The Benefits of Adding Lemon Juice to Your Rice Cooker

Rice is an essential dish in every Vietnamese family meal. Thanks to the convenience of the electric rice cooker, preparing rice has become easier than ever — simply rinse the grains, add the right amount of water, press the button, and wait for it to cook.

However, if you want your rice to taste even better, there’s a simple yet surprisingly effective trick you can try: add a few drops of lemon juice to the pot before cooking.

At first, this may sound strange — some might think lemon juice would make the rice sour. But in reality, the amount of lemon used is so small that it won’t alter the flavor at all. Instead, it enhances the texture and appearance of your rice, making it whiter, fluffier, and more fragrant.

Why Lemon Juice Works

The natural acidity in lemon juice helps soften the water and slightly alter the surface of the rice grains, preventing them from sticking together. As a result, each grain cooks evenly and remains separate. The citric acid also acts as a mild natural preservative, helping the rice stay fresh longer without turning sour.

If you don’t have lemons on hand, you can use a small amount of vinegar instead — about 2 ml for every 1.5 kg of rice. The vinegar will produce the same whitening and softening effect, and its smell evaporates during cooking, so it won’t affect the rice’s aroma.

Add a Little Oil for Better Texture

Another simple tip to improve your rice is to add a small spoonful of cooking oil. You can mix the oil in before cooking or drizzle it over the rice after it’s done. The oil coats each grain, giving the rice a glossy, slightly rich texture that feels soft and smooth in your mouth.

For best results, use neutral oils such as vegetable or sunflower oil. If you prefer a subtle fragrance, try coconut oil — but use it sparingly as it can become overwhelming. Chicken fat (rendered from roasted chicken) is another great option for extra aroma and flavor.

If you use olive oil, add it after the rice is cooked to preserve its delicate taste and nutrients. For every cup of rice, one teaspoon of oil is sufficient. This small step makes a big difference, especially when cooking old or dry rice that tends to be less sticky or fluffy.

Secrets to Cooking Nutritious, Perfect Rice

Cooking rice may seem simple, but getting it fluffy, flavorful, and nutrient-rich requires a few important techniques.

1. Soak the Rice Before Cooking

Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the grains to absorb some moisture, ensuring they cook evenly and become softer once done. It’s particularly useful for harder varieties like jasmine or basmati rice.

2. Wash the Rice Properly

Most of the vitamin B1 in rice is found in the outer layer of the grain. If you wash it too many times, you risk washing away valuable nutrients. It’s enough to rinse the rice gently once or twice, just until the water is no longer cloudy. There’s no need to wash until the water is crystal clear — that only removes flavor and nutrition.

3. Use Hot Water for Cooking

Cooking rice with hot water causes the outer surface of the grain to contract slightly, forming a thin layer that locks in nutrients. It also helps the rice cook faster, saving both time and electricity. This method is particularly useful for those who want to maintain the natural sweetness and fragrance of the rice.

4. Measure the Water Carefully

The right water-to-rice ratio is key to perfect rice. Too much water will make it mushy; too little will leave it hard or undercooked. Different rice varieties require slightly different ratios, so it’s best to experiment. For instance, 500 grams of rice generally needs about 600 milliliters of water. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

5. Avoid Opening the Lid Too Often

Lifting the lid during cooking releases steam and heat, which can lead to unevenly cooked rice. Try to resist the temptation to peek — only open the lid once the rice is fully cooked or when absolutely necessary. Frequent opening also exposes the rice to oxygen, which can reduce its vitamin content.

6. Let the Rice Rest After Cooking

When the cooker switches to the “keep warm” mode, let the rice rest for 10–15 minutes before fluffing it. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in rice that’s soft yet dry on the surface. After resting, use a rice paddle to gently fluff it, separating the grains.

If you want to take your rice to the next level, you can add a small pat of butter, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few drops of sesame oil before cooking. This is a popular secret in Japanese households, helping the rice look shinier, taste richer, and smell wonderfully inviting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking a quick family meal or preparing rice for a special dish, these small tweaks — lemon juice, a little oil, and careful handling — can transform a plain pot of rice into a fragrant, fluffy, and nutritious delight.

Next time you cook, try this simple trick. You might be surprised how just a few drops of lemon juice can make such a big difference in your bowl of rice. 🍋🍚