Chef Chris Carpentier has shared a simple technique to stop rice from turning sticky and mushy: adding a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to the cooking water. The ingredient costs around 30p and is likely already in your cupboard.
How acid keeps rice grains separate
During cooking, heat and water cause starches within the rice grains to expand and seep out, creating sticky rice. Adding a small amount of acid reduces the pH of the cooking water. This acidic setting helps stabilise the starch granules, making them less prone to rupturing and releasing sticky starch into the water.
The rice grains stay more whole and separate using this method, producing fluffier and less sticky rice. However, Carpentier recommends following the packet instructions for the best outcome, as no amount of vinegar can rescue badly overcooked rice.
Chef's warning and extra tips
Speaking to his TikTok followers, the Spanish chef said: "If your rice is mushy and sticky, something that can help is adding a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar." He added: "It helps, but it does not solve the problem, so always be very careful about the quantity of water you add to the rice, the temperature and the cooking time."
Additional tips for fluffy rice include rinsing uncooked rice until the water runs clear, following packet instructions, and avoiding over-stirring. After boiling, simmer with a lid on, let the rice steam, and fluff with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as cooking too much rice at once can lead to uneven cooking.
