I remember this one time when I was staying with my grandmother, who’s the ultimate master chef of the family (for context).
For some reason I already forgot, she wanted me to cook our lunch that day.
I refused at first because like I said, she’s an amazing cook. Why ask the apprentice, then?
Still reeling from that question, I relented and cooked us a rice meal.
I was on the edge of my seat. After all, I was aiming to please.
“Why is my rice bland?” “Is your rice bland, as well?”
Rhetorical questions, of course. What she really was asking me: “All that time spent together in the kitchen, and you didn’t learn the very basics?”
I was glad that I got the adobo right. It partly saved that awkward lunchtime.
Is White Rice Supposed to be Bland?
No. Rice isn’t particularly bland. While white rice can be quite plain in flavor, that’s what makes it a great base for countless dishes.
Bland rice is often a result of one of two things (or both):
Rice Variety
Flavor-wise, brown rice has a more pronounced flavor than white rice. This is due to the bran and germ layers containing essential nutrients, fiber, and oils.
These components give brown rice its nutty and earthy taste.
White rice, on the other hand, is the refined version of brown rice. The milling process white rice undergoes gives it a milder and more neutral taste.
At a glance: White rice tends to be more bland in flavor than brown rice because certain components are removed.
But that’s not factoring in the white rice varieties. When cooked, these varieties should taste like this:
- Jasmine Rice: Floral and slightly sweet
- Basmati Rice: Nutty
- Sushi Rice: Mild in flavor
Preparation
Overcooking and underseasoning your rice also factors into its bland taste.
Rice is at its best when cooked to a tender yet firm consistency. Otherwise, it becomes mushy and bland.
Overcooking the rice releases more starch, which results in a gummy feel that masks the rice’s natural flavor.
When it comes to seasoning, salt is a good starting point. Adding it is essential, as it brings out the natural flavor of your rice.
To Rinse or Not to Rinse?
Some might argue that rinsing rice removes the starch. Therefore, many nutrients are removed from the rice, as well.
But modern times have given us pre-washed rice. And if this is the kind that you have, then there’s no need to rinse the rice.
If we’re talking traditional rice, though, make sure to rinse it.
Doing so is beneficial, especially for rice varieties like Jasmine and Basmati, because it prevents the rice from becoming too sticky and gluey.
If you’re making risotto, though, you don’t need to rinse the Arborio rice. This way, you’ll get that creamy texture and flavor afterward.
What To Do if Rice is Bland?
Add Flavors
We’ve added salt.
But have you ever considered adding some herbs and spices? Cilantro, parsley, or thyme can give your rice that extra burst of flavor.
Cardamom, cumin, or turmeric can be toasted with rice grains before cooking them.
We can also add aromatics, like onions or leeks sauteed in butter.
Cook with Broth
You can use broth instead of water for an instant flavor boost. Jasmine and Basmati cook well on 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of broth.
Short-grain rice varieties, on the other hand, thrive on a 1:1.5 ratio. So make sure to add 1.5 cups of broth to 1 cup of Sushi rice.
You can choose any broth, too. Chicken? Vegetables?
Toast the Grains
Toasting uncooked white rice in butter or olive oil before adding water is an excellent way to enhance its flavor and give it a more nutty note.
Toasting also makes rice better at absorbing flavors from other ingredients such as spices, broth, and sauces.
Stovetop or Rice Cooker?
Yes, even the cooking method you choose impacts the blandness. Both methods have their own set of advantages.
The stovetop is a great choice if you’re adding aromatics to your white rice.
If you choose the rice cooker, you’ll find that it’s the more convenient option between the two.
It also ensures a perfect result all the time because most rice cookers already have built-in settings for different rice varieties.
How to Cook Rice so It’s not Bland?
Now, for my personal favorite solution to bland rice, I’m sharing a Filipino rice recipe with you!
Binagoongan rice or bagoong rice is a shrimp paste fried rice that we Filipinos love to indulge in.
Bagoong, the star ingredient of this recipe, is a fermented condiment made from shrimp or small fish.
It has a strong aroma and an even stronger umami flavor. So be prepared…
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp of cooking oil
- ½ chopped onion
- 1 minced cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp of bagoong
- 15 oz. of diced tomatoes
- ½ cup of chopped green beans
- ¼ cup of green onions
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium fire. Add the onion and garlic, then saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the bagoong and stir it occasionally while it cooks for 1 minute.
- Throw in the tomatoes and their juices. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Include the green beans and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Add the rice and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Or you can always check out our recipes for other fun ways to prevent bland rice!
Fixer-Upper
Bland isn’t the end of the world.
I mean, look at me now. I’ve moved past that “Why is my rice bland?” question my grandma threw at me all those years ago.
Mistakes happen. So what?
We learn from them. We correct them.
So don’t fret when your rice turns out bland.
There are many solutions that you can do. And the best part?
They’re already available in your kitchen.
Let me know how it goes for your bland rice!
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