6 Solutions to Save Mushy Rice / How Can I Make Overcooked Rice Look Better?

How to Improve the Appearance of Mushy Rice

1. Avoid Excess Stirring
When hosting guests, if your rice turns mushy, it’s natural to feel stressed and start stirring the pot to check the rice’s texture. However, stirring excessively breaks the grains and makes the rice even stickier and mushier.

2. Rinse with Cold Water
If your rice turns mushy despite your efforts, stay calm. Quickly transfer the rice into a colander and rinse it with cold water, or even better, with ice water. Cold water stops the rice from softening further and helps wash away the excess starch.

3. Add a Crispy Tahdig (Scorched Bottom)
A golden, crispy tahdig (made from bread or potatoes) can steal the spotlight and distract your guests from noticing the mushiness of the rice. Plus, tahdig lovers will appreciate the crunchy treat, even if they eat less rice because of its texture.

4. Avoid Closing the Pot Lid
If your rice has become softer than usual and turned mushy, never seal the pot tightly. A closed lid causes steam to condense and drip back into the rice, making it even softer. Don’t worry about the rice cooking properly; leave the lid partially or fully open to allow steam to escape.

5. Skip the Use of a Steaming Cloth
When rice becomes mushy, avoid using a steaming cloth (damkoni). Leaving the lid off helps the excess moisture evaporate. Since the purpose of the steaming cloth is to trap steam for the rice, skipping it will aid in drying out the rice.

6. Increase the Heat
If your rice has become overly soft and mushy, slightly increase the heat, but be careful not to burn the rice. Increasing the heat helps evaporate the excess moisture, making the rice drier and improving its texture.