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How to cook white rice perfectly every time. Step by step directions for fail proof white rice.
Rice is one of the most versatile and reliable side dishes around. We make rice a few times a week in our house to go with stir fries, curries, taco bowls, and more, or just as a simple side dish for whatever protein is on the menu.
Despite being such a simple dish, many people have trouble cooking rice that is well seasoned and perfectly fluffy. Instead they end up with gummy, mushy and under seasoned rice which is always a disappointment.
Tips for making white rice on the stovetop without a rice cooker
Many people think that a rice cooker is necessary to make perfect rice, but it definitely is not. I grew up with my mom cooking rice in a pot on the stove, and this is always how I have done it as well. All you need to make rice is a small sauce pan with a tight fitting lid, and a mesh strainer helps as well.
- Use the right sized pan – if you use a pan that is too big, the water will evaporate too quickly and the rice will be crunchy. I find that for making one up of rice, a 2.5 quart saucepan with a lid works best.
- Rinse your rice – this removes extra starch that can make the rice gummy. Use a fine mesh strainer to make this easy.
- Use the right rice to water ratio – for long grain white rice I use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups water.
- Add salt – add salt to the water before you bring it to a boil. Your rice will turn out perfectly seasoned.
How to cook perfect white rice Step by Step
- Using a small (2.5 quart) saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water and 1/2 a teaspoon kosher salt to a boil.
- Meanwhile, add one cup of dry long grain white rice to a mesh strainer. Rinse rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Allow excess water to drain.
- When water has reached a boil, add the rice, give a quick stir to make sure all rice is submerged, then replace the lid.
- Allow the water to come back to a simmer, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting.
- Cook rice on low for 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat, remove the lid. then place a clean dish towel over the pot and replace the lid over the dishtowel.
- Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid and dish towel, fluff with a fork and serve.
Helpful Equipment
What to serve with Rice
- Sesame Chicken
- Garlic Butter Salmon
- Sesame Ginger Steak Skewers
- Honey Garlic Pork Stir Fry
- Ground Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry
How to cook long grain white rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice such as Jasmine or Basmati
- 1.5 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt I use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt.
Instructions
- Using a small (2.5 quart) saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water and 1/2 a teaspoon kosher salt to a boil.
- Meanwhile, add one cup of dry long grain white rice to a mesh strainer. Rinse rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Allow excess water to drain.
- When water has reached a boil, add the rice, give a quick stir to make sure all rice is submerged, then replace the lid.
- Allow the water to come back to a simmer, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting.
- Cook rice on low for 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat, remove the lid. then place a clean dish towel over the pot and replace the lid over the dishtowel.
- Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid and dish towel, fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
