When you know how to cook white rice the right way, you can say goodbye to saggy grains forever! This foolproof method produces perfect fluffy rice every time.
The Secret to PERFECT Fluffy White Rice
Cooking white rice may seem like an easy task, but doing it right can sometimes be a challenge.
In this post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to cook white rice on the stovetop to perfection!
White rice is a staple food in many cultures, and it’s easy to see why. It’s quick and easy to prepare and goes with just about anything, making it a great option for busy weeknights. It’s also the base for many of my favorite recipes, like turmeric rice, homemade fried rice, and Korean beef stew.
How to cook white rice on the stove
The Ingredients
- White rice. You can use short-grain or long-grain white rice. Short-grain rice may result in a stickier final product.
- Water. The ratio of rice to water is crucial. The golden rule for cooking white rice (and brown rice) is to use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. 2 cups water for every cup of rice.
- Salt and butter. Adding salt and butter is optional, but it enhances the flavor and helps the rice cook evenly. Additionally, salt can help prevent the rice from sticking.
Substitution Tip
For a richer flavor, use an equal amount of liquid broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, instead of water. White rice is soft and takes on the flavors of any spices or sauces it’s cooked in.
The Directions
1.Rinse. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Do not skip this step!
2.Mix the ingredients. Add the rice, salt and butter (optional) to a pot of boiling water.
3.Bring the pot to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes with the lid closed.
4.Finish. After 10 minutes, shred with a fork and top with herbs as desired. Enjoy!
Why is white rice sticky?
If your white rice is stickier than you’d like, there could be several reasons for this:
- Short-grain rice. Some varieties, such as short-grain rice, naturally contain more starch and tend to be stickier when cooked. If you’re looking for fluffy rice, choose a long-grain variety such as basmati or jasmine rice.
- Plenty of water. The ratio of water to rice is important when cooking rice. If you add too much water, the excess moisture can make the rice sticky.
- Stirring too often. When cooking rice, it’s important not to stir it too much. Stirring too much can break up the rice grains, causing them to release excess starch and become sticky.
- Cooking for too long. Overcooking rice can also cause it to become sticky. After the rice has absorbed all the water and is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit until the grains separate.
- Proper lid. If the lid of the pot isn’t properly sealed, steam can escape and the rice can become sticky. Make sure to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to keep the steam in while the rice is cooking.
Ways to Use White Rice
- Fried Rice. Fried rice is best with leftover cooked rice. Try fried rice with pork or fried chicken.
- Dishes. Use white rice as a base for chipotle casseroles, egg rolls in a bowl, teriyaki chicken, or sesame chicken.
- Burritos. White rice is a delicious addition to a veggie burrito or Instant Pot chicken enchiladas.
- Casseroles. You can use this white rice in chicken and rice dishes or stuffed peppers.
- Curries. White rice is the perfect base for a curry dish like chickpea curry, green curry, or Japanese curry.
- Stir-Fried Dishes. Serve white rice with stir-fried tofu, stir-fried broccoli with tofu, bourbon chicken, or any of our other stir-fry recipes.
