Tasty salads with various dressings are an indispensable attribute of any feast. Some dishes can often replace a side dish. Salads with rice are very nutritious, they have a special taste. The dish will turn out really good if all the ingredients are cooked correctly. For example, how to cook rice for salad? It is worth understanding the nuances.
Determine the grade
Not every rice variety is suitable for salads. You need to choose one that does not stick together during the cooking process. The original dish can be prepared using cereals "indica". The grains have an oblong shape. After heat treatment, this rice is crumbly. If in doubt about how to cook rice for salad, try the following method:
- Pour rice with water and put on fire until boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Cover and cook for 3 minutes over high heat.
- Mix, reduce heat to medium, cook another couple of minutes.
- Reduce the heat to a minimum and cook under the lid for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the cereal does not burn.
- To prevent rice from sticking, you can add a third of a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Water should boil.
- Remove from heat and rinse with warm water.
Dishes are tasty and aromatic. The “indica” variety is most popular when creating culinary masterpieces. However, such rice can not be purchased at every supermarket.
Fine salad can be made from wild rice. The main difference is the very dark color of the cereal. The grains are very thin, have a characteristic luster. How to cook rice for salad in this case? Such cereal requires a longer heat treatment, 30-40 minutes. The main thing is not to digest, otherwise the shine will be lost.
Exotic rice varieties are not always found in ordinary supermarkets. But for a classic crab salad, ordinary steamed rice is also suitable.
Basic Rice Cooking Rules
Before cooking rice for salad, the grains must be thoroughly washed, otherwise they will stick together during the cooking process. Rinse the cereal until the water is almost transparent.
When boiling, it is very important to observe the proportions of rice and liquid. Ideal when cereal is cooked in a ratio of 1: 1.5 (a smaller portion of rice). Water should only slightly cover the grains. In this case, the rice will not boil and will be crumbly.
Burning rice is a common problem that many modern housewives face. The ideal option is to use cookware with non-stick coating. And obligatory stirring during the cooking process.
Of great importance is the cooking time of the product. How to cook rice for crab salad? Cooking times for different varieties may vary. On average, from 15 minutes to half an hour. To check the readiness of rice, it should be tasted. It should not be too soft, even slightly harsh. Then the grains will not stick together, which is very important for the salad.
Microwave Rice Cooking
This cooking method is also good. Before boiling rice for crab salad using a microwave, carefully washed cereals should be poured into a clay soup bowl. Rice should occupy no more than a third of the volume.
In order to cook rice qualitatively, it is necessary to add water so that its level is 1.5 centimeters higher than cereals. The furnace is set to maximum power. In this mode, rice is cooked for 10 minutes. After the timer is turned off, the croup should be left in the bowl until it cools completely. Thus, the remaining liquid is absorbed.
Multicooking
Modern household appliances make the cooking process even more fun. Consider how to cook rice for a salad using a slow cooker.
We proceed as follows. Thoroughly rinse the cereals and fall asleep in a special bowl. Water must be poured so that it is 1 cm above the grains. Next, select the "Pilaf" mode. Cooking time is about half an hour.
When heat-treated in this way, rice almost always turns out friable, does not burn. At the end, you can add a little lemon juice and olive oil, mix everything thoroughly. Salt and spices to taste.
Rice in a double boiler
Experts believe that this type of heat treatment is best for salads. During rice steaming, the largest amount of vitamins and minerals is stored. In addition, the cereal remains crumbly.
Before boiling rice for salad in a double boiler, the container with previously washed rice must be set to the lower level. Groats are poured with water in a ratio of 1: 1.5. Salt and spices must be added immediately. Select the "Rice" mode. Cooking time - 45 minutes.
Classic Salad Recipe with Crab Sticks
A dish with rice and crab sticks is ideal for a family feast. It is easy and short to cook. The following ingredients are required:
- rice - 4 tbsp. l .;
- crab sticks - 100 g;
- canned corn - 0.5 cans;
- green onions - 1 bunch;
- chicken eggs - 2 pcs;
- mayonnaise - 3 tbsp. l .;
- spices to taste.
Boil the eggs, cool and finely chop. Same thing with crab sticks and onions. Add rice to them. It must be added only after complete cooling.
All ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Mayonnaise is recommended to be added immediately before serving the salad on the table. Alternatively, you can use sour cream, it will make the salad easier. Instead of green onions, you can add onions. To remove the bitterness and pungent smell, pour onion for several seconds with boiling water. In this case, it turns out juicy and more delicate in taste.
Crab salad is a favorite dish of many and a great option for a festive table.