Improve Your Rice with This Easy Hotel Trick

It’s normal practice to cook rice with just water, but if you’ve ever eaten rice in a fancy restaurant or hotel, you may have noticed that theirs frequently tastes much better. The key? In order to improve the taste, texture, and perfume of their rice, hotels frequently add broths and other substances in addition to water. Here’s how to make rice that tastes as good as it does at a restaurant.

Components:

One cup of rice (white, brown, or jasmine, depending on your preference)

Two cups of broth—either beef, veggie, or chicken, depending on your tastes—

One tablespoon of olive oil or unsalted butter

To taste, add salt.

Spices or herbs (such cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or garlic powder) are optional.

Directions:

Start by giving your rice a good rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. By doing this, extra starch is eliminated and the rice doesn’t get gummy.

Use Broth Instead of Water:

You can use any type of broth in place of water. Vegetable broth keeps it light and is ideal for vegan recipes, while chicken broth provides a subtle, savory flavor. It has a deep, robust flavor from beef broth that goes well with heartier dishes.

Add Flavor Enhancers:

Add a spoonful of olive oil or butter before turning the heat on. This keeps the rice grains distinct and fluffy while also adding a touch of richness. If you’re feeling particularly daring, add spices or herbs that go well with your meal.

Prepare the rice:

In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Stir once to ensure everything is well distributed, then add the rinsed rice and any desired herbs or spices. Cover the pot and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the rice to absorb all of the liquid, which should take 15 to 18 minutes for white rice and 30 to 35 minutes for brown rice.

Rest and Fluff:

After the rice has finished cooking, turn off the heat and leave it for ten minutes or so, covered. This enables the rice to fully develop its tastes and steam. To separate the grains, use a fork to fluff the rice after it has rested.

In summary:

You can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your rice by substituting broth for water and adding a few easy ingredients. In addition to giving the rice rich, complex flavors, this technique turns an ordinary side dish into something quite remarkable. Try this hotel secret the next time you’re cooking rice, and you’ll see how ordinary rice can become an amazing addition to any dish.