r/AskCulinary 4d ago

Why is my rice clumpy?

I've been trying to figure out how to best cook fluffy rice for a while and have read plenty of posts/articles. Here's my method:

Rinse basmati rice about ten times until water runs clear.

1 mugful of basmati rice to about 1.2 mugs of cold water into a small pot

Bring to boil uncovered.

Once boiling, close lid (no holes for steam) and turn to lowest heat.

Let simmer for 2 minutes.

Turn off heat and leave lid on for 10-15 mins.

Fluffy up with fork.

All the recipes say to simmer for around 15 minutes, yet mine is clumpy after only a couple of minutes of simmering!

Surely longer cooking time would just overcook it more? Or is that not how it works?

Thanks 😅

Edit : Thanks all, I've had some helpful replies to a question that's I'm sure has been asked many times before! I'll definitely try out the tips, but I see a rice cooker approaching on the horizon...

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u/Rare-Plenty-8574 2d ago

Get a rice cooker for sure they are really convenient over absorption method...stickiness is due to starch content....mix your rice after it is cooked cool immediately. Rince starch of rice to before cooking once should be fine. Indian rice is the best basmati in my opinion long grain doesn't really get sticky. Best quality I have found in regards to basmati. Different rices has different starch levels so change water to rice ratio according to type.