Cleaning Burnt Rice

Is there really anything more annoying and difficult to clean than burnt rice from a pan? Cleaning burnt rice is something that everyone will have to do at sometime in their life. If you already have, then you know just how difficult it can be. If you haven't yet don't worry, your time will come. Instead of throwing your hands up in disgust when this happens though, try these sure fire methods for getting rid of that nasty gunk.

• Soak. Perhaps one of the most traditional methods for cleaning burnt rice is to allow the pot to soak for a while. Place some hot soapy water into the pot or pan, and allow it to cool. After the water has reached room temperature, the rice should have loosened enough that you can easily scrape it off. There are times though that this method will have to be used more than once. If, after washing, you find that there is still rice stuck to the pot, repeat the process until the rice is completely removed.
• Baking soda. Another method for cleaning burnt rice would be to add about three tablespoons of baking soda (also known as Bicarbonate Sodium) to some water in the pot. Place the pot back onto the stove, and heat the water to boiling. Allow the water to boil for roughly three minutes and then remove from the heat. Scrape off the gunk at the bottom of the pan, and then wash as normal.
• Boiling. There are times when you may not have any baking soda to add to the water. When this happens, in order to clean burnt rice, simply add a little bit of soap to the water and bring the water to a boil. Instead of three minutes, allow the water to boil for five minutes before you remove it from heat. Once again, scrape the bottom of the pan free of any stuck on food, and wash as normal.
• Low simmer. If you don't want to use any baking soda or even any dish washing soap, you could also use vinegar. Add roughly two tablespoons of white vinegar to two cups of water, and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and allow the pot to "cook" for about ten minutes. Scrape off the bottom of the pan, and then wash as normal.