Here’s a basic recipe for making Korean rice (Bap), which is often served as a side dish with various Korean meals:
Ingredients:
2 cups short-grain white rice (or Korean rice)
2 ½ cups water (or adjust based on your rice cooker’s instructions)
1 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the Rice:
Place the rice in a bowl and rinse it under cold water. Swirl the rice gently with your hands to remove excess starch. Drain the water and repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Soak the Rice (Optional):
Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes (optional but helps the rice cook more evenly and makes it softer).
Cook the Rice:
Transfer the soaked rice to a rice cooker or a pot. Add 2 ½ cups of water (adjust according to your rice cooker or pot instructions).
If using a rice cooker, simply start the cooking process. If cooking in a pot, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Let the Rice Rest:
After the rice is cooked, let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and for it to firm up.
Fluff and Serve:
Gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle or a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite Korean dishes.
Enjoy your authentic Korean rice!