@marathon Actually nvm, I actually remember now frying dried rice first as part of a recipie, though its been ages, and when i did it it didnt "pop". Though it was white rice and perhaps using wild race with the husk on might get it to pop in the same way popcorn does.

But yea when you fry dried rice thats the first step in making rice pilaf, first you fry the dried rice until it browns then you add water to cook it. Still needs water though and just frying it alone wont make it edible.