How does soaked rice differ when cooking different varieties?

Effects of soaking rice

Soaking hydrates grains and shortens cooking time; it can make rice fluffier and help basmati expand more for long, separate grains. Short-grain rice tends to need less soaking since it cooks faster. Soaking brown and wild rices helps reduce cooking time significantly.

• Basmati benefits most from 20–30 minutes of soaking
• Brown and wild rice soak 30–60 minutes
• Short-grain sushi rice needs minimal soaking

Adjust water and cooking time after soaking. Soaking also helps remove surface starch and can improve texture in many varieties.