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Life Tips 03/07/2025 16:12

What are those bumpy dots on the rice paddle for? Turns out they're not for preventing sticking, as many believe.

Although used daily, many people do not know what the bumps on the rice paddle in the rice cooker are for.
The modern rice paddle is commonly made from polypropylene plastic. When you purchase a rice cooker, the package often includes a rice paddle, which typically features small, round, bumpy dots on its surface, but not many people understand their purpose.
What Are the Dots on a Rice Paddle in a Rice Cooker For?
Despite advancements in rice cookers and their anti-stick coatings, some sticky rice varieties, or rice left to cool, tend to stick to the pot's bottom and sides. To protect the non-stick surface, many people develop the habit of soaking the pot in water to loosen the rice before cleaning. However, using a soft dishcloth to scrub the pot often causes rice grains to stick to the cloth, making the cleaning process more time-consuming.
Instead of using a regular dishcloth to clean the pot, the bumpy dots on the rice paddle can be utilized. After soaking the pot with water to soften the rice, gently use the side of the rice paddle with the bumps to scrub the sides of the pot and remove the stuck rice.
These bumps are harder than a dishcloth but aren't sharp like a steel scrubbing pad, so they won’t damage the pot or ruin the non-stick layer. By performing the task gently, the stuck rice will come off, and you can use a soft cloth with dish soap to clean the pot and dry it.
Tips for Cooking Fluffy, Delicious Rice
Cooking rice may seem simple, but to get the perfect, fragrant, and fluffy rice without it being too dry or too soggy, there are a few things to consider:
Choose Good Quality Rice
To get the best rice, buy from reputable stores, and opt for fresh, seasonal rice instead of older stock. Over time, rice loses its nutrients, natural sweetness, and is prone to pests. Look for rice that’s uniform in size and doesn’t contain broken or discolored grains, as these are signs of age. Fresh rice should also have a light, pleasant aroma; avoid rice with any off or musty smell.
Rinse the Rice
While rice is relatively clean, rinsing it before cooking is crucial to remove dirt and impurities. However, it’s important to rinse it correctly—don’t just wash it roughly. Most of the vitamin B1 is located on the outer layer of the grain, so over-rinsing the rice will strip away essential nutrients, particularly vitamins B1, B2, and B6.
Gently stir the rice with your hand to remove dust and dirt without stripping the rice of its nutrients.
Measure the Water Properly
Traditionally, the water level is measured using the index finger. Place your finger in the rice pot, just above the rice, without touching the bottom. If the water level reaches your first knuckle, it’s enough; the rice will cook perfectly without being too dry or too soggy. Alternatively, you can submerge your hand in the rice. If the water covers your hand, that's sufficient. Just make sure to place your hand gently on top of the rice.
Fluff the Rice When It’s Almost Done
Once the rice is nearly cooked, open the lid, and gently fluff it with chopsticks. Let it sit for about a minute to allow excess steam to escape, then close the lid again for another 10 minutes to ensure the rice is perfectly cooked.

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