Why is my fried rice always mushy?

If possible, try to remove excess starch from the rice by rinsing it in cold water before cooking. Its the starch that makes the rice sticky and mushy. … There is a reason why restaurant fried rices are oily. Adequate amount of oil helps to ensure that the rice don’t stick.

How do you keep fried rice from getting mushy?

Use cold, leftover cooked rice. Left in the fridge overnight, the rice grains will firm up, making it easier to separate and decreasing the chances of your fried rice turning out mushy. If you can’t wait, air freshly cooked rice to remove moisture and refrigerate the rice for a few hours before cooking.

Can you fix mushy rice?

If your rice has absorbed too much liquid, the grains may have split and the starches may have given the rice a soft, gluey consistency. One way to fix that? Add even more liquid. Pour in some milk, a dash of vanilla, and spoonful of sugar, and suddenly your mushy rice is a rich rice pudding.

Why is my fried rice not crispy?

Freshly-made grains of rice (short or medium grain, please) are bloated with water (read: mushy), which are nearly impossible to get as crunchy and crisp as good fried rice should be. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has dried out and is perfect for frying.

How do you fry mushy rice?

Fried rice

Frying foods will naturally make them crispier. Put your overcooked rice in a saucepan with some olive oil, and cook over medium heat. Add in your favorite vegetables, an egg and soy sauce.

What makes rice mushy?

If you use too much water, the grains can become mushy, and too little water can re-harden the rice, causing it to stick to the bottom of the pan. … The same amount of water will boil off each time, so subtract the amount of rice from the amount of water in your original perfect batch.

Do you cook the rice before frying it?

Using Previously Uncooked Rice

When using uncooked rice for a fried rice recipe, the rice should be rinsed and soaked before cooking. After the rice is well drained, it is stir-fried for several minutes using a small amount of oil in a large skillet.

How do you make white rice not mushy?

Solution: Add just enough water to create a little steam, 1/4 cup or less. Put the lid on and cook the rice on very low heat for another 5 minutes. Problem: The rice is cooked but too wet. Solution: Uncover the pot and cook over low heat to evaporate the water.

Can you fix mushy rice with bread?

There’s a quick fix that transforms this gluey mess into perfect, fluffy rice: a slice of bread. Place a piece of bread on top of your pot or rice cooker full of mushy rice, put the lid back on, and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The extra liquids will make their way into the bread, and your rice is saved.

Is mushy rice overcooked or undercooked?

You’re looking for fluffy rice where each grain is tender and holds its individual character. If you don’t add enough water, the rice will be underdone and likely burn on the bottom before it’s done gently steaming. If you add too much water, the rice will be sodden, mushy, and overcooked.

Why does restaurant fried rice taste better?

Home style fried rice, this is the common recipe of day old rice and then whatever ingredients you have to add flavor and texture to the dish. … Restaurant fried rice, uses freshly cooked rice, that has been cooked with slightly less water so make it less sticky.

How do you steam rice for fried rice?

Heat the rice over high heat until the water starts boiling. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook until you can see the rice grain starting to rise above the water. Then cover with a lid that is slightly ajar to let some of the steam escape. Cook for 5 minutes.

How do you dry rice for fried rice in the oven?

How to Dry Rice

1. Spray a baking sheet lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the cooked rice onto the center of the oiled baking sheet.
3. Spread the rice out on the baking sheet with a spatula. …
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer, and set the timer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the rice from the freezer when the timer goes off.

Why is my rice mushy and crunchy?

The Problem: Crunchy Rice

The Solution: Make sure your lid is tight. If the lid of your rice pot doesn’t seal properly, steam will escape the pot rather than cooking your rice. An easy remedy is to lay a clean kitchen towel between the pot and lid to keep steam from getting out.

Is mushy rice safe to eat?

The Grains Are Mushy

If the rice is only a little sticky, it can be saved. Turn it out into a colander and rinse it under cool water, separating the grains with your fingers. But if it’s extra mushy, the best thing to do is start over, make a new batch, and use the overcooked rice for another purpose.

What does undercooked rice look like?

Well, undercooked rice won’t have a soft and fluffy consistency. It will be extra chewy and a little hard. It will have a grainy texture too. You’ll know when it’s like this.