How to Cook Rice: Stovetop, Microwave, Rice Cooker and More
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Learn how to melt rice using several unlike methods—and the correct rice-to-h2o ratios for various rice varieties.
Rice may seem like a bones dish, but cooking it requires immense precision. To brand perfectly fluffy rice, you need to use the correct melt time and rice-to-h2o ratio for the type and amount of rice you're making.
Only one time you lot learn how to cook rice and get comfy making several unlike varieties, yous'll exist equipped to make dozens of rice recipes from cuisines around the globe. Here'southward a guide to the different methods for making various types of rice.
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
This basic white rice recipe makes most 3 cups of cooked rice, which will serve four people. However, you tin can adjust the rice-to-water ratio if you'd like to make more or less. Yous may also have to adjust the ratios if you're cooking a unlike type of rice—refer to our rice-to-water ratio chart below.
Ingredients
- ii cups h2o
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 loving cup white rice
Directions
Step ane: Eddy the ingredients
Bring the water—as well as the butter and salt, if you're using them—to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in the rice.
Examination Kitchen tip: For more flavor, endeavor using broth or coconut milk instead of h2o. You lot tin can besides throw in seasonings like a bay leaf or your favorite spice blend.
Step 2: Add rice and simmer
Once the rice and liquid attain a eddy, cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the rice is tender, nigh 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and permit information technology stand, covered, for a few minutes—this allows whatsoever excess water to get absorbed and prevents the rice from burning. Fluff with a fork or rice paddle before serving.
Test Kitchen tip: Resist the urge to elevator the lid of the saucepan to check on your rice while information technology's cooking—information technology interrupts the cooking process.
Other Rice Cooking Methods
How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
Making rice in a rice cooker is a near-effortless way to consistently get perfectly cooked rice—and information technology frees upwardly space on your stovetop for other dishes. (Here are some of the best rice cookers.)
To utilize a rice cooker, simply pour rinsed rice and water into the machine, comprehend it and press a push button. The rice-to-water ratio for rice cookers is 1:i in most cases, but follow the manufacturer'due south directions for specifics about how much rice and water to use.
Test Kitchen tip: When using a rice cooker, rinse your rice many times earlier cooking—otherwise information technology will bubble and cream like crazy!
How to Melt Rice in the Microwave
We generally recommend sticking to the stovetop or rice cooker methods. In our culinary squad's feel, cooking rice in the microwave gets messy! (Still, this Shrimp with Coconut Rice recipe uses a microwave method.)
If you do desire to cook rice in your microwave, there are various microwave rice cookers bachelor on the marketplace, like this Progressive International Microwave Rice Cooker, which steams up to 6 cups of cooked rice. The cook fourth dimension ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type and amount of rice you lot're making, equally well as your microwave's wattage.
Additionally, yous can also utilise microwavable rice products like Uncle Ben'south Ready Rice or Success Boil-in-Bag precooked rice.
How to Cook Rice Like Pasta
In many cases, yous shouldn't boil rice in an unmeasured amount of h2o so bleed it, as yous do with pasta. Information technology'south typically essential to apply the correct rice-to-water ratio when y'all're making rice on the stove.
However, the eddy-and-drain method works for dark-brown rice. Eddy brownish rice for 25 to thirty minutes in salted h2o before straining it. Render information technology to the hot pot, cover information technology with a chapeau, and let information technology steam for 10 minutes earlier serving.
Additionally, some convenience food products like Success Eddy-in-Bag rice are designed to be boiled and drained like pasta.
How to Brand Rice Pilaf
Pilaf is a seasoned rice dish that typically involves cooking rice in stock or water with seasonings, and adding meat or vegetables. To make rice pilaf, you start by sauteeing the rice in oil before adding the liquid and other seasonings (similar to the style you do when making risotto).
If yous're interested in making pilaf, Cashew Rice Pilaf and Seasoned Brownish Rice Pilaf are great recipes to start with.
How to Cook Different Types of Rice
While y'all can employ the aforementioned basic methods to melt dissimilar types of rice, the grooming and rice-to-h2o ratios will be different. Here'south a guide for how to cook different types of rice.
How to Cook Long-Grain Rice
Long-grain rice is most four times every bit long every bit it is broad. It cooks up fluffy and the private grains stay separated, especially if y'all rinse the rice before cooking.
White Rice
You can use long-grain white rice in almost any recipe, no matter the cuisine. It'south similar to brown rice but has the bran and germ removed. It cooks upwards super fluffy with carve up, individual grains.
