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Stop throwing rice water down the drain, this simple starchy water can be used in various ways while cooking. When you boil or rinse rice, that water absorbs all the starch, vitamins, and minerals. Repurposing rice water adds texture, depth and a subtle earthiness to soups and sauces. Using rice water makes your cooking more sustainable, reduces waste, and adds flavour. It also gives soups a creamy texture without the need for cream, perfect for keeping your meal light and healthy.
Rice water in sauces adds body and natural sweetness, making it a great base for gravies or even marinades. For baking, rice water can transform dough and batters to make softer, airier bread or pancakes.
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If you like to experiment in the kitchen, rice water gives you a whole new world of options without extra cost or effort. Plus, its mild flavour means it can be used in savoury or sweet recipes. So, get into a few smart ways to use rice water in your kitchen and twist everyday recipes while reducing waste.
Tips To Use Rice Water For Cooking
Add Creaminess To Soups
Rice water’s starchy goodness makes it a great thickener for soups. Add it to your soup base instead of broth or water and it will make the soup creamy. It works well with veggie soups, lentil soups, or even ramen; the mildly earthy flavour is a subtle and natural addition.
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Boost Flavour In Sauces And Gravies
Use rice water as the base for sauces and gravies to add depth of flavour and silky texture. The starch in the rice water binds well with spices and ingredients to create a thicker sauce that clings to food.
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Dough And Batter Texture
For bread, pizza dough, or even pancakes, use rice water instead of regular water to make the dough softer and more pliable. The starch from the rice water makes baked goods fluffier and pancakes more tender. When making batter for fritters or pancakes, rice water improves texture, not flavour.
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Light Risottos And Porridges
Rice water can be used as a cooking liquid for risotto or porridge where you need a starchy, neutral base. It makes risottos lighter than those made with heavy cream or stock. And rice water for porridge will give it a smooth consistency with a hint of taste.
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Nutrient-Rich Smoothies And Juices
You can add chilled rice water to smoothies or juices for a nutrient boost and to thicken the drink slightly. According to a study published by the World Health Organization; 2018, Rice water has minerals and vitamins from the rice, so you can add it to green smoothies, fruit blends, or protein shakes without overpowering the flavour.
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Base For Light Marinades
Rice water can be a mild but good base for marinades especially for chicken or fish. Its mild starchiness can carry spices and herbs evenly across the surface, adding flavour and moisture. You can also mix it with soy sauce, lemon juice, or your choice of spices for a subtle but effective marinade.
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Steamed Vegetables And Grains
Use rice water instead of regular water when steaming vegetables or cooking grains like quinoa, barley, or couscous. The starch and nutrients from the rice water will add a hint of flavour and make vegetables and grains a bit more tender. It is an easy way to enhance the natural taste of your side dishes without adding any extra ingredients.
Image Credit: Freepik
Adding rice water to your cooking is an easy way to add a rich, creamy texture and subtle flavour to many dishes, using an ingredient usually thrown away. Whether thickening soups, making nutrient-dense smoothies, or adding depth to marinades, rice water brings something to every recipe. This little change will reduce waste and increase the nutritional value of your meals.
