Rice will be perfectly fluffy every time if you follow 10-second restaurant trick

There are so many techniques to make rice, but getting it to be fluffy every time without fail can be a difficult task to master. Fortunately, a food expert who spent two decades in a restaurant has revealed a simple way to get the perfect rice-it only takes 10 seconds.

This method works whether you're cooking jasmine, basmati, or short-grain rice. Chef Leah Colins at Serious Eats shared: "There is a solution, and it's probably hanging in your kitchen right now: A clean kitchen towel. I first learned this kitchen towel trick for cooking rice when I was a line cook in restaurant kitchens almost 20 years ago, and I've been using this technique at home ever since whenever I cook rice on the stovetop."

How to cook fluffy rice

Leah explained: "The trick is to simply place a clean kitchen towel under the lid of a pot of cooked rice as soon as it's removed from heat. I then place the lid back on the pot right over the towel and let the rice sit untouched for at least 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Rather than condensation dripping back onto the rice and turning it sticky, the chef explained this technique allows the kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.

She added that the method works to get rid of extra moisture in different types of rice dishes, including pilaf, arroz con pollo, brown rice.

"It's a small extra step, but an important one to ensure perfectly cooked, well separated grains of rice that are ready to be fluffed and served."

An expert at the American Test Kitchen recommends taking this method one step further and wrapping the pot lid with a towel as it cooks - not after.

While food cooks in a covered pot or pan, the evaporated water trapped inside will create condensation on the lid.

They said: "So how can you avoid this watery disappointment? Simply drape the towel over the pot (careful of the flame!) and pull the corners of the fabric over the handle of the lid and tie to secure them.

"The towel will absorb excess water while your rice simmers away, ensuring fluffy, not clumpy, grains."

How to make rice tastier

After mastering the art of fluffy rice, you don't want to eat a plain and bland bowl. Rice could be much tastier if you add a few ingredients.

Luckily, food blogger Recipe Tin Eats has shared their recipe for buttery seasoned rice, which is simple to follow and worth the effort for a delicious side dish that will have you begging for more.

Ingredients

• Three tablespoons of butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder, or add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead
• Paprika (optional)
• Thyme (optional)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Method

To begin, place the rice, water, and seasonings in a large saucepan and stir thoroughly. After stirring, bring the rice to a simmer over medium-high heat until bubbles form around the edges.

Place a tight-fitting lid on, then turn down to medium-low. "You want the water to still be simmering - if the heat is too low, then the rice just sits there in hot water, bloating, rather than absorbing.

"Too high, and it will bubble over and out of the sides of the pot. NO PEEKING - the lid needs to stay on to trap the steam inside - this will ensure your rice cooks evenly," said the chef.

After 13 minutes, remove the rice from the stove and let it rest for 10 minutes. The rice should finish cooking during this time (or follow the fluffy method above). Once done, add butter and fluff up the rice.

Finally, place it on a plate or bowl of your choice and sprinkle with parsley for presentation.