Perfect Japanese Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is the most basic Japanese food. A basic Japanese-style meal consists of a cup of miso soup, steamed rice, and main and side dishes. Well made rice releasing its aromatic steam from the bowl is the central element of a Japanese home meal and here is how to make it!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups Japanese-style rice
• 2 1/2 cups water *the amount of water is just a little more than the amount of rice.

Method

1. Put the rice in a large bowl and wash it with cold water. Repeat washing until the water becomes almost clear.
2. Drain the rice in a colander and set aside for 30 minutes.
3. Place the rice in rice cooker and add water. Let the rice soak in the water at least 30 minutes. One hour is ideal. Start the cooker.
   *If you are cooking rice in a pot, put rice and water in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil on high heat. Turn the heat down to low and cook about 20 minutes, or until the water is almost gone. Stop the heat and let it steam for about 15 minutes.

(Source: japanesefood.about.com)