Master Hotel-Style Rice with These Simple Tricks

Rice is a staple in many kitchens, but cooking it perfectly takes more than water and rice. With a few hotel-inspired tricks, you can make fluffy, flavorful rice that’s anything but ordinary.

Common Mistake: Only Using Water

Using just water can leave rice bland. Hotels and chefs enhance rice with techniques that take it to the next level.


Transform Your Rice:

  • Use Broth Instead of Water: Replace water with broth for a richer taste. Choose low-sodium broth for better salt control.
  • Toast the Grains: Sauté rice in oil or butter before adding liquid to unlock a nutty flavor.
  • Add Aromatics: Onions, garlic, or herbs like thyme build a deeper flavor.
  • Add Citrus or Vinegar: A teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar balances flavors and prevents stickiness.
  • Try Coconut Milk: Replace half the water with coconut milk for creamy, sweet rice.
  • Season It Well: Add salt, pepper, or spices like cumin or turmeric for a gourmet touch.
  • Let It Rest: Resting the rice for 10 minutes post-cooking ensures fluffy grains.

Recipe: Hotel-Style Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Rinse rice under cold water to remove starch.
  2. Sauté onion in butter until translucent. Add garlic and stir.
  3. Toast rice in the pot for 2 minutes.
  4. Add broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-18 minutes.
  5. Let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

With these easy tips, you can turn basic rice into a restaurant-worthy dish. Start by swapping water for broth and build on these tricks for perfect rice every time.

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