Video: Atsushi's Way to Wash Rice Perfectly

Learn about the traditional Japanese breakfast and the essential method of washing and preparing rice for cooking. Join chef Atsushi Nakahigashi at Kajitsu restaurant and discover the fascinating techniques of Japanese cooking. Watch the video to see Atsushi's approach to washing rice, a crucial step in making a perfect Japanese breakfast.

Last night I helped my buddy Atsushi Nakahigashi, a chef at the award-winning Kajitsu, teach a packed class at the Brooklyn Kitchen about traditional Japanese breakfast. (A truly fantastic, fascinating, informative class -- great job, Atsushi!!) Of course, no Japanese breakfast is complete without a bowl of beautiful, steaming white rice, so one of the first things Atsushi did was demonstrate his way of washing, rehydrating, and resting rice for cooking. Grains of rice need to absorb just the right amount of moisture before cooking so they can steam properly (humidity is how heat travels in foods) -- so washing the rice is key. Back in January, I posted a video of Nobuko expertly washing rice. What was interesting to me last night was that Atsushi had a slightly different approach to achieving the same goal. So I wanted to post a video of his method, too, so you can check it out. Which way to wash rice? Up to you, both methods are terrific; in Japanese cooking (as in life), lots of ways to do something. Video follows below. Also, in the next few days I'll be posting all the recipes from the class!