How To Cook Rice Without Starch

Rinse starch from white rice before cooking it.

Image Credit: AtnoYdur/iStock/Getty Images Starch is a polysaccharide, or carbohydrate made up of glucose bonds. In its pure form, starch is tasteless and odorless, and is used as a thickening agent in foods. Starch is the most common of the carbohydrates in the human diet and can be found in foods such as potatoes, corn, wheat and rice, among others. Although it is an important part of the human diet, too much starch can be undesirable, especially for those trying to lose weight or diabetics. Fortunately, there is a way to eliminate starch when cooking certain foods, such as rice.

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Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water, rubbing the grains with your hands. This removes dirt and debris, as well as a little bit of starch. Pour out the used water and repeat this process.

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Step 2

Fill a pot with cold water, adding 2 cups of water for every cup of rice.

Step 3

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, adding salt as desired.

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Step 4

Add the rice once the water is at a rapid boil. Cover and let it cook for five minutes.

Step 5

Turn the heat down to medium and boil the rice for another five minutes.

Step 6

Remove the pot from the stove and rinse the rice in cold water. Pour out the rinsing water, which will be white with starch.

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Step 7

Continue rinsing the rice until the water comes out clear.

Step 8

Drain the water and set the pot back onto the stove.

Step 9

Turn the heat down to its lowest setting and let the rice cook, covered, for 15 minutes. This provides a steaming action for the rice.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork after 15 minutes and taste to ensure that it is tender enough. If not, allow the rice to remain covered for another five to 10 minutes. Tip If desired, soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce its cooking time.

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  references
  
      Tommy's: Plain White Rice
    
      RiceGourmet.com: Preparing Rice
    
      Bukisa; How to Cook The Kind of Rice Used in Making Authentic Sushi; Frank DeLoach; May 21, 2011
       




  references
  
      Tommy's: Plain White Rice
    
      RiceGourmet.com: Preparing Rice
    
      Bukisa; How to Cook The Kind of Rice Used in Making Authentic Sushi; Frank DeLoach; May 21, 2011
    




Rinse starch from white rice before cooking it.

Image Credit: AtnoYdur/iStock/Getty Images

If desired, soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce its cooking time.

      Tommy's: Plain White Rice
    
      RiceGourmet.com: Preparing Rice
    
      Bukisa; How to Cook The Kind of Rice Used in Making Authentic Sushi; Frank DeLoach; May 21, 2011