How to ready: For best results, rinse the rice. However, yous don't need to wash it vigorously—you're just removing the dusty outer starch layer.
The ratio: 2 cups h2o + one cup rice
Our favorite recipes: When it comes to white rice dishes, we love this Lemon Rice Pilaf.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a fragrant rice that's grown in the foothills of India and Islamic republic of pakistan. After it's harvested, it's aged for a year to decrease wet, giving it an incredible smell and a full-bodied season.
How to prepare: Wash basmati rice multiple times, swirling it with your hands until the h2o gets cloudy. Continue draining and washing until the water runs clear. For extra-soft rice, soak the rinsed rice in clean water for thirty minutes earlier cooking.
The ratio: i-1/two cups water + 1 cup rice
Our favorite recipe: Craven Tikka Masala
Jasmine Rice
Simply similar the blossom it's named subsequently, this sweet-smelling rice from Thailand has a buttery flavor. Dissimilar other long-grain rice, jasmine grains will stick together even if y'all wash it. Information technology's also notorious for sticking to the bottom of the pot, and then let the pot sit for 5 to ten minutes earlier stirring for the fluffiest, softest grains.
How to gear up: No rinsing required—but cook using the stovetop method and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. (Here's how to melt jasmine rice, step by step.)
The ratio: 2 cups water + 1 loving cup rice
Our favorite recipes: There are so many mouthwatering jasmine rice recipes, like this Pumpkin-Curry Chicken over Cashew Rice and a copycat version of Chipotle cilantro-lime rice.
Wild Rice
This "rice" isn't actually rice at all—it's a grass seed that has poly peptide, a toasted, nutty flavor and an incredible texture. Wild rice takes longer to cook than other types of rice considering information technology's slow to absorb water. It may non blot all of the cooking liquid before information technology becomes tender.
How to prepare: No rinsing necessary. Using the stovetop method, melt for 45 to 60 minutes and and then drain whatsoever remaining liquid. (For more details, check out our guide to how to cook wild rice.)
The ratio: 3 cups h2o + i cup rice
Our favorite recipe: Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
How to Cook Medium-Grain Rice
Medium-grain rice is twice as long as information technology is broad, and the rice granules tend to stick together a flake. This results in chewy but tender, moist rice.
Brown Rice
You lot tin can notice brownish rice in short-, medium- and long-grain varieties, just we prefer the latter two considering they're easier to melt. Brownish rice has an outer bran layer, which makes it more nutritious than white rice only gives it a shorter shelf life.
How to prepare: Rinsing mostly isn't necessary. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes using the stovetop method. (For more details, bank check out our guide to how to melt chocolate-brown rice.)
The ratio: 2 cups h2o + i cup rice
Our favorite recipes: There are many brown rice recipes to choose from, but we're large fans of this Arugula & Brown Rice Salad.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a short- or medium-grain rice prized for its power to absorb liquid slowly. The constant stirring and gradual add-on of liquid creates a creamy consistency and a chewy bite. It's virtually commonly prepared for risotto, but you can likewise use it in paella.
How to ready: Don't rinse arborio if yous're making risotto or some other creamy dish. For the best risotto, toast the grains in the oil earlier adding the liquid one ladle at a time. Our Test Kitchen recommends tasting as you lot melt to make up one's mind doneness based on the rice'south texture.
The ratio: Approximately 3 cups liquid + 1 cup rice
Our favorite recipes: Some of our favorite arborio rice recipes include this Hearty Shrimp Risotto and arancini, or fried Italian risotto assurance.
How to Cook Brusque-Grain Rice
Short-grain rice is plump, with grains that stick together and clump when you lot cook them.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice is a highly starchy rice that'south super gummy—only the thing you'll demand when making sushi! You lot tin also eat it as table rice. For true sushi rice, mix in some rice vinegar, sugar and salt after it's cooked. (Viscous rice is a somewhat similar rice variety.)
How to fix: Wash sushi rice 3 to 5 times before cooking to remove excess starch. Cook using the stovetop method for 15 to 20 minutes. (Cheque out our guide to how to make sushi rice to learn how to make it using a rice cooker and a hangiri, a wooden vessel used to cool and mix the rice.)
