How to Cook Rice

Learn how to cook rice that’s perfect every time. This is my go-to method for cooking fluffy rice on the stovetop, using the perfect rice-to-water ratio, 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 Rice Video

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 Ratios for White Rice

The best rice-to-water ratio for stovetop white rice is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. While the basic cooking method stays the same, the amount of water can vary slightly depending on the type of rice you use. Here’s a helpful rice-to-water chart:

Rice Variety	Water Ratio (per 1 cup rice)	Cook Time (Simmer)
Long Grain (Jasmine/Basmati)	1.5 cups	18 mins
Medium Grain (Calrose)	1.5 cups	18 mins
Short Grain (Sushi style)	1.25 cups	15 mins

These ratios are written for stovetop cooking. If you’re using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re looking for an Arborio recipe, try my Risotto. For brown rice, you’ll love my Instant Pot Rice Plov.

Do You Need to Rinse Rice Before Cooking?

• Soaking white rice for long periods is not necessary since it’s naturally soft and can result in mushy rice.
• Rinsing rice is a great idea for cleanliness to remove dust and to remove 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. Rinsing is critical to remove excess starch and produce a super fluffy cooked rice texture.
• Combine – in a medium saucepan, add rice, water, salt, and butter or oil (optional, but adds flavor), 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 and Fluff – 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 with a fork and serve.

How to Tell When Rice is Fully Cooked?

• Set a Timer: Set a kitchen timer for exactly 18 minutes; guessing or checking early will let crucial steam escape.
• Look for steam holes: You should see small steam pockets or “craters” on the surface when you lift the lid.
• Check the bottom: Gently push a fork to the bottom of the pot. If any water pools, cover it and let it rest off the heat for 5 more minutes.

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 rice-to-water ratio, i.e., 2 cups rice to 3 cups water. Crucial Tip: Keep the cook time at 18 mins, but use a larger saucepan so the rice has room to expand and doesn’t pack down and get gummy.

Why is My Rice Dry and How to Fix It

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
• Creamy Chicken and Rice