How to Cook Rice
Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it's so easy. To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice, (long, medium, or short grain rice)
- 2 cups filtered water, or use 1 3/4 cups for firmer individual grains
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, optional (or use olive oil)
Instructions
- Rinse your rice in a colander for 30-60 seconds or until the water runs clear then drain well.
- Combine - In a medium saucepan, add rice, water, salt and butter (if using) and bring to a boil over medium heat. Do not stir.
- Simmer - Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 18 minutes. You should hear faint simmering and hissing sounds while it's cooking. Don't open the lid.
- Rest - Remove the pan from the heat* and let it rest covered for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
*Can You Substitute Water When Cooking Rice? For more flavorful rice, you can substitute water with chicken stock, turkey stock, or vegetable broth as we do in our Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe. If substituting with stock, you will want to add less salt or salt to taste.
*Check for Doneness: I like to open the lid and check the rice after 18 minutes. If there is a little excess liquid, the rice should re-absorb it as it rests. If it seems too dry, add a drizzle of boiling hot water and stir in a pat of butter then cover and let it rest for perfectly moist rice. How to Freeze Cooked Rice: Having portioned rice in the freezer is great for quick weeknight meals like Shrimp Fried Rice. Frozen cooked rice can be heated directly from the freezer without thawing.
*Check for Doneness: I like to open the lid and check the rice after 18 minutes. If there is a little excess liquid, the rice should re-absorb it as it rests. If it seems too dry, add a drizzle of boiling hot water and stir in a pat of butter then cover and let it rest for perfectly moist rice. How to Freeze Cooked Rice: Having portioned rice in the freezer is great for quick weeknight meals like Shrimp Fried Rice. Frozen cooked rice can be heated directly from the freezer without thawing.
- Cook and Cool rice to room temperature.
- Portion into freezer-safe zip lock bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze, laying flat, for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To Reheat, remove from packaging, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of water over the rice and reheat portions covered in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
How to Cook Rice
Amount per Serving
Calories
194
% Daily Value*
Fat
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Cholesterol
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
324
mg
14
%
Potassium
53
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
37
g
12
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
89
IU
2
%
Calcium
17
mg
2
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
