The first meal I’ve ever made for myself
Posted by PixelCube_@reddit | shittyfoodporn | View on Reddit | 135 comments
I was terrified the entire time!
How do I get the rice out of the pot it’s my roommate’s
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Edit: I cleaned out the pot
Tight_Perception8641@reddit
For next time, you can fill it up with water and boil it on low heat to help the rice come off easier. Then scrub scrub scrub
hey_im_cool@reddit
The rice should never get stuck to the pot in the first place
Instead, for next time, cook the rice in a way that won’t lead to it sticking to the pot:
Pryonic@reddit
you forgot the most important part.
ooojaeger@reddit
What about, use a rice cooker it cooks better and is easier?
hey_im_cool@reddit
Rice comes out amazing in a pot and is incredibly easy. No reason to get a dedicated appliance unless you’re making rice 5 times a week
schmitzel88@reddit
You still want to rinse (and probably soak) your rice anyways for better results. My rice cooker even says to do this.
Mtnbkr92@reddit
Well, yes, (in which case you’ll probably still want to rinse the rice anyway)
SrCallum@reddit
I think it's just the pan, I have the same one (cheap from Walmart) and it just really sucks. Super thin bottom, it always sticks and browns when I make rice but I like to think it adds some nice aromas you might not otherwise get.
siraliases@reddit
If that's stainless like i think it is, you could probably just rip the heat and release it and make some sweet onions with the leftovers
SrCallum@reddit
Oooh man that's a good idea
CloudCalmaster@reddit
the finger method works better than 1:2 imo
pippitypoop@reddit
1:2 for white rice 1:1.5 for Jasmine
wiggibow@reddit
That's very unnecessary for just some stuck on rice, it does not look burnt or scorched at all. Scrape what you can then soak in dish soap for a bit, it'll scrub right off.
This is good advice for a very badly burnt pan though, you can add a bit of dish soap or vinegar when you boil it too for extra power.
Source: I was as a dishwasher for many years and have worked in commercial kitchens for over a decade.
WeirdSysAdmin@reddit
Add some salt to the water too. Don’t scrub with the salt because it will scratch up your pan but it’s essentially a mild abrasive inside the water while it’s boiling and moving the salt particles around.
Jar_Jar_Cans@reddit
For stainless steel pans you can put dish soap right nThere while it’s still hot, and put in water too. It will loosen all that up. Don’t do that with non-stick though
NotDazedorConfused@reddit
A 1000 mile journey begins with the first step… next time put just a little more water in the pan, a dash of salt and turn the burner down to just a slight simmer. And don’t forget the lid !
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Those are the exact things I did 😭 I don’t think I should put more water in the pot if it was already overflowing
Scrivener83@reddit
All you white people trying to cook rice in pots.....
Here's how you cook rice:
1) Go to the store and buy a $10 rice cooker (Tiger brand rice cookers are amazing value).
2) wash rice in cold water
3) add rice to rice cooker
4) add water to rice. The water should reach the first knuckle on your middle finger when your fingertip is touching the rice. (This is ancient Chinese measuring technique)
5) add salt to taste
6) press the cook button on the rice cooker (there should literally only be 1 button).
7) wait for beep/click/tone, and consume rice.
QuixotesGhost96@reddit
<- White person with a question.
Are you supposed to wash brown rice? Whenever I do it the water doesn't get cloudy, so I assume there's no point.
Scrivener83@reddit
It's always good to rinse rice, as it can be dirty and include stones and other debris (this applies mostly if you're buying the big 50 lbs bags from the ethnic food stores--less of an issue if you buy the little bags at the grocery store).
Although to be honest, I have never eaten brown rice in my entire life. I think my grandma would have beat me with her wooden spoon for even suggesting we eat brown rice :-)
SrCallum@reddit
I don't think there's much free starch on brown rice, the hull contains it all. Probably not much of a point unless it's dirty.
