How to cook rice?

To cook rice perfectly, here are the general steps and some variations based on different sources:

Basic Steps for Cooking Rice on the Stove

1. Rinse the Rice:

   • Rinsing the rice under cold running water helps remove excess starch and any dirt or grit, which can make the rice sticky. However, some recipes do not require rinsing5.
   • Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice134.

2. Measure the Water and Rice:

   • The most commonly recommended ratio for long-grain white rice is 1 cup of uncooked rice to 1.5 cups of water145.
   • Some recipes suggest a 2:1 water to rice ratio, especially for larger batches or different types of rice23.

3. Bring the Water to a Boil:

   • Add the measured water to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. You can add a teaspoon of butter or olive oil to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot and for flavor125.

4. Add the Rice:

   • Once the water is boiling, stir in the rice. If using salt or additional flavorings, add them now123.

5. Reduce Heat and Cover:

   • Immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. The goal is to maintain a very low simmer124.

6. Cook the Rice:

   • Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. The exact time can vary slightly depending on the method and quantity of rice:
     • 15 minutes for a basic method1.
     • 17-25 minutes for larger quantities or to ensure all liquid is absorbed2.
     • 20 minutes for another consistent method4.

7. Let the Rice Rest:

   • After the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy125.

8. Fluff the Rice:

   • Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, spoon, or spatula to separate the grains125.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Peeking: Resist the urge to lift the lid during the cooking and resting time to keep the steam trapped inside the pot134.
• Use the Right Heat: Ensure the heat is very low to prevent the rice from burning or becoming mushy124.
• Optional: Toasting the Rice: For some types of rice, toasting the rice in a bit of oil or butter before adding the water can enhance the flavor and texture3.

By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy white rice.