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Short Grain Rice

Short grain rice is a variety of rice characterized by its small, almost round grains that are known for their sticky texture when cooked. This type of rice has a high starch content, specifically amylopectin, which contributes to its cohesive quality. Commonly used in Asian cuisines, short grain rice is the foundation for sushi, rice pudding, and risotto recipes. For home cooks and consumers, short grain rice is an essential pantry staple for preparing a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. Its ability to hold its shape and adhere to other ingredients makes it perfect for molding and shaping purposes, such as forming sushi rolls and rice balls. When cooked, short grain rice has a soft, chewy texture that readily absorbs flavors and pairs well with a wide range of dishes.
#31
IN GRAINS & RICE
358
CAL / 100G
$0.17
AVG / OZ
short grain rice
92%
CARBS
1%
FAT
8%
PROTEIN
Short Grain Rice FAQ
Typically, cooking mistakes with short grain rice come from not understanding its starch content. Too much stirring can make the rice too sticky and pasty. Another common error is not rinsing the rice before cooking, which can also lead to a sticky result. To get the most out of short grain rice, rinse it until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes any excess starch. Additionally, it's important to use the right amount of water. Short grain rice usually requires less water than other types of rice because it's less dense. Let the rice sit after cooking and before serving. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in fluffier rice. Last but not least, because of its sticky and chewy texture, short grain rice is perfect for meals that need to be held together, like sushi, or for dishes that celebrate its creaminess, like rice pudding or risotto. A little-known tip is to soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the rice absorb water evenly for a better texture. Another trick is to use your hand to create a gentle whirlpool while rinsing to help remove the starch.
Why is my short grain rice not sticky?
Can I substitute long grain rice for short grain rice?
How to make my short grain rice less sticky?
What is short grain rice used for?
Can you make risotto with short grain rice?
Does short grain rice need to be soaked?
Why is my short grain rice mushy?
How long does it take to cook short grain rice?
How much water do I use to cook short grain rice?
Do I need a rice cooker to cook short grain rice?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does short grain rice expire?
In the kitchen, your experience with short grain rice will generally cover three common scenarios. If the rice is unopened, it can be kept indefinitely in your pantry. However, once opened, you should aim to use it within 2 years for the best quality, though it should still be safe to consume after that period if stored properly. If you happen to freeze your short grain rice, whether it's grown at home or pre-packaged, it can last up to 18 months in an air-tight, moisture-proof container or bag before quality begins to degrade. Please note, frozen rice may lose some of its texture and flavor over time.
How do you tell if short grain rice is bad?
While rice generally stores well for long periods of time, it can still go bad. Signs of spoiled short grain rice may not be immediately evident. The first thing to do is to check if there’s any mold or insects present. Although not always visible to the naked eye, insects like weevils can infest rice. These are small round or oval bugs that you may find inside the bag. Also, sniff the rice to see if there's any rancid or off-putting smells. If so, it's gone bad. Finally, if you've cooked your rice and it has a hard, crunchy texture after cooking, that can be another sign that it's gone stale or bad.
Tips for storing short grain rice to extend shelf life
• Short grain rice prefers a cool, dark place for long term storage, so your pantry should be the perfect spot. • For long-term storage, consider using air-tight, moisture-proof containers or oxygen-absorbing packets to prevent contamination from pests and to preserve the quality and flavor of your rice. • If you've opened your rice, ensure to tightly seal the package after each use to prevent it from absorbing moisture. • Freezing your short grain rice can extend its life even further. Just remember to use air-tight, freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent frost damage.
EXPIRES WITHIN
19 - 29
MONTHS
Equivalents
Health Info
Macros
154g
CARBS
1g
FAT
12g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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