Toast rice in oil or butter before adding water

Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in your pot, add rinsed and drained rice, and stir for 2-3 minutes until grains turn slightly translucent and smell nutty. Then add water (same ratio as absorption method) and proceed as normal.

Why It Works

Toasting coats each grain in fat, which prevents them from sticking together and adds a subtle nutty flavor. This is the foundation of pilaf-style rice and produces the fluffiest, most separated grains.

Tips

• Add diced onion or garlic to the oil before the rice for extra flavor
• Substitute broth for water for even more flavor
• This technique works with any long-grain rice variety
• Stirring constantly during toasting prevents burning — 2 minutes is usually enough