CloudCalmaster@reddit
and it is usually dirty
poontangpooter@reddit
Get a rice cooker you won't have to think and worry about
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Thanks but no thanks, not interested in buying one
poontangpooter@reddit
Considering how much anxiety you have over cooking basic rice according to your post history it seems worthwhile, they're in secondhand shops all the time, but you do you homie
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
It’s an overall cooking aversion, not specific to rice unfortunately
Exrczms@reddit
There's a woman on tiktok who does rice cooker meals. They look absolutely delicious and don't require much work or any cooking skills, maybe that could be something for you if you have this aversion. It's extremely hard to mess things up in a rice cooker, so it could give you an easy way to make nice meals
Sargash@reddit
It's not cooking if it's hands off! For example, an instant pot: 2 cups of rice, 2 cups of water, 4 minutes manual. when it's done you wait another 10 minutes for the warm clock to hit 10 for the natural release and its done. You literally just press one button.
poontangpooter@reddit
I also hate cooking. That's why I love all these machines. Highly recommend an instant pot that doubles as an air fryer. Set it and forget it type machines make for the easiest low stress cooking.
TheDevilishFrenchfry@reddit
A great next step is taking some rotisserie store chicken and cutting it up in some bite sized chunks, and if you want a sauce you can make your own, but it's also pretty easy to get some store brand teriyaki and coat the chicken in it, if you want to get really fancy you can throw the coated chickened under a broiler for a few minutes on one side to purposely crisp the outside a bit, you want to do this in a very high temp pan or broiler though cause you're looking to just crisp the outside a bit and not actually cook the chicken anymore internally. I also usually pan fry some mixed vegetables with some salt to go on the side, pretty simple and easy quick meal, if you like gravy too most stores sell powdered gravy which is pretty easy, just follow the package instructions or sometimes a little less water to have It a little thicker.
Less_Pineapple7800@reddit
Come on bro he just eats rice, white
TheDevilishFrenchfry@reddit
Good way to get nutritional imbalance. Protein, fiber and carbs with a little fat should be the goal, if you can get them.
Less_Pineapple7800@reddit
Apparently he can't get them so I don't want him to feel bad. I wish I could at least give him an egg!
SrCallum@reddit
Side note: take a look at the ingredients for rotisserie chicken, they often inject them with lots of stuff you might not want depending on your personal tolerance for processed ingredients.
TheDevilishFrenchfry@reddit
I know, whole uncooked processed "organic" chicken is the best route, but I also was throwing in a simple and cheap protein that op or others can work with to make a easy first couple meals. They're always a loss leader at most stores and for 4-6 bucks you can get over 1000 calories of chicken with a high protein count. Sometimes you just have to work with what's available in your price range, while not great it's just sometimes what's necessary. There are other cheap cuts of pork and ground beef and the like, and pork isn't generally too difficult to cook, and ground beef is almost impossible to mess up unless you just completely scorch it into charcoal bricks from not watching and stirring.
tomwhoiscontrary@reddit
I would say use less water. I didn't learn to cook rice until i went to university, and when i did, i learned the Delia Smith method. Heat a little oil in a pan, add one measure of rice and stir to coat, add two measures of water, bring to the boil, lower the heat, cover, and leave, untouched, for fifteen minutes. It's easy and it makes great rice.
SrCallum@reddit
This sounds like a good method I'll have to try that out. Kinda similar to making risotto.
Rhodin265@reddit
Make less at a time, then. You don’t HAVE to cook a whole cup of rice every time. You could do half a cup of rice and one cup of water.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Sorry I was just following the instructions on the bag
Visual-Floor-7839@reddit
The difference between perfect rice and a layer of rice stuck to the bottom is, usually, about a 30-60 second window. It's all good, you did well. It's not burned and will easily scrub off with a little bit of work. This is the equivalent of going on your first bike ride and while you did wobble a bit, you didn't fall down andyou got to your destination.
NotDazedorConfused@reddit
Yikes! Next time, just put enough water to cover the rice about an inch or so. Rice is tough to cook right, takes practice. However, if you have the resources and space an electric rice cooker is the ticket. You can also make soups and kinds of things in a rice cooker.
