If you’ve ever marveled at the delicious rice served at hotels and restaurants, here’s a secret for you – it’s not just the water that makes it so flavorful and fluffy. By incorporating a few special touches to your rice cooking method, you can turn a plain dish into something truly special.

The Secret Ingredients Hotels Use

One of the key secrets to achieving flavorful rice is by using broth instead of plain water. Whether it’s vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, it imparts a rich, savory taste that elevates your rice. Simply swap out water for an equal amount of broth in your recipe to level up your dish.

Hotels often enhance the texture and flavor of their rice by adding a touch of butter or olive oil. This not only gives the rice a silky texture but also prevents grains from sticking together. Prior to adding the broth, add a tablespoon or two of your preferred fat to the pot and stir it in as the rice cooks.

Before incorporating any liquid, many chefs opt to sauté the rice in oil or butter to lightly toast it. This step adds a nutty and deep flavor to the rice while ensuring it turns out extra fluffy after cooking.

To further enhance the taste, hotels include aromatics such as garlic, onions, or herbs in their rice dishes. These ingredients bring complexity and depth to the rice, transforming it from a mere side dish to a standout element of the meal.

Don’t forget to season the cooking liquid! Rice absorbs a significant amount of water as it cooks, so it’s vital to season the broth or water adequately for a flavorsome result. Add salt to the liquid before cooking, following a guideline of about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of rice, based on personal preference.

After the rice is cooked, allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on is a hotel secret for achieving perfectly fluffy grains. This crucial step enables the steam to redistribute within the rice, resulting in a firm and delightful texture.

To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, hotels often use a garnish right before serving. Whether it’s chopped herbs, lemon zest, or nuts like toasted almonds or cashews, this final touch can take your dish to a whole new level.

By incorporating these simple adjustments inspired by hotel cooking techniques—such as using broth, sautéing the rice, and adding aromatics—you can transform your ordinary rice into an extraordinary culinary delight. Impress your loved ones with your newfound rice cooking skills by applying these hotel secrets the next time you step into the kitchen!