How to Achieve Perfectly Fluffy Rice Every Single Time

The Starting Point
9 Jan, 2025

 

Essential Tips for Cooking Light and Fluffy Rice Every Time



Learning how to cook rice is a skill that once mastered, becomes second nature—much like riding a bike. Once you've perfected the art of making light and fluffy rice, you'll easily recreate it each time, and you'll wonder how you ever made rice any other way. Whether you're cooking brown, white, or any other variety, rice is a cornerstone of many dishes, making the ability to cook it right an essential culinary skill.

Although many rice recipes make it seem like a straightforward task (check out our collection of favorite rice recipes for inspiration), almost everyone—including myself, even after culinary school—has burned rice at least once. So, to ensure you consistently get the perfect rice every time, here's our foolproof step-by-step guide to cooking rice. With these techniques, you'll never have to worry about getting your water-to-rice ratio wrong again.

How to Cook Rice on the Stove

What You'll Need:

  • 1¾ cups water (rinse if desired)
  • 1 cup long or medium-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Bring Water to a Boil
    Pour 1¾ cups of water into a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid (for each additional cup of rice, use 1¾ cups of water). Bring it to a boil, then add the salt.

  2. Add the Rice
    Slowly pour the rice into the boiling water, taking care not to splash the hot water out of the pot.

  3. Stir Once to Separate Clumps
    Give the rice a quick stir to separate any clumps, using a wooden spoon. Avoid over-stirring, as this can make the rice sticky.

  4. Cover and Simmer
    Cover the pot with the lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let the rice simmer for about 18 minutes. Afterward, remove the pot from heat and let it steam for an additional 5 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.

  5. Fluff the Rice
    Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If you're not ready to serve right away, place a folded towel over the saucepan, replace the lid, and let it rest. The towel will absorb any excess moisture and condensation, ensuring the rice doesn’t become overcooked or mushy.


How to Cook Rice in the Microwave

Although cooking rice in the microwave might sound unconventional, it's actually a fantastic method, as the microwave provides a moist cooking environment, similar to a rice cooker or stovetop pot. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked white rice every time.

  1. Use a 2:1 Water-to-Rice Ratio
    For every half cup of uncooked rice, use 1 cup of water.

  2. Rinse the Rice (Optional)
    If you prefer, rinse the rice to remove excess starch. Place the rinsed rice in a microwave-safe dish and add the water.

  3. Stir to Distribute
    Stir the rice once or twice to ensure all grains are submerged and evenly distributed in the water.

  4. Microwave the Rice
    Microwave the dish, uncovered, for 15 minutes. If the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s done. If there’s still water left, continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals, up to 25 minutes, depending on your microwave and dish.

  5. Let It Rest
    Allow the rice to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Note: Microwave cooking times may vary, so some trial and error may be required to perfect the timing for your specific microwave.


How to Cook Rice in the Oven

Cooking rice in the oven is a great method when you need to free up space on the stovetop. USA Rice recommends this technique for both white and brown rice.

  1. Use a 2:1 Water-to-Rice Ratio
    Begin by bringing the appropriate amount of water to a boil.

  2. Prepare the Rice
    In an oven-safe dish or pan, stir together the rice, boiling water, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the dish tightly with foil or, if using a pan, cover with foil or a tight-fitting lid. Remember, the rice will triple in volume as it cooks.

  3. Bake the Rice
    Bake at 350°F (175°C). White rice will take 25-30 minutes, while brown rice will need 50-60 minutes.

  4. Fluff and Serve
    Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve.

How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker

Using an electric rice cooker is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for cooking rice. It practically guarantees perfect rice every time, with minimal effort.

  1. Follow Manufacturer Instructions
    Refer to your rice cooker’s manual for the correct water-to-rice ratio for the type of rice you're using.

  2. Prepare the Rice
    Add the rinsed rice and the specified amount of water to the rice cooker.

  3. Cook and Keep Warm
    Start the cooking cycle. Most rice cookers have an option to delay the start time, so your rice will be ready when you are. Once the rice is done, the cooker will often keep it warm until you're ready to serve.

  4. Fluff and Serve
    Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Bonus: A rice cooker is versatile—it can also be used to prepare dishes other than rice

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