How to Cook Rice

Learn how to cook rice that’s perfect every time. This is my go-to method for fluffy rice, and it doesn’t get any easier – all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

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How to Cook White Rice Video Tutorial

In my video tutorial, I’ll show you my tried-and-true method for cooking white rice on the stovetop. It’s not just about getting proportions right; the right method is KEY to getting the fluffiest, perfectly cooked rice that’s never dry or mushy.

This is a recipe everyone should have in their recipe repertoire. It’s perfect for any recipe that calls for cooked white rice, like Chicken Fried Rice or saucy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.

Best Rice-to-Water Ratio for White Rice

For long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain white rice cooked on the stovetop, the same ratio works well. Keep in mind that rice cookers require slightly less water, and shorter-grain rice will be naturally more tender and sticky due to a higher starch content. If you’re looking for an Arborio recipe, try my Risotto. For brown rice, you’ll love my Instant Pot Rice Plov.

• 1 cup white rice to 2 cups water
  (Use 1 3/4 cups water for firmer individual grains)

Should You Rinse or Soak White Rice?

• Soaking white rice for long periods is not necessary as it is naturally soft and can result in mushy rice.
• Rinsing rice is a great idea for cleanliness to remove dust, chemicals, bugs, and debris. It also removes excess starch, ensuring the rice has a fluffy texture with separated kernels.

How to Rinse Rice Before Cooking

Place rice in a fine mesh colander and rinse 30-60 seconds, gently shaking it, until the water runs clear underneath. Drain well in the colander before cooking.

How to Cook Rice on the Stovetop

• Rinse the rice and drain it well so the water-to-rice ratio remains accurate.
• In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, salt, and butter (if using) and bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Simmer – Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 18 minutes. You should hear a faint hissing sound. Do not lift the lid! Keeping the lid on prevents steam from escaping, which is crucial for fluffy rice.
• Rest – Remove from heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure moisture redistributes and cooks the center of each grain without getting mushy.
• Fluff – gently fluff with a fork instead of stirring so your rice doesn’t get mushy.

How to Tell When Rice is Fully Cooked?

• Set a Timer: For consistent, perfectly cooked rice every time, my best advice is to set a timer while cooking. Fully cooked rice will be fluffy and tender throughout.
• Listen for Simmering Sounds: You should hear the rice simmer and hiss while the lid is on and when the sounds stop, the rice has absorbed the water and should be removed from heat.
• Water is Absorbed: When you take off the lid, fluff with the fork, and you should not see any pooling of water at the bottom. If you see any water, cover with the lid and let it rest 5-10 minutes off the heat until the water is fully absorbed.

How to Double the Recipe Without Changing Texture

1 cup of uncooked rice will yield about 3 cups of cooked rice. To double the recipe, use the same 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, i.e., 2 cups rice to 4 cups water. When scaling up, use a pot that is large enough for the rice to expand as it cooks. Keep the cooking time the same.

What if my rice looks dried out?

If your heat is too high or your lid wasn’t tight enough, the moisture can evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry rice. If your rice seems dry, drizzle in 2 to 4 Tablespoons of boiling water, cover with the lid, and let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes. The rice will absorb the water and will become moist and fluffy.

Learning how to cook perfect white rice is so easy, and this is one of those staple lunch or dinner recipes you’ll memorize and make over and over. It’s so versatile, from Arancini Rice Balls to Shrimp Fried Rice, or paired with Baked Chicken Breast for an easy dinner.

Easy Rice Recipes to Try Next

Rice is so versatile and easy to cook, which is why it’s one of my favorite grains to cook for dinner. If you love rice as much as we do, you’ll love these tasty rice dishes.

• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Chicken and Rice Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
• Mushroom Rice Pilaf
• Parsley Rice
• Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
• Fish Taco Bowls
• Apple Rice Pudding