The ratio: 2 cups water + two cups rice
Our favorite recipes: California Sushi Rolls and Onigiri (Rice Assurance)
Rice-to-Water Ratio Nautical chart
The full general rice-to-water ratio is as easy to recall equally 1, 2, 3: ane loving cup rice + 2 cups water = 3 cups cooked rice. Notwithstanding, the actual ratio varies depending on the cooking method and the type of rice yous're using. The ratio is generally one:1 if you're using a rice cooker, but follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Type of Rice | Water(Cups) | Rice(Cups) | Cook Fourth dimension(Minutes) | Yield(Cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White rice | 2 | ane | 15-twenty | 3 |
| Basmati rice | ane ½ | 1 | 15-xx | 3 |
| Jasmine rice | 2 | one | 15-20 | iii |
| Brown rice | two | 1 | 35-45 | 3 |
| Arborio rice | 3 | one | To sense of taste | iii |
| Sushi rice | two | 2 | 15-20 | 4 |
| Wild rice | 3 | ane | 45-60 | 3 |
What to Make with Rice
A key ingredient in many cuisines, rice is extremely versatile. Here are some ideas for how to contain rice into your cooking.
- A unproblematic side dish: These healthy rice recipes are the perfect accompaniment to a weeknight meal.
- Fried rice: In one case you acquire how to make fried rice, you tin can make a meal out of whatever leftover vegetables and proteins are hanging out in your fridge. For fried rice with a crisp texture, use cold, leftover rice. At that place are many dissimilar fried rice recipes, including Kimchi Fried Rice.
- Rice bowls: From poke bowls to burrito bowls, rice is the foundation of these like shooting fish in a barrel one-dish meals.
- Rice pudding: You might call back of rice as a savory side, but you tin can use it to make desserts, also! Endeavor this Rose Water Rice Pudding.
For a low-carb alternative to rice, brand cauliflower rice using finely grated cauliflower.
Tips for Making Rice
Should you rinse rice earlier cooking?
Our Examination Kitchen says the question of whether to rinse comes downwardly to personal preference, the blazon of dish you're making and the cooking method you lot're using. Most rice is typically clean and gratuitous of droppings, and so rinsing oftentimes isn't necessary.
In general, rinsing leads to rice that has separate grains and doesn't dodder, while rice that isn't rinsed is more starchy and can be mushy. (Discover out how to fix mushy rice!) Therefore, always rinse rice if you're using a rice cooker. Don't rinse rice if you lot're making creamy rice dishes similar risotto or rice pudding.
How much rice do you melt per person?
As a rule of pollex, plan on 1/iv cup of uncooked rice per person, which will brand about iii/4 cup of cooked rice per person. Yet, information technology never hurts to have extra rice—you lot can plow it into fried rice or even freeze it for later—and so don't hesitate to brand more than that. (Here'southward how to freeze leftover rice.)
What is the best way to cook rice?
The best way to melt rice is on the stove or in a rice cooker, depending on your personal preference. Many members of our Test Kitchen beloved using a rice cooker because it'south easy and frees upwardly room on your stove for other dishes. Several of our experts swear past this inexpensive Aroma rice cooker. However, other members of our Examination Kitchen adopt to keep things simple and stick with the stovetop method.
Exercise you cook rice on high or low oestrus?
When y'all're cooking rice on the stove, bring the liquid to a eddy offset before reducing the rut and simmering. If the heat is besides high, you could scorch the bottom layer of rice. (Here are other rice mistakes to avoid.)
How long does it accept to melt rice?
The amount of time it takes to cook rice depends on the type of rice y'all're making and the method you're using. In general, white rice cooks faster than brown and wild rice. Our rice-to-water ratio chart tin can assistance yous determine how long it volition have to cook your rice.