IllustratorMurky2725@reddit
And use the oven timer if you got one on your stove. Put the rice in at a boil and then cover. Stir once mid cook and maybe add a dollop of butter with the rice…
FlobyToberson85@reddit
It makes me sad that your parents/guardian didn't bother to teach you basic life skills. But you did a good job! YouTube is your friend. You can learn how to cook or clean just about anything!
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
No they didn’t, dad didn’t want me and got stuck with me. He tried teaching me to bake but that ended in him yelling and me crying
joseaof@reddit
My gf had a similar experience growing up. She ended up learning to cook because they made her cook for the whole family for all her early life (In a very abusive way). Now she knows how to do it, but hates to cook. I on the other hand, had a very positive learning experience growing up and I love cooking.
Im happy to do all the food in the house, but I wish she didn't have to carry that with her.
It's great that you are trying new things. Don't get disapointed when it doesn't come out the way you wanted, the best way to learn is to make mistakes.
Keep trying and have fun with the learning part.
I would love to see what you try next.
Zamrayz@reddit
I think we can all safely say your dad is or was a POS. You survived though, and now you're grown up enough to tackle life's necessary evils on your own with confidence rather than someone hanging over your shoulder with unrealistic expectations or other pressuring, negative things.
Power through all this next and you'll start breezing through like the chore it is. It'll get easier with time. Eventually, you'll be able to make things you actually enjoy by the time you're comfortable, that I can absolutely, 1000% promise.
I have PTSD from similar, scary situations and things people ruined for me, but I still try to do stuff anyway. I sorta understand, I think.
FlobyToberson85@reddit
I'm so sorry to hear. You can do this! It doesn't have to be scary. And remember, even if you mess up while cooking, it's not the end of the world. No need to be scared. The worst that happens is you throw it away and try again (or order takeout). Pay attention so you don't start a fire, but other than that it's low stakes. I believe in you!
KelVelBurgerGoon@reddit
This is hilarious and sad.
BodegaBum-@reddit
I invested 20 dollars in a little rice cooker. It’s not fancy at all but it does the job.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
I’m not looking to buy one
Almost80sBabee@reddit
Okay be like that.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Huh??
hanami_doggo@reddit
Outside perspective: your comment appears dismissive. They offered you an idea and you dismissed it out of pocket without even a thanks. Just a small thing, and it likely didn’t even register to you but that’s typically how a conversation works.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Oh. I didn’t see it like that I’m sorry. I just saw it as, this is a post showcasing my bad cooking, but I didn’t ask for help, so why are people offering help? Sorry for the confusion.
hanami_doggo@reddit
Personally, it’s not surprising to see people offer help and advice to someone struggling with something. People are good at their core and want to help their neighbor.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Okay. Thanks for the info
Skweril@reddit
You sound exhausting.
hanami_doggo@reddit
Oh god I’m glad it wasn’t just me.
kgore@reddit
Best 20 bucks you can spend. Perfect life every time. It’s probably my favorite kitchen appliance.
Shravan9432@reddit
Also steaming the rice helps, once it's cooked and you see a tiny bit of water at the bottom, take it off the heat and cover it with a lid for 5-10 mins. Makes the rice nice and fluffy and you won't have anything sticking to the bottom. You don't need oil etc for it. I also recommend a pinch of turmeric and cinnamon powder, makes it very flavourful if you get bored of white rice.
Stylesomega@reddit
Scrub
xiedian@reddit
you don’t have to insult him like that, he’s just asking a question
Positive-Attempt-435@reddit
He's literally hanging out the passenger side of his best friends ride...trying to holler at me.
Omega_Lynx@reddit
I don’t see them hanging outside the passenger side of their best friend’s ride tryin to holler at me.
Monimonika18@reddit
Then rinse. Feel around all of the inside of pot for stuck on bits. Focusing on scrubbing those areas again. Use your fingernails if need be. Repeat rinsing, feeling around, and scrubbing until there are no more stuck bits. Final rinse.
Punny_Farting_1877@reddit
You can always use other liquids to cook rice, or to add to your rice water. Vegetable broth, chicken broth, lime juice, bouillon mix, lots of stuff. Just replace a little of your water with the liquid.
