Are you supposed to stir rice when it is cooking?

* Sticking: Stirring can break up the rice grains, causing them to release more starch and become sticky.

* Uneven Cooking: Stirring can disrupt the even distribution of heat, leading to some grains being overcooked while others are undercooked.

* Moisture Loss: Stirring can cause excess moisture to evaporate, making the rice dry and crumbly.

Exceptions:

* Fried Rice: Stirring is essential for fried rice, as you're mixing the rice with other ingredients.

* Initial Stir: You may stir the rice briefly at the beginning of cooking to ensure even distribution.

* Specific Recipes: Some recipes, like risotto, require constant stirring throughout the cooking process.

General Rule: For most rice cooking methods, it's best to leave the rice undisturbed after the initial stir. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the water properly, resulting in fluffy and delicious rice.