There's a lot that can go wrong when cooking rice and it is a skill many people fail to master.
Undercooking and overcooking are common issues as well as dealing with it sticking to the bottom of the pan, and getting the rice-to-water ratio is important.
But celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey has shared his top tips for making "light, fluffy and delicious" rice in a video that has racked up nearly four million views, MirrorOnline reports.
He listed six common errors and shared his tips on how to avoid them - so the packets of microwave rice can go back in the cupboard.
Tip 1 - rinsing rice
Gordon starts by adding rice (400g) to a sieve and washing it under cold water to get rid of the dust and the starch.
He explained: "Cold water, always, and just rinse the rice. That stops the rice from getting clumpy in the pan. "It ensures it gets really nice and fluffy when it’s cooked."
Tip 2 - using seasoning
After adding rice to a pot, Gordon adds salt and pepper – and suggests using different spices to give extra flavour.
He said: "To make a plain fluffy rice exciting, infuse it. Get three cardamom pods and pierce them to allow flavour to come out.
"Then star anise – these are beautiful, whole star anise – it makes the rice really nice and fragrant."
Tip 3 - when to add seasoning
Seasoning rice after it has been cooked can alter its texture, chef Ramsey recommends doing it beforehand.
He said: "It’s easier to season before than it is once cooked. It starts to break up if you season it once it’s cooked."
Tip 4 - correct measurements
There's no need to stir rice whilst it's cooking - if it has been measured correctly.
Gordon recommends using "one part rice to one and a half parts of water" - usually adds 600ml of cold water to 400g of rice.
Tip 5 - cooking at correct temperature
Do not leave rice cooking in boiling water for the entire duration, simmering is much better - the steam helps to give you that fluffy texture.
Gordon explained: "Always start off with cold water. Then bring it up to the boil as quick as possible, then let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
"That’s the secret to cooking great rice – allow it to steam as it’s cooking. Do not lift the lid up."
Tip 6 - 'fluff' before serving
Before serving, gently run a fork over it, as this makes it fluffy.
The chef says: "Fork it through so it’s nice and fluffy. And then, that is perfectly cooked rice."
