If your cooked rice is too wet or sticky, you can dry it out using a few different methods.
Methods for Drying Rice
Here are a couple of ways to remove excess moisture from cooked rice:
-
Rinsing (for slightly sticky rice):
- Rinse the cooked rice under cold water in a colander. This removes excess surface starch, which contributes to stickiness.
- Drain thoroughly.
-
Oven Drying (for wetter rice):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the rinsed (if you rinsed) rice in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
- Check the rice periodically to ensure it doesn't dry out too much. You want it drier, not hard and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and fluff with a fork.
Why is my rice too wet in the first place?
Excess moisture in cooked rice often results from:
- Using too much water during cooking. Refer to the package instructions for the correct rice-to-water ratio.
- Not allowing the rice to steam properly after cooking. After the cooking time is up, let the rice sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the remaining moisture to be absorbed.
By understanding these methods, you can effectively salvage overly moist rice.