More Rice Recipes to Try
Forgotten Jambalaya
During dank months, I fix this slow cooker jambalaya recipe at least in one case a month. It's so easy…only chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Black Bean Chicken with Rice
This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, and so information technology'southward quick and easy to stir upward in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, Oregon
Korean Beefiness and Rice
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It'due south succulent! You'll dazzle the tabular array with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Rice-Stuffed Peppers
Female parent used to fix this wonderful, easy dish when we had company. She was from a family unit of fantastic Cajun cooks, and so our nutrient was always well-seasoned. In Louisiana, rice is part of many meals. The cheese sauce sets these stuffed peppers apart from any others I've tried. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas
Wild Rice Soup
Every bit the oldest of viii girls growing up on the farm, I began cooking at an early age! This soup—which I first had at my sister's business firm—brings me compliments no matter where I serve information technology. —Elienore Myhre, Balaton, Minnesota
Makeover Shrimp Rice Casserole
The cooks at Taste of Home made a lightened-up version of my shrimp casserole, and I love it. The makeover has merely half the calories and sodium of my original recipe, and less fat, also. —Marie Roberts, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Black Edible bean and Rice Enchiladas
I dearest Mexican food, but I'm e'er looking for means to make it more good for you. I "renovated" a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to arrange my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Tilapia with Jasmine Rice
This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. And it gets better—each serving has but 5 grams of fat! —Shirl Parsons, Greatcoat Carteret, Northward Carolina
Lemon Craven & Rice Soup
Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was merely a special back and so, merely I re-created it at home and then nosotros could eat information technology whenever a craving striking! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington
Spicy Craven and Rice
As a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is hands tossed together in the morning time and fabulous to come abode to at nighttime. Both of my picky eaters love information technology! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts
Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos
No one will miss the meat when you dish upwards these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They're fast to prepare and won't put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Contest-Winning Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
While this special craven and wild rice casserole is perfect for a visitor dinner, it'due south so expert that I often get in for everyday family meals. We think it is very overnice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice
Tender chicken is baked in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce for this elegant entree. This chicken is delicious, and it's so easy to ready and I dear that I can practise other things while it bakes. —Evelyn Lewis, Independence, Missouri
Mexican Rice with Chicken
This skillet supper comes together with leftover cooked craven and a packaged mix. After I prepared this rice, I served the extras on tortillas with cheese and sour foam the next mean solar day. Both meals were a hit. —Debra Rzodkiewicz, Erie, Pennsylvania
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of fourth dimension helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, Due east Chicago, Indiana
Turkey a la King with Rice
I like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and then elementary. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin
Super Quick Craven Fried Rice
Subsequently my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Sirloin Strips over Rice
I establish this recipe in a flick mag some 20 years agone. It was the favorite of some male person star, but I don't remember which one. Its peachy flavour and the fact that leftovers just get improve accept made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri
Neat Pork with Rice
Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that'southward nice enough for company. Suit the heat level to taste by using balmy or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia
Quick Edible bean and Rice Burritos
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped upwardly in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Craven & Wild Rice Strudels
I wanted the buttery crisis of layered pastry without the sweet filling of strudel. Using rotisserie chicken from the store, I found my savory answer. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Shrimp Fried Rice
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and gustatory modality that makes it vanish fast. Our family unit of four tin't become enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider information technology when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Beefiness & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is special to me because information technology'south an easy ane-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole twenty-four hour period in the kitchen. My family unit loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
Chicken Rice Skillet
Pleasant seasonings and plenty of vegetables highlight this traditional chicken and rice pairing. Leftovers are great reheated in the microwave. —Jan Balata, Kilkenny, Minnesota
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
Equally the stew of the Southward, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, dwelling cooks have been making their ain tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
North African Chicken and Rice
I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We honey the spice combinations. This cooks every bit well in a tedious cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
I made this recipe when nosotros invited both our families to gloat our first Thanksgiving in our new dwelling house. There were 37 of u.s.a., and those who tried this dish raved near it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Curry Chicken and Rice
I updated this chicken and rice dish past adding veggies and cashews to give it fresh and crunchy appeal. The green chilies in the tomatoes requite it simply the right little kick, but if you really similar spice, add fresh, diced jalapeño. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana
Mushrooms & Peas Rice Pilaf
Anything can be in a rice pilaf. Calculation peas and baby portobello mushrooms gives it a springlike outburst of color and a multifariousness of textures. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Turkey Curry with Rice
When I accept leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Caribbean area Shrimp & Rice Bowl
I had a similar rice basin on vacation and re-created this lighter version at domicile. It takes me back to the islands every time I make information technology. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavour. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup
I transformed leftover craven and rice into this tasty soup. It even passed the visitor test. —Karen Reed, Middletown, Ohio
Spicy Rice Casserole
Stirring upward pork sausage, wild rice and jalapeno to gustation makes this a terrific side. Or serve it with cornbread to turn it into a main dish. It's piece of cake to brand ahead and reheat for a potluck meal. —Debbie Jones, California, Maryland
Pesto Rice-Blimp Chicken
Juicy stuffed chicken is perfect for basil fans, but I've just as easily used shredded cheese in identify of the pesto for my pickier eaters. —Rachel Dion, Port Charlotte, Florida
Hearty Turkey 'due north' Rice Soup
Use the leftover cooked turkey in the fridge to speed up dinner. You'll be ladling up bowlfuls of goodness in only thirty minutes. —Maggie Brewer, Canandaigua, New York
Cajun Pork and Rice
I created this recipe upon returning home from traveling. With little food in the house, I used what was in that location. My husband loves this dish because it's tasty, and I love it considering it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences similar coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that's popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad
This fragrant salad is a vitamin and poly peptide powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a repast the next mean solar day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-rice/
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