Cooking Japanese White Rice in a Pot

Cooking time: 40 minutes

*Soaking time not included

 

You can easily cook delicious rice at home using a regular pot.

To enjoy tasty rice, it’s important not only to use good-quality rice but also to wash it carefully before cooking.

Tip: You can use any pot with a lid, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Make sure to fill the pot only halfway to prevent it from boiling over.

 

RECIPE

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MATERIALS:

[ 1 serving ]
• Rice: 150 g
• Water: 200 g (7.05 fl oz)

[ 2 servings ]
• Rice: 300 g
• Water: 400 g (14.10 fl oz)
For best results, use soft water

Tools
• Pot with a lid
• Colander
• Bowls

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Measure the rice.

*One serving: 150 g

It’s important to measure the rice carefully. Using too much or too little can make the cooked rice too soft or too hard.

 

Step 2: Rinse the rice.

Put the measured rice into a colander, add plenty of water, and rinse it quickly. Drain the water well.

Washing the rice before cooking removes rice bran and excess starch, helping the rice cook up light, fluffy, and delicious.

 

Step 3: Wash gently.

With the rice still in the colander, place it back over the bowl and add water. Gently stir the rice using a hand motion, as if you are holding a soft ball.

Lightly swirl the rice, then pour out the cloudy water.
Repeat this process 2–3 times.

Tip: Rice grains are delicate, so stir gently to avoid breaking them.

 

Step 4: Add water.

Put the rice into a pot and add the measured amount of water.

Water amount:
Per serving: 200 g (6.8 fl oz)

Tip: For best results, use soft water.

 

Step 5: Soak the rice (optional but recommended).

For better-tasting rice, soak it in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
After soaking, the rice will absorb water and turn slightly white, as shown in the picture.

Soaking time (at room temperature):
• Summer: about 30 minutes
• Winter: about 1 hour

*For longer soaking, store the rice in the refrigerator (at least 2 hours).

Tip: Soaking helps heat reach the rice evenly, giving it a fluffy texture and enhancing its natural sweetness and flavor.

 

Step 6: Bring to a boil.

Cover the pot and heat it over medium heat until it comes to a boil.

You’ll know it’s boiling when you hear bubbling sounds or see bubbles escaping from under the lid.

 

Step 7: Simmer.

Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 10–12 minutes.

Tip: Keep the heat very low and do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking.

 

Step 8: Steam.

When the rice is done, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

 

Step 9: Fluff the rice.

After steaming, remove the lid and gently stir the rice.
Fluffing the rice while releasing steam enhances its natural flavor and sweetness.

 

Step 10: Serve.

The rice is ready. Enjoy your meal!