The Right Way To Rinse Rice, According To Japanese Tradition - Tasting Table

"Washing rice might seem like a simple step, but in Japanese tradition, it's a ritual that significantly affects the flavor, texture, and overall quality of the final dish. Whether you're preparing sushi rice, steamed rice for a bento box, or boiling it for a balanced rice bowl, properly washed rice is the key to success. In Japan, this process is known as togi (loosely translated as polishing the rice), and it emphasizes care, patience, and attention to detail."

"Once the rice is measured out, the initial rinse is crucial - this is where water quality matters most. The first rinse water quickly absorbs surface starch and any impurities, so Japanese chefs advise using high-quality, filtered water for this step. Immediately after adding water to the rice, swirl it briefly with your hand, then drain it as quickly as possible. Leaving the rice to sit in that starchy first water can result in unpleasant odors and stickiness."

"After rinsing, the rice should be soaked, allowing the water to slowly penetrate the center of each grain, ensuring even cooking and a tender, fluffy texture. Japanese tradition calls for soaking rinsed rice for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. In colder seasons, soaking for up to an hour is common. This step gives the rice its ideal shikkari (firm but tender) bite, a trait highly prized in Japanese cooking."

Proper rice washing in Japanese togi begins with measuring rice and performing an immediate, brief first rinse using high-quality filtered water to remove surface starch and impurities. Swirl the rice briefly then drain quickly to avoid odors and stickiness. Repeat two to three gentle rinses, scrubbing between fingers but avoiding aggressive washing to preserve grain integrity and desirable stickiness. After rinsing, soak rice at room temperature for at least 30 minutes — up to an hour in cold weather — so water penetrates grains for even cooking. Drain and cook by preferred method; electric rice cookers are commonly used for consistent results.

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