Rice problems, diagnosed

Mushy rice usually means the grains absorbed more water than needed or stayed in a wet cooking environment too long. First distinguish truly mushy grains from rice that is merely sticky or gummy.

Sticky rice is not automatically overcooked rice. First identify the variety: short- and medium-grain rice naturally cling more than long-grain rice. If long-grain rice is sticking when you expected separate grains, then check surface starch, water measurement, agitation and cooking method.