Say goodbye to scorched pans and gummy grains, and learn how to cook rice like a pro! These easy stovetop methods will yield tender, fluffy rice every time you cook it.
The Stove Method: A Foolproof Approach
These methods for cooking rice on the stove will work with short, medium, or long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati. Please note that these methods will not work for brown rice. If you have brown rice on hand, head over to this post to learn how to cook it.
Option 1: Steaming
- First, rinse the rice: This step is crucial! Rinse the rice under running water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This will wash away starches that cause the rice to clump together.
- Measure the water to rice ratio: For every cup of uncooked rice, measure 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. This ratio ensures perfectly cooked rice. Combine the rice, oil, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Once the water starts boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let it steam: Turn off the heat and let the pot stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Voila! Your fluffy rice is ready to be enjoyed.
Option 2: The Pasta Method
- First, rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cool running water using a fine mesh strainer. Unlike the steaming method, a quick rinse is enough for this method.
- Boil it: Add the rice to a pot filled halfway with cool water, and set a timer for 15 minutes. Bring the water to a boil and test the rice for doneness when the timer goes off.
- Rinse it again: Once the rice is tender, drain the pot and rinse the drained rice under cold water. This second rinse is crucial to wash away starches that cause the rice to clump together. Let the rinsed rice dry for a few minutes in the strainer, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Rice Serving Suggestions
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways. Whether you’re preparing Asian dishes, Mexican recipes, or any other cuisine, rice is a great addition to your meals. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Serve rice as a side dish or dress it up with lime and cilantro to make cilantro lime rice.
- Toss it into a stir fry or use it as the base for a healthy grain bowl.
- Try it in dishes like Bibimbap, Mango Ginger Rice Bowl, Tamago Kake Gohan, Best Buddha Bowl, or Portobello Burrito Bowl.
- Create your own bowl by topping rice with protein like baked tofu or tempeh, roasted veggies like broccoli or cauliflower, and a flavorful sauce like peanut sauce, chipotle sauce, or gochujang sauce.
For a lighter option, you can mix regular rice with cauliflower rice in a 50/50 ratio in any of these recipes.
Store leftover rice in the fridge for up to 2 days. It may dry out over time, so reheat it with a splash of water on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to extend its storage life, consider cooking rice in advance and freezing it. Check out this post for the best tips on how to freeze grains.
Expand Your Cooking Skills
If you enjoyed learning how to cook white rice, why not try your hand at cooking other plant-based basics? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Quinoa
- Farro
- Lentils
- Couscous
- Creamy Polenta
Learning these cooking basics will open up a world of delicious possibilities in your kitchen.
For more cooking inspiration and tips, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
