Cooking rice may seem simple, but achieving rice that is both soft and aromatic is not as easy as many people think. A surprisingly effective kitchen trick requires only two ice cubes—and the result can be unexpectedly impressive.

The “Golden” Benefit of Adding Ice Cubes to Rice

It may sound unusual, but adding ice cubes to rice before cooking can significantly improve texture and flavor. After rinsing the rice and draining excess water, place two ice cubes into the pot and let it sit for about 15 minutes before starting the cooking process.

According to Japanese culinary experts, the low temperature from the ice slows the rice’s water absorption, allowing the grains to cook more evenly. This helps the rice become soft and fluffy without turning mushy. In addition, the cooler temperature encourages the formation of amino acids, which contribute to the rice’s natural sweetness, while reducing enzyme activity that can dull flavor. The result is rice that tastes richer and smells more fragrant than with conventional cooking methods.

Choosing the Right Rice: The First Step to Perfect Results

The quality of the rice itself plays a major role in the final dish. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose fresh, seasonal rice: Older rice tends to lose its natural aroma and sweetness.

• Check the appearance: Good-quality rice has evenly shaped grains, consistent color, and minimal breakage. Avoid rice that appears unnaturally white or has yellow or dark discoloration.

• Smell and taste test: High-quality rice has a mild, pleasant aroma and a subtle natural sweetness when chewed.

Rinse Rice Properly to Preserve Nutrients

Many people rinse rice repeatedly, believing this makes it cleaner. In fact, over-washing can remove valuable nutrients. Vitamin B1, along with proteins, lipids, and minerals, is concentrated near the outer layer of the rice grain. Vigorous rubbing can wash these nutrients away.

The correct method is to gently rinse the rice one or two times—just enough to remove surface dust.

Ice Cubes in the Kitchen: More Than Just for Rice

Ice cubes are not only useful for cooking better rice. They can also serve as a handy kitchen tool in several other ways:

• Reducing excess oil in dishes: Adding a few ice cubes to hot dishes or chilling cooked food with ice in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes allows fat to solidify and be easily removed.

• Keeping vegetables crisp and vibrant: After boiling vegetables, immediately transfer them to ice water to preserve their crunch and bright color.

• Reducing onion sharpness: Soaking sliced onions in ice water (optionally with a few drops of lemon juice) for 15–20 minutes helps reduce pungency and improves texture.

Conclusion

With just two ice cubes and a few small adjustments, everyday cooking can become more refined. This simple trick not only enhances the texture and aroma of rice but also shows how small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference in flavor and quality.

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