Chinese Take-Out White Rice

Directions

1. 1
   Pour the rice into a mesh strainer and run cold water through the rice while stirring it around with your hand. This washes the excess starch from the rice.
2. 2
   When the water runs clear, combine the rice and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
3. 3
   Cook the rice for 18 minutes, remove it from the heat, and let it rest with the cover on for 5 minutes.
4. 4
   Serve immediately.
5. 5
   Tip: to reheat rice, place it in a metal colander or mesh strainer set over 1 inch boiling water in a large pot. Cover the pot and steam the rice for 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Do not refrigerate cooked rice unless you plan on using it for fried rice, rice pudding, etc. Refrigerated rice becomes hard and never regains it's fluffy texture after being chilled.
7. 7
   Cooked rice can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours.