Do you need to fix salty rice? In a pinch? I’ve got you covered!
The best way to fix salty rice is to make a fried rice dish out of it (just add a protein and vegetables). Or to microwave a second batch of unsalted rice and mix it with the salty batch.
When I researched how to fix salty rice on the internet for this article, I found several other fast and easy fixes.
Here are the top ways to fix oversalted rice, according to Reddit and Quora upvotes.
How to Fix Salty Rice
Top methods to fix salty rice according to Reddit & Quora users…
| Cooking Technique | Upvotes (Count) |
| Make fried rice | 190 |
| Add more rice | 15 |
| Add it to soup | 12 |
| Wash it through a sieve | 7 |
| Add other ingredients | 6 |
| Add lemon/vinegar | 2 |
| Soak in water | 2 |
| Add yogurt or oil | 1 |
Have you tried any of these techniques to make your rice less salty after cooking? Let me know in the comments!
How to Fix a Too-Salty Dish
In a pinch? Try these instant fixes to save salty rice fast!
1. Add an Acid
While you might not want to add vinegar, lemon or lime juice directly to your cooked rice, the extra acidity will cut down the salinity.
Add the acidic ingredient slowly and taste to ensure it is not overpowering. Do not add too much, this will avoid your rice becoming too soggy
Tomatoes or tomato sauce will also add more acidity to your rice. The extra acidity in the tomatoes will cut down the salinity even more.
This is a good option if acidic ingredients don’t clash with what you’re cooking.
2. Add Unsalted Rice
To fix salty rice, add half the amount of (unsalted) cooked rice you used into the pot of salty rice.
Double the original amount of rice if the rice is very salty. Gently combine both batches thoroughly.
If you’re in a hurry, you can easily microwave an unsalted batch of rice, for combining with your salted batch.
How to cook rice in the microwave
- Use ratio of 1-1/2 cups rice: 2-1/4 cup water
- Microwave 5 minutes on full power, 15 minutes at 50% power
- 5 minute rest
Hot Tip: Cooking rice in the microwave is cheaper than other methods like stovetop or a rice cooker.
Related: Salty Kimchi? 5 Ways to Fix Overly Salted Kimchi
3. Make Fried Rice
This is the most popular method to save overly salted rice. In a pan, simply add a protein and some veggies, then stir until combined.
Veggies
Mix in some cauliflower (finely chopped), peas, carrots in your batch of overly salted rice. These salt-thirsty ingredients will dilute quite a bit of salt.
An acidic ingredient — like chopped tomato — will further absorb some of the salty flavor.
Tip: Serve with a side avocado salad to further take away some of the over salinity from your meal.
Proteins
Tofu, eggs, chicken, seafood, and beef can all counteract salted food. Some pork product (like bacon or spam) are high in sodium, so be sure to read the label before adding to your fried rice.
The fried rice method for saving salty rice is also a great hack for adding more nutritious protein to your meals.
Stir continually over a low heat until the egg whites are thoroughly cooked.
4. Rinse With Hot Water
Boil a pot of hot water. Place the salty rice in a strainer, and move it around in the strainer.
Pour the hot water the over the rice thoroughly. Shake the excess water out of the strainer.
Heat the rice in a skillet to allow some evaporation of water.
5. Add Potato
If your rice ends up too salty, you can add diced potatoes to the dish to cut the salty flavor. Adding bulk to your salty rice, like unsalted potatoes will help absorb some of the excess salt taste when combined.
The “potato can absorb salt” cooking myth has been debunked.
However, simply adding diced, cooked potato to salty rice dilutes some of the saltiness on your palate and disperses the overall amount of salt on your plate as well.
Related: Salty Beans? 5 Ways to Fix Overly Salted Beans and Salty Mac and Cheese? Here’s How To Fix It
How to Prevent Adding Too Much Salt to Rice
When it comes to over-salting rice, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. It’s easier to add salt than to take it out.
Pick a Salt and Stick With It
There are all kinds of salts available with different flake sizes. Table salt is dense, and twice as salty as kosher salt. Use the same kind of salt, you’ll be more likely to know exactly how much “a pinch” really is.
Professional chefs reach for kosher salt—the coarser flakes dissolve quickly.
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What do you think? Did I get them all? Did I miss any? Let me know if you tried a different method in the comments section below!