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An easy step-by-step process on how to Cook The Perfect rice on the stove using a pot. Tired of sticky rice or rice stuck on your pot? Here’s a foolproof way to make the perfect fluffy basmati rice using your stovetop. So easy and ready in just 30 minutes.
Cooking rice can be such a hassle for some. People always wonder what the measurements should be and how long to cook it for. There are many types of rice, and the cooking times and measurements vary for each type. Plus, there are also different ways to cook rice. I will be showing you how to cook white basmati rice on the stove, which is my favorite way to cook rice.
Recipe Overview
Types of White Rice
Short Grain Rice: Short-grain rice tends to be very sticky and soft when cooked. It might be sold under the name sushi rice. I would avoid short-grain rice if you want fluffy, non-sticky rice, but it works great for rice puddings.
Medium Grain Rice: Medium grain rice is soft, moist, chewy, and sticky in texture when cooked. Arborio and Valencia are examples of medium-grain rice. If cooking rice as a side dish or as meal prep, I would avoid using medium-grain rice. If you’re looking to make risotto or paella, use medium-grain rice.
Long Grain Rice: long grain rice comes out firm but fluffy, and separates after cooking. You can find long-grain rice labeled as Basmati rice and Jasmine rice. This is my rice of choice as the texture makes it work as the perfect side dish that goes with everything.
What You Need to Cook Rice on Your Stovetop
Ingredients you will need
- Basmati rice, or any other long-grain rice of your choice.
- Butter: optional, but adds a little extra flavor to the rice, or use a neutral oil. A lot of times, I use avocado oil or a bit of olive oil.
- Salt: optional, but will add a bit of flavor.
Equipments to grab
- Pot with lid: Depending on the amount you are making, you will need a medium to large-sized pan. You will need a lid for the pot.
- Bowl: A medium to large-sized bowl will do to wash your rice in.
- Fine mesh strainer: to rinse and drain the rice with
How to Cook Basmati Rice on the Stove
Below you will learn exactly how to cook rice perfectly each time.
1️⃣ Prepare and wash the rice
In a large bowl, add your rice and cold water. Use your hands and gently rub the rice between them to clean them. Drain and repeat the process until the water is no longer cloudy.
✏️ Depending on the brand of rice you are using, some need more rinsing than others.
2️⃣ Drain the rice
Thoroughly drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer before adding the rice to a pot with the butter, salt, and water.
3️⃣ Cook the rice
Bring the pot to a boil on high heat then lower the heat, cover it with your lid, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. It’s done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If not, add a splash of water and simmer a few more minutes until the rice is tender. Do not lift your lid before this, try to only check on your rice once as opening the lid lets all the steam escape.
4️⃣ Let the rice rest and then serve
Keeping the lid on, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5-7 minutes before fluffing it with a fork or spatula and serving.
Common Questions
Yes. I recommend rinsing the rice. When you rinse rice, you are removing its starchy coating. This extra step helps the rice from clumping together as well as coming out with a gummy texture. You can also wash and rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer, but using a bowl helps save some water!
I do not recommend cooking the rice on high the whole time no. As soon as the rice starts to boil, i recommend setting it on low, and allowing it to simmer. Lowering the heat helps the rice cook evenly as if you leave it on a boil, the rice around the end of the pot will cook and burn faster than the rice in the middle.
Yes. Brown rice will need a bit more water and will need a longer cooking and simmering time.
Of course. Using broth is also a great idea and adds a lot of flavor to the rice.
Yes! Let your rice cool then transfer them into the portion size of your choice in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. You can reheat it the same way as regular leftover rice but longer for the rice to be hot throughout. While some say frozen rice can last 6-8 months, I use mine within 1-2 months.
Storing and reheating
- Storing: Once your rice has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in your fridge for 3-4 days. Things like fried rice require leftover rice, so it’s always a good idea to cook extra and store it for later!
- Reheating: When reheating rice, I recommend you add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the container of rice before microwaving it for 2-3 minutes on high. The water helps keep the rice from drying out when reheating.
Variations
To make my plain white rice a little more flavorful, I like to add a bit of salt and butter. However, you can also add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, etc to the rice before simmering! You can also cook your rice in chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
What to serve with rice
Rice is a great side option that works so well with many main meals. Here are some to consider.
- Sriracha Chicken Broccoli Skillet
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
- BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Chickpea Cauliflower Curry
- Easy Butter Chicken
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon
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How to Cook Rice on the Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1¾ cup Water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the 1 cup Basmati rice and 1¾ cup Waterold water. Use your hands and gently rub the rice between them to clean them. Drain and repeat the process until the water is no longer cloudy.
- Thoroughly drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer before adding the rice to a pot with the 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1¾ cup Water.
- Bring the pot to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat, cover it with your lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. It’s done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If not, add a splash of water and simmer a few more minutes until the rice is tender. Do not lift your lid before this; try to only check on your rice once, as opening the lid lets all the steam escape.
- Keeping the lid on, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5-7 minutes before fluffing it with a fork or spatula and serving.
Notes
- Use any long-grain white rice
- You can use neutral oil instead of butter, or skip completely
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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