In recent years, a surprising cooking tip has gone viral online: adding two ice cubes to your rice cooker before cooking rice. Supporters claim this simple trick makes rice fluffier, more aromatic, and better textured. While it may sound strange, the idea has sparked curiosity among home cooks around the world. But does it actually work—and is it safe?

Why Rice Texture Matters

Perfectly cooked rice depends on precise temperature control, water absorption, and starch gelatinization. If rice cooks too quickly or unevenly, it can become mushy on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Achieving the right balance is key to fluffy, separate grains.

According to culinary science experts, slowing the initial cooking phase can improve starch structure and grain integrity.

The Ice Cube Theory Explained

The idea behind adding ice cubes is simple: ice slightly lowers the starting temperature of the cooking water. This causes the rice to heat more gradually, allowing grains to absorb water evenly before starch gelatinization begins.

As the ice melts, it becomes part of the cooking water, so it does not dilute flavor or nutrients. Once the rice cooker reaches boiling temperature, cooking proceeds as usual.

What Science and Cooking Experts Say

While there is limited formal research specifically on adding ice to rice cookers, food scientists acknowledge that gradual heating can improve the texture of starchy foods.

The Harvard Health Publishing explains that starch behavior is influenced by temperature and hydration rate, which supports the logic behind this method.

Professional chefs in Japan and Korea—where rice preparation is taken very seriously—sometimes use controlled temperature techniques, including chilled water, to enhance rice quality.

Is It Safe to Try?

Yes—adding one or two clean ice cubes to a rice cooker is generally safe, as long as:

• You do not change the total water ratio significantly

• The rice cooker is designed to handle temperature variation

• Ice is made from clean, potable water

The Food and Agriculture Organization confirms that temperature-controlled cooking methods are safe when basic hygiene standards are followed.

What Benefits People Commonly Report

Those who use this method often notice:

• Fluffier rice with better grain separation

• Reduced stickiness

• More consistent texture, especially with short-grain rice

However, results may vary depending on rice type, cooker model, and water ratio.

What This Method Will NOT Do

It’s important to note that adding ice cubes:

• Does not increase nutritional value

• Does not detox rice

• Does not remove harmful substances

Any claims suggesting dramatic health benefits are exaggerated and not supported by evidence.

Conclusion

Adding two ice cubes to your rice cooker is a harmless technique that may slightly improve rice texture by promoting gradual heating. While it’s not a miracle hack, it’s a simple experiment worth trying if you enjoy perfectly cooked rice. As with many viral cooking tips, understanding the science behind the method helps separate useful tricks from myths.