Forget everything you know about cooking rice with just water! There are water alternatives that will completely change how you cook rice, and your dinners will never be the same.
But first, a quick tip: Researchers recommend consuming cooked rice within 20 hours if stored at room temperature and within 48 hours if refrigerated. For longer storage, freezing is the safest option to preserve the quality and safety of cooked rice.1
Now, let’s get started with these incredible rice-cooking liquids.
1. Chicken Broth
Cooking rice in chicken broth adds a savory depth of flavor and a hint of richness. It’s a simple swap for water and works well for dishes like risotto or as a base for flavorful rice bowls.
2. Coconut Milk
Using coconut milk creates a creamy, fragrant rice that is perfect for Southeast Asian dishes like curries or desserts. For a lighter result, dilute the coconut milk with water.
3. Vegetable Broth
Similar to chicken broth, vegetable broth adds savory flavor to rice. It’s a good choice for vegetarian or vegan dishes, and you can use different types of vegetable broth for varying flavor profiles.
4. Tomato Paste
Cooking rice in a diluted mixture of tomato paste and water infuses it with a rich umami flavor and a subtle sweetness. It’s a great base for dishes like Spanish rice or other Mediterranean-inspired recipes.
Use a small amount of tomato paste, as it’s concentrated and can easily overpower the rice.
5. Butterfly Pea Tea
This vibrant blue tea lends a beautiful color and a subtle earthy flavor to rice. It’s visually striking and can be used to create unique dishes or desserts.
Be aware that the color may change depending on the pH of other ingredients added to the rice.
6. White Wine
Cooking rice in a mixture of white wine and water imparts a delicate acidity and a hint of fruitiness. This works well for risotto or other rice dishes that benefit from a subtle complexity.
Use a dry white wine for the best results.
7. Vinegar
Adding a small amount of vinegar to the cooking water for rice can help to keep the grains separate and fluffy. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements certain dishes.
Use a mild vinegar like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, and be sure to use it sparingly.
8. Dashi
This Japanese broth made from kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes (dried fish) is packed with umami flavor. Cooking rice in dashi creates a savory base for Japanese dishes like donburi (rice bowls) or as a side dish.
Adjust the amount of dashi to water depending on your desired flavor intensity.
9. Beet Juice
Cooking rice in beet juice results in a vibrantly colored, earthy-sweet rice. It’s a visually striking and flavorful addition to salads or as a side dish.
Note that beet juice can stain, so use caution when handling it.
10. Beer
Light beers like lagers or pilsners are best. The beer adds a subtle malty sweetness and a bit of depth to the rice’s flavor. It’s a great choice for dishes like jambalaya or other recipes where beer complements the overall flavor profile.
So, get creative, experiment, and discover new flavor combinations that will make your taste buds sing. Who knew rice could be so exciting?
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.