The Role of Cooking Tools Rice Cooker vs Traditional Steamer

The choice of cooking tools plays an important role in creating the perfect rice texture! A rice cooker with a thick pot can produce more stable heat, while a traditional steamer offers the ideal moisture to create the characteristic rice texture. However, don't forget about the cleanliness of the pot! Residual dried rice can cause unpleasant odors and affect the quality of rice in every subsequent dish. So, make sure your pot is always clean to enjoy delicious and fragrant rice!

7. Recipe for Fluffy Rice Like at the Stall

Prepare yourself to create delicious fluffy rice with this simple recipe! With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy perfectly textured rice like that served at stalls.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups medium grain rice
• 3-3.5 cups water (adjust according to the type of rice)
• 1 tsp cooking oil or margarine
• 2-3 pandan leaves (optional)
• 1/4 tsp fine salt

How to Make:

1. Wash the rice 3 times, then drain for 15-20 minutes.
2. Put the rice into the rice cooker, add water according to the measurement.
3. Add oil/margarine, pandan leaves, and salt.
4. Cook until done, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes before stirring.
5. Serve and enjoy fluffy rice as if you were at a stall.

8. FAQ Questions About Fluffy Rice

1. Is it necessary to soak rice before cooking it to make it fluffy like at the food stalls?

Some food stalls do soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking, especially for older or lower quality rice. However, for good quality and fresh rice, it is sufficient to wash it and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

2. How long should rice ideally rest after cooking?

For the best results, let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before stirring or serving. Food stalls usually prepare rice well in advance of meal times so that their rice has enough "rest" time.

3. Why does rice often become hard the next day even when stored in a rice cooker?

Rice that is continuously heated in the rice cooker will lose moisture. A food stall trick: after the rice cools, sprinkle a little water (1-2 tablespoons) before reheating to restore its moisture.

4. Is it true that adding ingredients like ginger or lemongrass can make rice more fragrant?

Yes, some eateries, especially Padang rice stalls, add a little ginger, lemongrass, or even turmeric to give their rice a distinctive aroma and color.

5. How do you store rice to keep it fluffy like in the stalls for takeout?

To store rice for takeout, wait for the rice to cool down a bit, then place it in an airtight container. Do not press or compact the rice too much. When ready to eat, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of clean water and heat it in the microwave or steam it for a short while.

(kpl/khs)