NoWall99@reddit
Instructions unclear, boiled my rice on lime juice only.
februarytide-@reddit
This! OP, upgrade your life and blow your mind by using boxed chicken stock next time.
Punny_Farting_1877@reddit
I get all hepped up on dried parsley flakes ground fine by my thumb and forefinger.
redfalcondeath@reddit
I didn’t know how to cook anything past microwaved Ramen Noodles when I was 19-20 years old, then I worked my way from a dishwasher to a cook and did that for 10 years. Now I can cook anything I want. Just takes lots of practice and failing a ton.
Larokan@reddit
Hey, great first steps! I learned to cook completely from youtube tutorials, following them with the highest precision possible. There are many great creators who have recipes + tutorials for absolute beginners:) keep it up!!
Powrs1ave@reddit
You will win Most Improved at end of year, I have no doubt!
sailorhavoc@reddit
that’s just rice
Outside_Soggy@reddit
Yay! You didn’t burn it! Woohoo!!
But seriously, if you ever put too much water, congrats you made yourself some congee! :)
Visual-Floor-7839@reddit
90% of the rice was edible. Honestly, well done for your first meal.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
90? I ate all of it though :(
Visual-Floor-7839@reddit
I'm counting the 10% stuck to the pan. But even them it's not burned. 90 is a rough estimation on my part.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
Oh I see lol
moileduge@reddit
People still love that 10% stuck to the pan. In Puerto Rico is called "pegao" and "concon" in the Dominican Republic.
seN_08@reddit
Put water in the pot bring it back to a boil . Let it sit and come back to it when it cools down and you don’t need to scrub
lipschitzzzzz@reddit
Go on yourself! Well done for giving it a go
Dragon_OS@reddit
Cheers to a new beginning. I recommend the earlier videos from Binging with Babish, particularly the Basics with Babish series.
Disastrous-Wing699@reddit
I know this problem is already solved, and you're not interested in advice, but for anyone who might care the rice on the bottom of the pot can be turned into 'tea' by pouring in a cup or two of water into the empty pot and bringing it back to a simmer. Then, pour the water into waiting tea cups. In Korean cooking, this is called 'scorched rice tea'. Makes use of the stuck on rice, and makes the pot easier to clean.
HopelessSoup@reddit
Hey, congratulations! It’s everyone’s first time doing something. Best of luck in your future cooking journey :)
Sproose_Moose@reddit
That's really sweet
1egg_4u@reddit
Everybody has to start somewhere OP
Eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches are a good next step, and pancakes . Those were all the first things I learned to make, and spaghetti noodles with canned sauce.
You got this. Honestly the more you do it the easier it gets.
SrCallum@reddit
Look up the proper way to make spaghetti, tossing it in the pan over heat with the sauce and a bit of the pasta water. You could even boil the spaghetti directly in the pan though that might take a bit more experience. Also don't be afraid to add some more seasonings, tomato paste, fresh garlic etc. to your sauce to make it better.
Soupfan323@reddit
I’ve been making rice for years and sometimes it still comes out like this
SrCallum@reddit
Honestly I don't mind it browning, I think it adds some nice aromas and rice is cheap.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
? Wdym ‘like this’?
Soupfan323@reddit
Like I over or underestimate the amount of water and then it burns on the bottom of the pan like in your second pic
Soupfan323@reddit
Or sometimes the water is right and rice is good but still burnt on the bottom 🤷♀️
Zamrayz@reddit
This. This happens to me a lot. I have to keep a specific tool around just to scrape it out every time
dtxucker@reddit
First time i cooked for myself i made tacos and it didn't even cross my mind to season the meat.
lavenderkajukatli@reddit
If it makes you feel better, I once put rice on the gas, went to take a bath, and came out to find both my vessels burnt. I'd set up a double boiler. I still don't know how long I bathed that day.
Moto_Glitch@reddit
Making rice is a essential skill that will last you forever, good choice.
