Here are the most common reasons that your rice pilaf is mushy: Too much liquid: Adding too much liquid to the rice will make it mushy and overcooked. For parboiled long-grain rice the usual ratio is 1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup of rice. Not the right type of rice: For an authentic pilaf, a long-grain rice variety should be used. Using risotto rice, sushi rice or another kind of rice can result in mushy, sticky rice. Not using parboiled rice: parboiled rice has been partially boiled in the husk, a procedure which helps it remain fluffy and separated. The rice was not rinsed before cooking: Rinsing the rice before cooking gets rid of excess starch which can cause the rice to look mushy.