How to Cook Japanese Rice

Cooking Japanese Rice without a Rice Cooker

[Written step-by-step instructions below]

 

 

Cooking rice can be daunting without a rice cooker, but by following these simple steps, your Japanese rice will always come out perfectly fluffy and delicious!

 

Try making Temaki Sushi, and Onigiri at home!

 

 

Temaki Sushi / Hand Rolls

 

 

Onigiri Rice Balls

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

 

Step 1: Scoop the uncooked rice and place it into a bowl. For 3 – 4 people, we recommend 2 cups of rice.

 

Step 2: Wash the rice in the bowl by mixing it with your hand under running water. Pour out the water and repeat this for a total of 2 – 3 times. Rinsing more than that may remove some nutrients and umami flavour.

 

Step 3: Add enough water to cover the rice and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

 

Step 4: Drain the all water using a mesh colander and pour the rice into a pot with a heavy lid. Make sure that the pot is deep enough so that it does not boil over while cooking.

 

Step 5: Next, add water to the pot in a 1:1 ratio to the rice. So for 2 cups of rice, you will need 2 cups of water.

 

Step 6: Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat on high. Once the water comes to a boil, take a big spoon and stir the bottom of the pot so that the rice does not stick.

 

Step 7: Put the lid back on and turn the heat down to medium-low for 10 minutes. Make sure not to remove the lid during this time.

[Note] If you are using an electric stove, you may switch to a different element for the medium-low temperature, as electric elements do not cool down as fast as a gas stove.

 

Step 8: After 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, with the lid on, for another 2 minutes.

 

Step 9: After 2 minutes, remove the lid and give it a good stir with a cooking spoon.  Finally, put the lid back on for 10 more minutes to allow the rice to absorb the excess water and become fluffy.

 

Now your delicious rice is ready to eat!