For many people, cooking rice is as simple as rinsing the grains, adding water, and turning on the rice cooker. While this method does produce edible rice, stopping there means you’re missing out on the chance to elevate a basic staple into something truly delicious. With just a small adjustment, you can enjoy rice that is softer, fluffier, pleasantly aromatic, and made up of glossy, well-separated grains.

According to experienced home cooks and professional chefs, the secret lies in adding two very common ingredients to the cooking water. These simple additions require no special skills, yet they make a noticeable difference in both texture and appearance. Surprisingly, this trick is still unknown to many people.

So what’s the secret?
It’s white vinegar and cooking oil.

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Why White Vinegar and Oil Make Rice Better

White Vinegar Keeps Rice Shiny, Soft, and Fresh Longer

Many people hesitate to use vinegar when cooking rice, worrying that it will leave a sour taste. In reality, only a few drops are needed—far too little to affect the flavor. Instead, white vinegar helps the rice grains appear whiter, glossier, and slightly more elastic.

Another benefit is that vinegar can help slow down spoilage. Under normal conditions, rice cooked with a small amount of vinegar tends to stay fresh a bit longer, making it especially useful in warm weather or when rice needs to sit for several hours.

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Cooking Oil Helps Rice Stay Fluffy and Non-Sticky

Adding a small amount of cooking oil creates a thin coating around each grain of rice as it cooks. This prevents the grains from clumping together and becoming sticky or mushy.

As a result, the rice cooks more evenly, with plump, tender grains that separate easily. The finished rice looks more appetizing, with a subtle sheen, and tastes just as good whether eaten hot or at room temperature.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Perfect Rice

Follow these simple steps to upgrade your everyday rice:

1. Rinse the rice gently
   Wash the rice 1–2 times to remove dust and impurities. Avoid excessive washing or scrubbing, as this can strip away the outer bran layer that contains nutrients and natural flavor.

2. Drain the rice briefly
   Let excess water drip off, but do not let the rice dry out completely.

3. Add water as usual
   Measure the water based on the type of rice and your personal preference for softer or firmer rice.

4. Add white vinegar
   Add about 3–5 drops of white vinegar to the pot.

5. Add cooking oil
   Add ½ teaspoon of cooking oil for every 1–2 bowls of uncooked rice.

6. Cook as normal
   Turn on the rice cooker or cook the rice using your usual method.

7. Let the rice rest
   Once the rice cooker switches to “warm,” let the rice sit for an additional 10–15 minutes. This allows the grains to finish steaming evenly, resulting in softer, more fragrant rice.

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Final Tip

This simple trick requires no expensive ingredients or special equipment, yet it can dramatically improve the quality of your rice. With just a few drops of vinegar and a touch of oil, your everyday rice will become fluffier, shinier, and more enjoyable—far from the “amateur” version made with water alone.

Give it a try the next time you cook rice, and you’ll likely notice the difference immediately.

Good luck, and enjoy your perfectly cooked rice! 🍚