1. Short grain rice: Forms an almost rounded shape when cooked. Due to it being very starchy, when cooked it becomes soft and develops a sticky texture. The stickiness of the rice makes it the perfect choice for risotto, paella and sushi recipes.
1.1. Sushi rice • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to 1.2 parts water
1.1.1. Recipes: 1. California Roll: Sushi roll with crab (or imitation crab), avocado, and cucumber, wrapped in sushi rice and nori. 2. Onigiri: Rice balls often filled with pickled plum, tuna, or vegetables and wrapped in nori.
1.2. Arborio rice • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 4 parts liquid (broth or water, added gradually)
1.2.1. Recipes: 1. Mushroom Risotto: Arborio rice cooked with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan. 2. Lemon and Asparagus Risotto: A light risotto featuring fresh asparagus, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of cheese.
1.3. Bomba rice • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2.5 parts liquid
1.3.1. Recipes: 1. Seafood Paella: Traditional Spanish dish with Bomba rice, mixed seafood (like shrimp, mussels, and calamari), and saffron. 2. Vegetable Paella: A vegetarian paella made with seasonal vegetables and spices.
1.4. Glutinous (sticky) rice • Cook Time: 30-45 minutes (steamed) • Water Ratio: Soak for at least 8 hours, then steam (no specific water ratio, as it's steamed rather than boiled)
1.4.1. Recipes: 1. Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and ripe mango slices. 2. Larb Salad: Thai salad made with minced meat (often chicken or pork) served over sticky rice. 3. Zongzi: Chinese sticky rice dumplings filled with meats or sweet fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves.
2. Medium grain rice: is twice as long as it is wide when raw. Its shape is typically associated with dishes that utilise liquid during the cooking process, such as stews, curries and puddings, as it becomes moist, tender and creamy.
2.1. Black rice • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to 2 parts water
2.1.1. Recipes: 1. Black Rice Salad: A nutritious salad featuring black rice, mixed vegetables, nuts, and a citrus dressing. 2. Stir-Fried Black Rice: Stir-fried dish with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of protein.
2.2. Matta rice • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2-2.5 parts water
2.2.1. Recipes: 1. Kerala Matta Rice Curry: Traditional dish from Kerala served with spicy vegetable or meat curry. 2. Matta Rice Porridge: A comforting porridge made with cooked Matta rice, often flavored with spices or coconut milk. 3. Vegetable Fried Matta Rice: Stir-fried Matta rice with assorted vegetables and spices.
3. Long grain rice: is three to four times longer and wider than short or medium rice when uncooked and cooked. Due to it having less starch compared to its fellow rice styles, it develops a drier, fluffier texture once cooked. This causes it to become more separate, making it the perfect option for fried rice and pilaf.
3.1. Basmati rice • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 1.5 parts water
3.1.1. Recipes: 1. Biryani: Aromatic rice dish layered with marinated meat (chicken, lamb) and spices, often garnished with fried onions. 2. Pilaf: Basmati rice cooked with spices, nuts, and dried fruits for a fragrant side dish. 3. Jeera Rice: Simple basmati rice flavored with cumin seeds and sautéed onions.
3.2. Jasmine rice • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 1.25 parts water
3.2.1. Recipes: 1. Thai Green Curry: Fragrant jasmine rice served alongside a spicy green curry with vegetables and your choice of protein. 2. Larb Gai: Thai minced chicken salad served over jasmine rice. 3. Coconut Rice: Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for a sweet and creamy side dish.
3.2.2. Recipes: 1. Thai Green Curry: Fragrant jasmine rice served alongside a spicy green curry with vegetables and your choice of protein. 2. Larb Gai: Thai minced chicken salad served over jasmine rice. 3. Coconut Rice: Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for a sweet and creamy side dish.
4. Whole grain rice: refers to rice that retains its bran and germ layers, making it more nutritious than white rice. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Brown rice is the most common type of whole grain rice.
4.1. Brown rice • Cook Time: 40-50 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2-2.5 parts water
4.1.1. Recipes: 1. Brown Rice Buddha Bowl: A healthy bowl featuring brown rice topped with roasted vegetables, greens, and a protein source like chickpeas or chicken. 2. Brown Rice Salad: A refreshing salad made with brown rice, beans, corn, diced peppers, and a zesty dressing.
4.2. Black rice (Forbidden rice) • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to 2 parts water
4.2.1. Recipes: 1. Forbidden Rice Salad: Black rice tossed with roasted vegetables, nuts, and a sesame dressing. 2. Black Rice Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry featuring black rice, assorted vegetables, and tofu or chicken. 3. Black Rice Bowl: Bowl of black rice topped with grilled salmon or chicken and steamed greens.
4.3. Wild rice • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part wild rice to about 3 parts water
4.4. Red rice • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2-2.5 parts water
4.4.1. Recipes: 1. Red Rice Pilaf: Red rice cooked with onions, garlic, and spices for a flavorful side dish. 2. Thai Red Curry with Red Rice: Spicy coconut milk-based curry served over red rice. 3. Red Rice Salad: A vibrant salad made with red rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
5. Parboiled rice: also known as converted rice, is rice that has been partially boiled in the husk. This process helps to drive some of the nutrients from the outer bran layer into the grain itself, making it more nutritious than regular white rice. The parboiling process also helps to firm up the grains, making them less sticky and more separate when cooked.
5.1. Long grain parboiled rice • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2 parts water
5.1.1. Recipes: 1. Jollof Rice: West African dish made with parboiled long grain rice cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. 2. Fried Rice: Stir-fried parboiled long grain rice mixed with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. 3. Curry Rice: Long grain parboiled rice served alongside a flavorful curry dish.
5.2. Medium grain parboiled rice • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2 parts water
5.2.1. Recipes: 1. Spanish Rice: Flavored medium grain parboiled rice cooked with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices as a side dish. 2.Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Cabbage rolls filled with ground meat and medium grain parboiled rice baked in tomato sauce.
5.3. Short grain parboiled rice • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes • Water Ratio: 1 part rice to about 2 parts water
5.3.1. Recipes: 1. Sushi Rolls: Sushi made using short grain parboiled rice for a slightly different texture than traditional sushi rice. 2. Rice Pudding: Creamy dessert made from short grain parboiled rice cooked in milk with sugar and cinnamon.