How To Cook Rice is a 20-minute, foolproof method for fluffy long-grain rice using a pasta-style boil, quick strain, and steam finish. No sticky pot!
Still in a rice mood? Try Perfect Basmati Rice, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, or Baked Rice next for a few more easy ways to get fluffy, reliable rice on the table! Got leftovers? Make this Simple Fried Rice Recipe next.
I confess, cooking long grain rice used to stress me out.
It seemed like it should be pretty straightforward, but following the traditional methods and ratios left me with sticky, overcooked rice every time.
So I perfected my method and I’m here to share my favorite method for how to cook rice — it’s giving fluffy rice without stressing!
You boil it like pasta, strain it, then let it steam in the hot pot, and it comes out tender with separate grains.
It’s also forgiving. If your stove runs hot, if your lid doesn’t fit perfectly, if you forget to set a timer for a minute, this method still has your back!
Ingredients for cooking rice:
- Water: You can swap some for chicken or vegetable broth, but since most gets strained off, I only use a little broth and add more flavor after if needed.
- Salt: It looks like a lot, but you’re seasoning the water like pasta, and most of it doesn’t stay in the rice. Add extra seasonings during cooking if you want!
- Long grain white rice: This method is written for long grain white rice, not basmati or jasmine. For long-grain brown rice, keep the same amounts and boil longer until al dente.
How to Cook Rice:
This method for cooking long grain rice is pasta-style boiling plus a quick steam finish, and it’s the easiest way to get fluffy individual grains every time! Scroll down to the recipe card for complete instructions.
- Bring salted water to a full boil. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and cook just until al dente.
- Strain the rice until almost all of the water is gone.
- Set in the covered pot for a few minutes to steam through. Fluff and serve.
Tips for making perfect rice every time:
- Rinse like you mean it: I rinse until the water runs mostly clear, then shake the sieve well so you’re not adding extra rinse water to the pot.
- Use a big enough pot: Rice needs room to move around in the boil, and a bigger pot helps prevent starchy foam from bubbling over.
- Stir only a few times: One stir right after adding rice and a couple quick stirs later keeps it from sticking, but constant stirring makes it gummy.
- Steam off the heat: Put the drained rice back in the hot pot, lid on, and let residual heat finish the grains without overcooking.
How to store leftover rice:
Cool rice quickly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water and a loose cover, then fluff!
Freeze cooked rice for up to 4 months in a freezer bag laid flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you can, or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of water.
Serving suggestions:
I use How To Cook Rice as the base for anything saucy or stir-fry-ish, because it soaks up all the good stuff!
Try it under Chicken Stir Fry or Easy Orange Chicken Recipe for a quick dinner that feels like takeout at home.
It’s also perfect with slow cooker mains like Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, and it’s a cozy side for creamy dishes like Creamy Garlic Chicken or sticky-sweet Honey Garlic Chicken!
How to Cook Rice
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1½ cups long grain rice
Instructions
- Combine the water and the salt in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Rinse the rice well in a fine mesh sieve. Add to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat so that it maintains a low boil and cook for 12-13 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When rice is al dente (nearly cooked but still has a bit of a bite), strain the rice through a fine mesh sieve until most of the water has run through (about 10 seconds or so). Place the rice back into the pot, cover with the lid and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tag @thereciperebelMore rice recipes you’ll love:
- Mango Chicken Rice Bowls — sweet and tangy! A meal prep favorite.
- Chicken Wild Rice Soup — the coziest bowl.
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bake — an easy one pan chicken and rice meal.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole — comfort food in a one-pan oven dish.
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