Why does my rice get burnt at the bottom of the cooker?

Question

Understand what leads to scorched rice and how to fix your technique.

Answer 1

Burnt rice at the bottom of the cooker usually happens because the heat is too high, there's not enough water, or the cooker isn't distributing heat evenly. Adjusting the water ratio and heat setting can prevent this.

Detailed Explanation:

Several factors can contribute to burnt rice. The most common is an imbalance between the amount of rice and water. If there's insufficient water, the rice at the bottom will dry out and burn before the rest is cooked. Another cause is excessive heat. If the heat is too high, the water evaporates too quickly, leading to burning. Uneven heat distribution, especially in older or lower-quality cookers, can also create hot spots that scorch the rice. Finally, leaving the rice on 'warm' for an extended period after cooking can also cause the bottom layer to burn as residual heat continues to cook the rice. To prevent burning, ensure you're using the correct rice-to-water ratio specified for your rice type and cooker. Start with a lower heat setting and monitor the cooking process. If your cooker has hot spots, try rotating the pot during cooking.

Pro Tip:

Before cooking, soak the rice for 30 minutes. This helps the rice absorb water evenly, reducing the likelihood of burning and resulting in fluffier rice.