Have you ever made rice that came out super sticky and clumpy—even though you followed every step? I used to think it was just me or my rice cooker. But nope, turns out there's a ridiculously easy way to fix it… and all it takes is a little oil.

Trust me, once I started doing this, my rice became so fluffy, so fragrant, and each grain stayed perfectly separate. It's now one of my favorite kitchen tricks!

The sticky rice struggle

Before I learned this tip, my rice always turned out a bit too wet or mushy. I'd fluff it with a fork, try rinsing the rice extra times, even experimented with different water levels. Still, it often ended up in a sticky mess.

And let's be honest — clumpy rice isn't great if you're making fried rice, meal prep bowls, or anything where texture matters. I just wanted rice like they make at good restaurants: light, fluffy, and not sticking to itself like glue.

The game changer: just a drop of oil!

Here's what I do now — super simple:

1. Wash your rice like usual (I rinse mine 2–3 times)

2. Add the right amount of water for your rice type

3. Drizzle in about ½ to 1 teaspoon of oil (I usually use olive oil or sunflower oil)

4. Give it a quick stir and cook like normal

That's it! The oil coats each grain lightly so they don't clump together while cooking. It also adds a subtle richness and enhances the natural aroma.

Why it works

Oil adds a bit of lubrication between the rice grains as they cook, preventing them from sticking. Plus, it gives your rice a gorgeous sheen and a little extra flavor — without being greasy.

It's especially helpful if you're using a rice cooker or cooking larger batches. No more scraping the bottom or ending up with a big rice blob!

Bonus tips for next-level rice

• Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor

• Toss in a pandan leaf (if you have it!) for natural fragrance

• Mix in a tiny piece of butter instead of oil if you want a richer taste

Let's make rice better together

Next time you're cooking rice, try this tiny oil trick and let me know if it works for you! I swear it's made my everyday meals feel a little fancier.

Do you have a go-to rice tip or secret ingredient? Share it in the comments — I'd love to hear what you've discovered in your own kitchen! Let's level up those bowls, one grain at a time.