How to Dry Rice Fast
Drying cooked rice is an integral part of the cooking process. If you do not dry your rice, you will end up with mushy or undercooked rice.
There are many ways to dry any type of rice grains, including white rice, brown rice, Jasmine rice, and sticky rice, but some methods are quicker than others.
This blog post will discuss how to make rice dry quickly using paper towels in a tray, fan, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, rice cooker, non-stick frying pan, or oven.
See the best way to reduce the starch in rice.
Using Paper Towels in a Tray
The quickest way to dry rice is by using paper towels. This is a good method if you are going to mold rice into shapes.
Spread the washed and rinsed rice from cold water in an even layer of paper towels in the tray. Leave it for about 20 minutes or until the rice is dried. Make sure to stir the rice occasionally so that it dries evenly.
Using a Fan
Another quick way to dry rice is by using a fan. Place the washed and rinsed rice in an even layer on a plate or tray. Turn on a fan and place it next to the plate of rice. Leave the fan for about 15 minutes until the rice is fully dry.
In Your Refrigerator
Suppose you need to dry your rice quicker than the options above. You may spread the washed and rinsed rice in an even layer on your baking sheet. Place it in your refrigerator and leave it for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is dehydrated.
In Your Freezer
Another option for drying your rice quickly if you do not have access to a sunny spot or a fan is placing it in your freezer. Spread the washed and rinsed rice in an even layer on a plate or tray and put it in your freezer for about 5-10 minutes or until fully dry. Check on the rice frequently, so it does not freeze solid!
Rice Cooker Method
Leave the rice in the cooker on the “keep warm” setting until it’s dry. The heat from the setting is strong enough to remove moisture, so your rice will come out perfectly cooked every time. Plus, you don’t have to worry about monitoring the cooking process or checking on the rice regularly.
Microwave Method
If you don’t have a rice cooker, there is no need to worry- you can also use your microwave. All you need to do is cover the rice with a paper towel and microwave it for 30 seconds at a time. Make sure to check if the rice is dry in between each cycle so that you don’t overcook it!
Non-Stick Frying Pan Method
The easiest way to dry a batch of rice is by heating it in a non-stick pan. Make sure to break any clumps of rice and remove excess water. Stir every few minutes until the rice is dry and tender.
Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit while you rinse 3 cups of uncooked rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Spread the rinsed rice evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, or until the rice is dry and crispy. Allow the dried rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Bottom Line
There are many ways to dry your rice quickly and safely without compromising its quality. You can quickly achieve a bowl of perfect rice by using paper towels, a fan, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave, a non-stick frying pan, an oven, or a rice cooker. Try these methods next time you need to dry up a cup of rice to make tasty fried rice!