Think of leftover rice as a tiny, shriveled sponge. All the steam that made it fluffy has fled the scene, leaving it dry and clumped together. Your job is to trick it into thinking it’s fresh out of the pot again.
The number one enemy here is the microwave, because it’s lazy. If you just blast cold rice for two minutes, you get a rubbery, crunchy mess that tastes like regret. Never do that. It’s like microwaving a steak—technically possible, but morally wrong.
Instead, you need to add a little humidity. A splash of water, a damp paper towel, or even a few ice cubes will save the day. Trust me, your future self will thank you.