The Easy Way To Cook Rice

Learn how to cook rice on the stove perfectly, giving you perfectly fluffy rice every time. Easy to follow recipe.

We thought we'd share our basic recipe and method for how to cook plain white rice today.

It's something that can often scare people, for fear their rice will turn out soggy or heavy, or not cooked at all.

The method we use is traditional, in fact, it's just the way I've always done it, and my mother, and my grandmother.... and I expect generations previous too.

The rice we've used in this recipe is basmati rice. However, this will work for all rice types, with the exception of the very short-grained types you use for risotto, rice pudding, paella etc. which are very different rice types that need a different method of cooking.

This recipe is for simple, basic rice which you can serve alongside our Easy Baked Chicken Breast, or a curry or other tasty dinner.

You can also use this recipe and flavor it to make a lovely Cilantro and Lime rice, great as a side any time of the year.

What is the best way to cook rice?

The best way is either using a pan on the stove or an electric rice cooker, which steams the rice.

Both of these methods will give you fluffy, cooked rice.

What is the ratio of water to rice?

Sit your thumb on the surface of the rice in the pan, pour enough water in so it reaches the knuckle or crease in your thumb.

That is a perfect measure.

It's not very scientific but this is the old-fashioned way and works every time.

Remember this trick as you will use it every time when you cook rice!

You don't need any measuring equipment for the rice or water. This ratio is just right!

What is the traditional way to cook rice?

The traditional way to cook rice is in a saucepan with water.

As technology has developed, you can now cook rice in steamers, rice cookers, multicookers, and so on.

This recipe will show you the classic, traditional method for cooking rice with no use of gadgets!

What happens if you don't wash rice before cooking?

If you don’t rinse the rice before cooking, it will turn out gummy and sticky. You want a nice light, fluffy texture.

How do you wash rice?

Run water (warm or cold) over the rice, drain and repeat until the water runs clear

How long does rice need to cook?

If cooking on a stovetop, it will be around 15 - 20 minutes.

How much rice do I need for 2 people?

1 cup will be more than enough for 2 - 3 people.

Why is my rice mushy?

This can be down to adding too much water or cooking over low heat for a long period of time.

How Do You Know When rice is done cooking?

Check the rice is cooked at the end by trying a grain.

Keep cooking for another couple of minutes if it isn't quite ready, then turn the heat off, keeping the lid on, or if you cover it with a tea towel for 10 minutes any residual water is absorbed

What is the best rice to use?

It all depends on what you are serving the rice with.

Basmati rice is traditionally served with Indian foods. The grains are thinner and have a 'drier' texture when cooked. Basmati contains more starch, so when rinsing before cooking, it does take a few more rinses to get the water clear.

Jasmine rice is usually a top choice when eating Chinese or Oriental foods, being grown widely in Thailand, China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. This is more fragrant, the grains are plumper and you will get fluffier rice.

American Long Grain rice is probably the cheapest and most common of rice. The grains are longer and during cooking, they stay firm and unlikely to stick together, giving you fluffy rice.

If using brown or wild rice varieties, the cooking time will be quite a bit longer and the grains are chewier.

It's all down to personal taste. I prefer Jasmine rice because of the flavor, texture, and aroma.

Prep time

5 minutes

Cook Time

20 mins

Serves

2 - 4 persons

Ingredients

1 Cup or 200g of Rice
Water
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Place rice in a pan

Rinse the grains a few times to remove as much starch as possible.

Keep rinsing until the water goes from cloudy to clear.

Cover the rice with water approx 2 cms above the rice, add the salt then cover the pan with a lid.

TIP

The easiest way to measure how much water to add is to place the tip of your thumb on the surface of the rice and fill it with water up to your knuckle/crease mark on your thumb

Place the pan on high heat until the water starts to boil, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting and leave.

DO NOT take the lid off until after 15 - 20 minutes.

After 15 mins check the rice by making a small hole with a fork in the middle to see if there is any residual water, if so then put the lid back on for another 5 minutes.

Once the water has evaporated remove the pan from the heat and using a fork or spatula, break up the rice and fluff up.

Serve hot with your dinner.

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