Rice salad is a common dish enjoyed worldwide. Although it is common in various cultures, it can be prepared in different ways depending on region as well as personal preferences. However, there are 5 mistakes you should never make when preparing rice salad. These will produce mediocre results and most likely make you strike off rice salad from your list of favorite things to cook.
The greatest allure of rice salad is that it is made with cold rice, making it a nice option for hot summer nights. They are pleasant to behold and taste exquisite with the right combination of ingredients. Think grilled vegetables or a fresh mix of tuna, zucchini and lemon combo or even better, a mix of salmon, rocket and citrus fruits.
You'll agree that rice salads are indeed the delectable tropical option that shouldn't be amiss at your dining table this summer. Even better, they are easy to make as long as you have the right know-how and don't make any of the following mistakes:
The kind of rice used for this dish should be one that maintains its firmness during cooking. The best options are therefore Venus, which is black in colour, the Ribe, and the Basmati while, the worst variety to use is the Carnaroli.
You have to cook the rice before combining it with other ingredients. The perfect method is to boil it in boiling water and drain it al dente, or at least a couple of minutes before the time indicated on the package.
As for the toppings, they should only be added when the rice is completely cold.
Pro tip: Don't rinse the rice under cold water to cool it. Instead drain it, pour it into a baking tray and put it in bain-marie in the sink.
For premium quality, it is best advised that you use fresh vegetables and fish. If you have to use pre-packaged products stored in oil and vinegar, keep them to the barest minimum of you don't want to ruin the taste profile of your rice salad.
Some people make the common mistake of mixing mayonnaise into rice salad which may cause the rice to become soggy as you add other fresh ingredients. So, instead of mixing the mayonnaise into the rice salad, it’s better to add it with a teaspoon to your plate.
Now that you are aware of these mistakes, you are well on your way to making the best rice salad!
Enjoy!