TelephoneMain9819@reddit
Ngl that rice looks phenomenal for a first time
Barndogal@reddit
Food can be like art. Don’t freak out over getting it wrong, it’s just practice. You’ll get better.
Ilickedthecinnabar@reddit
Highly recommend getting a rice cooker. One of those little life changers - they have a range of sizes and most don't cost an arm and a leg, hard to screw up rice with one, and some can be used for more than just cooking rice.
samurguybri@reddit
Good start! Looks edible. Add a pat of butter and a few drops of soy sauce and you have butter risu!
marvin676@reddit
This may be just plain rice but it is not shitty enough to be in this sub. You did too good of a job cooking it. Don't try so hard next time.
AnalyticalFox@reddit
Good job! one step at a time. You were scared and you did it anyway, and nothing bad happened! So that means if you do it again you know you can succeed. 🙂
Disastrous-Plum-1884@reddit
We all start somewhere. Good job! My first meal was mac n cheese.
Infinite_Factor_6269@reddit
grathepic@reddit
To stop rice from sticking get it to boil and stir the bottom of the pot, then add the lid, and then turn down the tempature. I think most rice bags have it as part of the instructions.
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
The instructions included all of what you said except the stirring part. And tbh I was too scared to do that
DarTouiee@reddit
Idk where you're based but I got a (used) rice cooker on Vinted for £5. You'll never fuck up the rice and the cleanup is easy. Fry some chicken and some broc while the rice cooks and you've got a healthy and delicious meal. With some chili oil and soy sauce of course.
Safe-Magazine-244@reddit
I put a couple of tablespoons of olive oil 8n the water, it adds a little flavor abd helps it not stick.
HotTopicMallRat@reddit
My first meal was rice too!
mshell1924@reddit
Classic! My first batch of rice looked exactly like that, way back when.
You'll get there, and you'll find that, every time you cook, the food will be better than the last time!
A_Aub@reddit
I don't know why but I find this incredibly cute. Good job!
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
What’s cute about it??
A_Aub@reddit
I don't know!
honeyedglam@reddit
You're streets ahead of my mother's best friend who, at 77, still can't cook rice.
Arikan89@reddit
Soak the pot for an hour or two. Scrub it good, you’ll be fine.
Congrats cooking your first meal!
fyhr100@reddit
Add some sauce and I'd totally eat it!
Chestlookeratter@reddit
No corn?
Less_Pineapple7800@reddit
😆🤢
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
don’t have any
AsleepInteraction882@reddit
There's a start to everything...
Equinsu-0cha@reddit
Soak it in water and dish soap. It will dislodge.
deppresio@reddit
Good for you! Stick with it, it becomes very rewarding once you get the hang of it.
butler_guy101@reddit
Now add steak
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
No thank you 😭
gd2121@reddit
we all gotta start somewhere big dog
nehla01@reddit
welcome to cooking! i hope you enjoy the ride. rice looks great! i remember the first time i made rice, it was more like porridge ahahah🩵🩵
PixelCube_@reddit (OP)
I did not enjoy the ride, do not want to go on again 😭
nehla01@reddit
😭😭 please keep going!! youll get so much better!
GoarSpewerofSecrets@reddit
Rinse the rice. Then use a knuckle worth of water in the pot. Make sure to fluff.
ptahbaphomet@reddit
Took me yrs to learn to cook rice and I have a rice cooker. Make rice in a skillet not a pot, nonstick is the way to go. I use my rice cooker for plain rice. Spanish and cilantro lime along with jasmine I cook in a skillet to get that roasted rice before adding water
Breadstix009@reddit
If you enjoyed it, just buy a decent rice maker. Will make the rice perfectly every time and no effort from your part, leaving you free to make a fantastic curry to go along with it
neilhattrickparis978@reddit
try this next, simple ingredients and only uses one pot to cook in. The whole website is pretty easy recipes with ingredients that are crazy / can be substituted
https://www.budgetbytes.com/unstuffed-bell-peppers/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20483177487&utm_content=671098593268&utm_term=&gad_source=1
600lbkachoobie@reddit
Let it soak brother
glas_haus1111@reddit
Water dish soap and a spoon