How to cook fluffy white rice on the stove
Quick answer: for long-grain white rice, use 1 cup of rinsed rice to 1 1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, then rest off the heat for 10 minutes. One cup of dry rice makes about 3 cups cooked.
Ingredients (serves 3 to 4)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon butter or oil (optional)
Method
- Rinse the rice in a fine sieve under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes surface starch that makes rice sticky.
- Add the rice, water and salt to a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Turn the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Remove from the heat and leave the pan covered for 10 minutes. The rice finishes steaming.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Water ratios by type
| Rice | Rice : water | Cooking time |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white | 1 : 1 1/2 | 15 minutes |
| Basmati or jasmine (rinsed) | 1 : 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 | 12 to 15 minutes |
| Short-grain white | 1 : 1 1/4 | 12 to 15 minutes |
| Brown rice | 1 : 2 to 2 1/4 | 40 to 45 minutes |
Rice brands vary, so check the package too. If you skip the rinse, add a little more water.
Troubleshooting
- Mushy rice: too much water or too much stirring. Use less water next time and do not stir while it cooks.
- Hard or crunchy rice: not enough water or steam escaped. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, cover and cook 5 more minutes.
- Burnt bottom: the heat was too high. Use the lowest setting, or a heavier pan.
- Sticky rice: rinse it more thoroughly.
Calories and portions
One cup of cooked white long-grain rice (about 158 g) has around 205 calories. Read rice calories: cooked vs uncooked to see why dry and cooked weights differ.
Storing and reheating
Cool leftover rice quickly, refrigerate it within 2 hours, and eat it within 3 to 4 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout. Never leave cooked rice sitting out for hours. See how long food can sit out.
Frequently asked questions
How much rice per person? About 1/2 cup of dry rice for a side, or 3/4 cup for a main dish.
How much water for 2 cups of rice? 3 cups.
Can I cook rice in a rice cooker? Yes. Use the same ratio unless the manual says otherwise.