Prep Tools

Rice Paddle

Flat scoop that fluffs and serves rice without crushing

A flat, wide paddle for fluffing and serving cooked rice without smashing the grains. The shape folds and cuts through rice rather than pressing it. A quick dip in water keeps sticky rice from clinging to it.

A rice paddle is a flat, wide paddle for fluffing and serving cooked rice without crushing the grains. Its shape lets you fold and cut through the rice rather than press it into a paste. A quick dip in water keeps sticky rice from clinging to it — the simplest trick that makes it work.

Types & varieties

Plastic shamoji

The common rice-cooker paddle, often dimpled so rice won't stick; cheap and effective.

Bamboo / wooden paddle

Traditional and gentle on grains; needs hand-washing and won't react with vinegar.

Silicone paddle

Flexible, nonstick-safe, and easy to clean — good for nonstick pots.

Fluff, don't stir

Cooked rice is delicate, and stirring crushes the grains into a sticky mass. The paddle's flat blade lets you slice down to the bottom, lift, and fold in a cutting motion that separates grains and lets steam escape. Let the rice rest covered first, then fluff gently right before serving.

Cut and fold, don't stir or press
Let rice rest covered before fluffing
Wet the paddle so sticky rice releases
Fold sushi rice with vinegar using a cutting motion while it cools

Common uses

Fluffing steamed white and brown riceServing rice without crushing the grainsFolding vinegar into sushi riceMixing and serving grain bowlsScooping sticky rice and risotto