Knowing How to Cook White Rice so it comes out perfectly tender and fluffy couldn’t be easier! The process depends on two simple things—understanding the right ratio of water to rice and rinsing the rice before cooking. This easy recipe gives you the best rice with an ideal texture every time.
Table of Contents
If there’s one perfect side dish…it’s white rice.
But so many people opt for the instant variety, which never has that fluffy, chewy texture. If you’re hesitant to make it on the stovetop, you’re not alone.
It can be a little challenging to get that perfect rice at home. But finding the right ratio of water to rice and following a few simple tricks and techniques ensures PERFECT dish. Every time.
(In a hurry? Check out this Instant Pot White Rice recipe.)
Ingredients
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, you can jump to the recipe.
- White rice. For this recipe, look for a white, long-grain rice. White rice is refined, so it doesn’t have as much fiber as other options. But it has the perfect texture.
- Optional ingredients. Butter or olive oil can be added for some extra flavor.
How to Cook White Rice on the Stove
Jump to the recipe for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
- Rinse the rice. Rinsing is an essential step when cooking any type of rice. This removes any excess starch which will cause it to be clumpy after cooking. Pour the rice into a fine mesh strainer and run cold water over it for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
- White rice to water ratio. For the stovetop, you need 1 ⅔-cups of water for every cup of uncooked white rice. For the Instant Pot, you need 1 to 1¼-cups water for every cup of uncooked white rice. It might not seem like it, but this ratio is super important. If you have too much water, you might end up with clumpy or mushy rice. However, too little water and it will be hard.
- Add to pot. Pour the rice and water into a medium-sized saucepan or pot. This is the time to add the oil too, if you’re using it. Let the ingredients come to a rapid boil over high heat. There should be foam at the top of the water along with rolling bubbles.
- Cook the rice. After the water is at a full boil, turn the heat to medium-low, then cover the pot with a lid. It needs to simmer for 12 minutes. Before you remove the lid, move the pot away from the heat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice, and then serve.
Meal Prep and Storage
- Storage: White rice that has been cooked will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or storage container for up to 4 to 6 months. For ease of use, place individual servings in bags before freezing.
- Reheating: The best way to warm up leftover rice is in the microwave. Be sure to add a few tablespoons of water to help fluff it back up. Warm it 30 seconds at a time, stirring between, until soft and heated through.
FAQs
White rice is gluten-free! However, be sure to read the nutrition label to make sure it wasn’t made in a facility that processes gluten.
To season, simply add salt or choose a variety of herbs. You can season white rice in so many ways—the options are literally endless.
It should last in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool completely first. When you reheat it, add a little bit of water.
What to Serve with White Rice
White rice is incredibly versatile and goes with so many dishes.
Try it with Asian dishes, like General Tso’s Chicken, Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken, Gluten-free Orange Chicken, or Instant Pot Orange Chicken.
Or, use it in fried rice like Shrimp Fried Rice or Chicken Fried Rice.
It’s delicious with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, or Beef Stir Fry.
More Easy Rice Recipes
When you know how to cook different varieties of rice, you’ll be ready to make satisfying dinners year-round.
Learn How to Cook Wild Rice, How to Cook Basmati Rice, How to Cook Sushi Rice, and How to Cook Jasmine Rice.
You can also cook up authentic favorites like Mediterranean Rice, Mexican Rice, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, Instant Pot Jambalaya or Cajun Dirty Rice.
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How to Cook White Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice long grain
- 1 ⅔ cup water or broth
- ½ tsp. salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp. butter or oil, optional
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Add the rice to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 1-2 minutes, or until it runs clear.1 cup white rice
- Add to Pot: Add all ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan or pot over high heat. Bring everything to a rapid boil- you want to see it foaming on the top and actively bubbling.1 ⅔ cup water, ½ tsp. salt, 1 Tbsp. butter
- Cover, Cook, and Rest: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the rice from the heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes before taking off the lid. Fluff the rice using a fork and serve!
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Notes
- Serving: A serving size equals ½ cup cooked rice. (1 cup uncooked rice will yield ~3 cups cooked.
- Rinse: Be sure to run the rice under water before adding to the pot.
- Storage: White rice that has been cooked will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover rice in a freezer-safe bag or storage container for up to 4 to 6 months. For ease of use, place individual servings in bags before freezing.
- Reheating: The best way to warm up leftover rice is the microwave. Be sure to add a few tablespoons of water to help rehydrate it. Warm it 30 seconds at a time, stirring between, until soft and heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
