How to Cook Perfect, Fluffy White Rice Every Time
The Rice Crisis
I think we have all been there . . . the rice crisis! Mushy, sticky, burnt, soggy, crunchy, or slimy—the perfect meal ruined by a failed pot of rice.
To be honest, I’m writing this article so that my husband can refer to it. I can’t tell you how many times I‘ve heard, “honey I made you dinner, but the rice didn’t turn out.” Don't get me wrong, hubby cooking dinner is absolutely amazing! He just needed a little help to get the rice right. So I have put together this tutorial so that he, and others like him, can learn. I hope you find it helpful and avoid the rice crisis in your house.
Cook Time
Necessary Tools
- Large pot with lid
- Measuring cup
- Sieve
- Fork
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice of your choice (I used basmati)
- 3 3/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
Before You Begin
It's really important that you don't skip any of the following steps, and I will explain why for each step.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Pour the rice into your sieve and rinse really well until the water runs clear. This takes 1-2 minutes. Shake the rice around or run your fingers through it as the water cleans the rice. You can place a cup underneath to be able to discern the water is clear.
This step is essential to wash the excess starch off the rice granules, preventing a mushy or sticky rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Put the rice, water, and butter into a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring your rice to a boil on a medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not open lid!
The rice may look like it's done sooner, but it's imperative you allow it to cook the full 18 minutes on a low heat. Allow the rice to properly absorb and evaporate the water preventing slimy rice, and no longer than the 18-20 minutes to prevent crunchy rice.
Step 3: Let It Rest Before Serving
Turn off the burner and allow the rice to sit for at least 30 minutes in the pot. The longer the better. I prefer to let my rice sit for 1 hour. This is the ultimate secret to nice rice!
Once you’re ready to serve, use a fork to fluff your rice as you transfer it to your serving dish.
And there you have it! The perfect white rice.
Best of Luck!
Rice is such a staple food and can generally be paired with anything! My favorite rice is basmati. I love the nutty flavour and aroma it leaves in the air while cooking.
I hope you found this method of cooking white rice simple and enjoyable. Leave your questions or comments below. Hopefully this article will help end what I call ”the rice crisis” in your home.
What a Simple Method of Cooking White Rice
© 2020 Sarah Cook
Comments
Its a staple dish in the east and personally I like chicken curry with rice.
I cook rice everyday in Jamaica...love it with curry chicken. Nice write.
This looks like great rice. If you leave it to stand does it cool down? I have been using a mocrowave to cook rice for many years ever since we were without a hob for a few weeks, waiting for a new kitchen to be installed. Have you noticed any rice shortages since lockdown? In the UK, pasta was in short supply for a while. Now flour is hard to get.
Nicely written and illustrated article, about cooking white rice. I liked the way, you have explained it.
Basmati rice is a regular in our daily diet. Thanks for sharing.
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