It is a big mistake to only add water to cook rice. Let me teach you the secret that the hotel does

Step 3: Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor

This is the secret that most hotels and restaurants use! Instead of cooking the rice directly in water, first toast it in a little fat for an enhanced nutty aroma.

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of butter, olive oil, or ghee in a pot.
2. Add the drained rice and stir over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it turns slightly translucent and smells fragrant.
3. (Optional) Add a minced garlic clove, a bay leaf, or a cinnamon stick for extra aroma, depending on the cuisine.

Step 4: Add the Perfect Liquid

Instead of plain water, many hotels use flavored liquid to cook rice, which elevates its taste. You can use:

• Chicken broth (for savory dishes)
• Vegetable stock (for vegetarian rice)
• Coconut milk (for Thai-style rice)
• A mix of water and milk (for creamy, soft-textured rice)

For a fluffier texture, use the correct ratio:

• Basmati/Jasmine rice → 1 cup rice: 1.5 cups liquid
• Short-grain rice → 1 cup rice: 1.2 cups liquid

Step 5: Cook with the Right Technique

1. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and DO NOT stir.
3. Cook for 12–15 minutes (depending on the rice variety).
4. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes—this allows the grains to absorb any remaining moisture.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

• Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains without breaking them.
• Add a small knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra shine and richness.

Bonus Hotel Tricks for the Best Rice

✔ Use a heavy-bottomed pot – Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
✔ Try adding a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lemon juice – This enhances the flavor and keeps white rice bright and fluffy.
✔ For extra fragrance, place a pandan leaf or bay leaf in the pot while cooking.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you’ll transform plain rice into a luxurious, hotel-style dish. The key is rinsing, soaking, toasting, using flavored liquid, and cooking with patience. Try this method, and you’ll never go back to basic water-only rice again!

Would you like to try this with a specific dish? Let me know, and I can suggest the best rice preparation for your meal! 🍚✨