Dropping an Ice Cube into a Boiling Soup Pot – A Seemingly Meaningless Act
The ice cubes in your household freezer actually have many useful applications in cooking.
Cooking is an essential daily task for almost every family. Beyond basic methods, many chefs point out that small tricks using simple ingredients can yield surprisingly effective results in the kitchen.
One such trick is dropping an ice cube into a pot of boiling soup. Many people assume this is a meaningless action or simply helps the soup cool down faster. However, that is not the case.
Professional cooks explain that the biggest benefit of adding ice cubes to boiling soup is to absorb excess oil. The oil quickly clings to the ice, helping to reduce excessive greasiness or overly strong seasoning in the soup. Simply drop an ice cube into the pot, then quickly remove it with a spoon or ladle.
Additionally, some believe that adding ice cubes to boiling soup can help tenderize meat and shorten the simmering time. To do this, cook the soup with meat or bones as usual, wait until the soup boils, then drop in an ice cube and cover the pot. Continue cooking until the water reaches a boil again.
In Japan, homemakers and chefs often drop ice cubes into rice cookers, vegetable pots, or bowls of onions, each serving a different culinary purpose.
Other Uses of Ice Cubes in Cooking 1. Making Rice More DeliciousAs mentioned above, many Japanese people have a habit of adding one or two ice cubes to their rice cooker. This practice is not random; it serves a specific purpose. Adding ice slows down the absorption of water by the rice, resulting in a final texture that is softer, more fragrant, and not overly sticky or mushy.
Additionally, ice cubes can extend the time during which the enzymes that control sweetness remain active. Typically, these enzymes stop working at around 80°C (176°F), so using ice helps regulate the sweetness of the rice.
To apply this trick, follow these steps: After rinsing the rice, add water as usual, then drop 2–3 ice cubes into the pot. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before turning on the rice cooker.
You can also use this trick with leftover rice. Simply fluff the rice, add a few ice cubes, close the lid, and press the cook or reheat button. As the ice melts, it releases water that gradually moistens the rice, making it soft and fluffy as if freshly cooked.
2. Keeping Boiled Vegetables CrispyMany people struggle to keep boiled vegetables crisp and vibrant. Ice cubes can help solve this problem.
After boiling vegetables, immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water and let them cool completely. This technique helps retain their crisp texture and natural bright green color, making them more visually appealing and delicious.
3. Reducing the Pungent Smell of OnionsOnions are a staple ingredient in many dishes and offer numerous health benefits. However, their strong, pungent smell can be off-putting for some people.
A simple trick to reduce the sharp odor of onions is to soak them in ice water before or after slicing. Let the onions sit in ice water for about 30 minutes, then drain them before use. This will help mellow their strong taste while preserving their crunch.
