Prevent Sticky Rice Adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the cooking water helps break down excess starch, preventing clumpy or overly sticky rice.
Enhance Fluffiness A splash of vinegar during cooking can help separate rice grains, making the texture light and fluffy.
Improve Shelf Life Mixing vinegar into cooked rice can inhibit bacterial growth, particularly for sushi or meal-prepped rice, keeping it fresher longer.
Reduce Rice Odor If rice smells stale or musty, rinsing it with a vinegar-water solution before cooking can eliminate unpleasant odors.
Brighten the Flavor A hint of vinegar brings out the natural flavor of rice and balances heavy or overly salty dishes, especially in fried rice or stir-fries.
Fix Overcooked Rice If rice turns mushy, vinegar can help firm it up slightly. Add a teaspoon and gently stir it through the rice to improve its texture.
Prevent Boiling Over Adding a small amount of vinegar to the cooking water reduces frothing, which helps prevent the pot from boiling over.