It may seem like a simple dish, but rice has its own science. Cooking it well isn't a matter of luck, but of technique, and Zoe Saldaña, actress and cooking enthusiast, is absolutely sure of it. In a recent interview, she shared her favorite way to prepare it, and the result is perfect rice: flavorful, fluffy, and with an irresistible aroma.
Everything starts before cooking
For Saldaña, the first step is key: washing the rice. Although many people skip it, she insists that this step can't be missed. "I don't just rinse it once. I wash it several times, until the water runs clear," she explained.
This process helps remove excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky. This way, you get a lighter texture that's more pleasant on the palate. In addition, according to the actress, this detail was one of the first things she learned from her grandmother, who taught her to cook from a young age.
The touch that changes everything
Once it's clean, the next step is one many people don't know: sautéing the rice before adding water. Instead of putting everything together to boil, Zoe sautés the raw rice in olive oil over high heat.
"It's a step that enhances the flavor and leaves the grains firmer," she says.
This trick, according to her, makes all the difference. It's not just about cooking rice, but about creating a base with more body and aroma. Take note: if you're going to make risotto, then you can use butter, but only in that case.
Less water, better result
After sautéing it, yes: it's time to add water, but not too much. This is where the method becomes more intuitive.
Saldaña doesn't use exact measurements, but a visual trick: she adds water only until, when she sticks a knife or fork in the center, it stands upright. If it falls, there's too much water.
Then, she lets some of the liquid evaporate before covering the pot and lowering the heat. This way, it cooks slowly, without drowning in water. The result, according to her: fluffy, grainy, and delicious rice, neither mushy nor clumpy.
More than a side dish
For Zoe, rice isn't just a side. It's a dish with history, memories, and lots of flavor.
She loves white rice, but also her father's coconut rice and the one that goes with a good chicken tikka masala. In her kitchen, rice plays a starring role. With these steps, you can take it to another level too.