How to Wash Rice With Free Printable

"It was in my grandmother's kitchen, beneath the glass spice cabinets and shelves of grains and beans, that I received my earliest education in cooking. With salsa and calypso music blasting from a cassette deck on the counter, I learned to fill the pockets of pasteles with mashed plantain, and to cook the rice just right so that a delicious crust formed at the bottom of the pot."

- JJ Johnson

Welcome to our kitchen! If you want to learn how to wash rice or why wash rice in the first place, stick around. We'll show you how easy it is.

Learn more about cooking with kids.

If you enjoy this tutorial, you won't want to miss Chef JJ's jollof rice, Persian shrimp with rice, rice and peas, Cuban rice and beans, Afro-Asian-American gumbo, veggie gumbo, braised oxtail, and Mother Africa sauce as well as aloo chaat, 3 sisters bean stew, how to make tortillas, and tostadas.

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The Simple Art of Rice

This tutorial on how to wash rice comes from The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Around the World for the Heart of Your Table by JJ Johnson with Danica Novgorodoff.

There's so much to appreciate about this cookbook and, in my opinion, that's exactly where its power lies. It's a complete resource, beginning with the basics of rice cookery before comfortably carrying you around the world and through every meal just as you'd expect with the guidance of a personal chef.

No prior knowledge is required in order to get started with The Simple Art of Rice and Danica Novgorodoff's illustrations are enticing to all ages.

No matter the size of your table or the curiosity of your palate, there's a recipe in this cookbook just waiting for you to fall in love with it. It's the complete package.

We first came across JJ Johnson's work in Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora. His recipe for jollof rice with beans was approachable, fun for us to make at home, and delicious.

Since that time, we've followed JJ's work and made many dishes from Between Harlem and Heaven, including a couple of oxtail dishes, Afro-Asian-American gumbo, and an African Mother sauce the kids get excited for.

Chef JJ is a James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of FIELDTRIP where 'Rice is Culture', as well as host of Just Eats on Cleo TV.

You can also stop by our shop to see more Family & Kids' Cooking Resources.

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Does All Rice Need to Be Washed?

From JJ Johnson in The Simple Art of Rice:

I believe rice should almost always be washed, except in cases where it interferes with the recipe, such as when you'll be toasting the dry, uncooked rice kernels with spices, or as with risotto, since you want a starchy, creamy finish.

- JJ Johnson

Why Wash Rice?

Rice is typically washed to remove excess starch and any impurities from agricultural processes.

How Many Times to Wash Rice

You should wash the rice as many times as it takes until the water remains clear. This will vary depending on the variety of rice.

How to Wash Rice

Ingredients

• rice - any rice you plan to cook, unless toasting dry kernels or if making risotto

Equipment

• Apron (optional)
• Prep Bowls
• Kitchen Scale
• Fine-Mesh Strainer
• Large Bowl

1. Gather Your Equipment

Wash your hands with soap and water. Gather your equipment and your instructions at the sink.

2. Weigh the Rice Needed for the Recipe

Use the prep bowls and kitchen scale to weigh the amount of rice needed for the recipe. Place the bowl on the scale. Zero the scale. Pour the rice into the bowl until you reach the desired weight.

3. Place the Strainer Over the Bowl and Add Water

Pour the rice into a fine-mesh strainer. Place the strainer over a bowl in the sink. Turn the water on.

4. Add Water Until the Rice is Submerged

Fill the bowl with water until the rice is fully submerged.

5. Use Your Hand to Stir the Rice Around

Use your hand to stir the rice around. The water will become cloudy.

6. Lift the Strainer Out of the Bowl and Pour Off the Water

After stirring the rice around, lift the strainer out of the bowl. Pour the water out of the bowl so that the bowl is empty again.

The rice should remain in the strainer throughout this process.

7. Repeat Step 3-6 Until the Water Remains Clear

Repeat steps 3-6 until the water remains clear with washing. This will depend on the variety of rice you are working with. Drain all the water and transfer the rice to the pot or pan you will be cooking it in.

Free How to Wash Rice Printable for Pre-Readers and Up

Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and practice washing rice using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.

The cards are easy to use, include pictures, and encourage confidence and independence in the kitchen.