<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Cooking rice perfectly can be challenging, but it's essential for achieving fluffy or crispy textures.Choosing the right type of rice, like jasmine for fried rice, is crucial for the desired outcome.Rinsing rice before cooking helps remove surface starch for better texture.Maintaining the correct water-to-rice ratio is key to prevent mushiness or dryness.Proper boiling, simmering, and resting of rice are important steps in the cooking process.Fluffing rice with a fork and cooling it on a baking sheet are recommended for optimal texture.To achieve a crispy bottom in fried rice, fry the rice with egg yolk before cooking.Local tips from Palatine emphasize simplicity and using day-old rice for the best results.Balancing flavors with sauces, veggies, and proteins is crucial to prevent soggy rice.Pali Pali Pizza in Palatine is known for its top-tier fried rice, offering a unique Korean-inspired twist.