Japanese Cooking Guide

How to Cook Japanese Rice So It Tastes Soft, Glossy and Just Right

A gentle guide to cooking Japanese rice properly, from rinsing and soaking to soft, glossy results.

Tomoka

3 min read

For many Japanese people, a bowl of plain white rice is something we never get tired of. Because we eat it so often, we want it to taste good every time.

Once you get used to cooking rice properly, it becomes a simple and natural part of everyday meals.

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What You Need

Japanese rice (or sushi rice)
Water
A rice cooker, or a pot

I sometimes use a donabe, a traditional Japanese clay pot, when I have a bit more time. It helps the rice cook up soft and fluffy, and it is lovely for serving at the table too.

Donabe I Use

Japanese donabe.

A donabe with freshly cooked Japanese rice

Use a measuring cup and try to keep the amount as consistent as possible. If you do not have a Japanese rice measuring cup, you can measure by weight. One Japanese rice cup is about 150 g of uncooked rice.

2. Rinse the Rice

For the first rinse, place the rice in a bowl and add water.

Gently move the rice with your hand, making a light circular motion about 3 to 4 times, then pour off the water straight away.

This first rinse helps wash away some of the loose surface starch.

You do not need to scrub the rice. A gentle rinse is enough.

Rice absorbs the first water quickly, so I like to use good quality water for this first rinse when I can.

3. Rinse a Few More Times

After the first rinse, repeat the same process 2 to 3 more times.

Add water, gently move the rice in a circular motion a few times, then pour off the water.

You do not need to rinse until the water becomes completely clear. A slight cloudiness is perfectly fine.

This step helps remove the remaining surface starch without over-washing the rice.

4. Add Water and Soak

Drain the rice well, then transfer it to a rice cooker or pot.

Add the water carefully, using a measuring cup if needed. As a general guide, use about the same amount of water as rice, or slightly more.

Let the rice soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour if you have time.

As the rice absorbs water, it becomes whiter and slightly plumper. This soaking step helps give you soft, glossy rice, with each grain gently holding its shape.