For Taiwanese (or Asian in general?), one of the essential survival skills in Europe is learning how to cook white rice without a rice cooker.
As a Taiwanese, when we own a Tatung rice cooker here, we are instantly that legendary figure at the very top of the Taiwanese social pyramid. Put it up for sale second hand and some Taiwanese will grab it in seconds. But the truth is, in Europe, a rice cooker is not something every household has.
For you Europeans, cooking rice in a frying pan or a cast iron pot is completely normal. The issue is that your standards for what counts as good rice are way too low. Like… why do you put so much water in your pot??? Watching how you guys cook rice makes my Asian soul ache. Since many people probably do not know how to cook proper rice, here is a simple five step guide that will help you get fluffy rice every time. You’re welcome:
- Wash the rice and prepare a pot.
- Use a ratio of one part rice to 1.1 parts water. Put both into the pot.
- Cook on medium low heat until the water starts boiling.
- Once it boils, cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 12 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest for another 12 minutes.
And just like that, you are now officially a true rice cooker. Feel free to send me a thank you letter or a tasty snack.