This Perfect Basmati Rice recipe is light, fluffy and never sticky! It takes just 20 minutes and comes out beautifully every single time.
Need other simple rice recipes? Check out this Baked Rice, Instant Pot Brown Rice, and Instant Pot Jasmine Rice!
Perfect Basmati Rice is one of those kitchen basics that everyone needs in their back pocket.
When it’s cooked right, the grains are tender and separate, with a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with just about any main dish!
This stovetop method is quick, reliable, and doesn’t require a rice cooker.
You can keep it plain to serve alongside saucy curries and stir-fries, or season it up with herbs, broth, or spices to match whatever you’re cooking.
Ingredients for the Perfect Basmati Rice:
- Basmati Rice: Choose white basmati for the fluffiest results. I haven’t tested this recipe with brown basmati rice.
- Water or broth: Cooking in broth (or a mix of water and broth) gives a subtle boost of flavor. Since most of the liquid is drained, you don’t need to use all the broth. One or two cups is plenty!
- Salt: A little seasoning goes a long way. Don’t skip this step, or the rice will taste flat.
How to make the Perfect Basmati Rice:
This foolproof rice recipe will become your new go-to for your favorite main dishes! Don’t forget to check the recipe card for all the details.
- Bring water or broth to a rolling boil.
- Stir in Basmati Rice and salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook.
- Pour the rice into a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid.
- Return the drained rice to the pot, cover, and let it rest.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving.
Tips for the fluffiest rice:
- Set a timer. Rice can go from perfect to mushy quickly, so keep track of that cook time!
- Let it rest. That 5-minute steaming time is what makes the rice fluffy instead of clumpy.
- Don’t skip the sieve. Draining the excess liquid keeps the texture light instead of gummy.
How to store leftover rice:
Leftover Basmati Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave covered, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back moisture.
Cooked rice also freezes well. Portion it into bags or containers, then reheat straight from frozen!
Serving suggestions:
Basmati Rice is a natural sidekick to Asian-inspired dishes or protein-forward meals!
Try pairing it with Chicken Stir Fry, Easy Orange Chicken, and Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef!
You can also use leftovers to make Simple Fried Rice or as a base for these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Rice Bowls!
I also like to serve it alongside Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken Thighs, or Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken for a balanced meal.
Perfect Basmati Rice Recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 4 cups water or broth, (or a combination)
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Bring water or broth to a boil over high heat and add the rice.
- Reduce heat to medium-low (just enough to keep a low boil) and cover.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, 10 for firmer grains and 12 for softer (set a timer!). Drain over a fine mesh sieve until most of the liquid has been drained away, then place back into the pot and cover with the lid.
- Let sit off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tag @thereciperebelVariations and Substitutions
- Broth swap: Swap some of the water for chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
- Herbed rice: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill after cooking.
- Spiced rice: Add cumin seeds, turmeric, or a pinch of curry powder while the rice simmers. Some other great options are adding a bay leaf, cardamom pods, or a cinnamon stick.
- Coconut rice: Replace some of the water with canned coconut milk for a fragrant, slightly creamy variation.
- Lemon rice: Stir in fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice before serving for brightness.
Can I use brown Basmati Rice?
Yes, but it needs a longer cook time (about 20–25 minutes) and extra water.
Can I cook Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, cook on high pressure for 4–5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
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