How To Cook Rice Perfectly, Every Time
How to cook rice perfectly? Is the secret oil? Butter or timing?
Rice is a dish that is the foundation of so many recipes and cultures. You can transform simple rice into a vibrant Asian wok filled with flavor. Or mix it with leftovers like beans, or meats and make a classic Colombian calentado. The possibilities are endless!
The thing is, while rice itself isn’t complicated, when it goes wrong, it usually ends in one of two ways: burned or overly sticky. So, to achieve the perfect texture, it’s key to learn the fundamentals. In this article, you’ll learn how to cook rice perfectly without overthinking it.
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How To Cook Rice Step-By-Step
If you want to improve your home cooking, learning the essentials like rice is a great start. The thing about rice is that the right texture will depend on two main aspects: the type of rice you’re using and the equipment you have at home.
White rice, brown rice, jasmine, and basmati all behave differently, especially in terms of water ratios and cooking times. Understanding the little things, like how long to cook rice depending on which type you're cooking, is what makes the jump from “edible” to perfectly cooked.
When it comes to portions, you might consider using the 1/2/3 rule of rice? This is one of the ultimate kitchen hacks for cooking rice, though it’s not a universal rule. It consists of a simple ratio mainly used for white rice. It means 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of water and 3 steps: bring it to a boil, cover and simmer, then let it rest off the heat.
How Long To Cook Rice On The Stove
As rice behaves differently, there’s no exact universal time on how long it takes to cook it. As a general rule, refined rice cooks faster, while whole-grain rice needs more time and water.
Here’s a quick breakdown (using a standard stovetop):
- White rice (long-grain): 15-18 minutes
- Basmati rice: 12-15 minutes
- Jasmine rice: 12-15 minutes
- Short-grain rice: 15-20 minutes
- Brown rice: 35-35 minutes
- Arborio rice: 18-20 minutes
- Wild rice: 45-60 minutes
Pro tip: One of the most common food hacks people use with rice is letting it sit for 5 minutes after cooking. This way, the steam redistributes and improves the texture.
Cooking rice on the stove is the most traditional method, allowing you to get the timing right. Let’s go over the basic stovetop method:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from being sticky.
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. A common ratio we mentioned is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
- Add the rice, stir once and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer gently. For white rice, cook it between 15 and 18 minutes.
- Avoid lifting the lid — steam is doing most of the work here.
- Once the water is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
How To Cook Rice In The Microwave
While not the most common method, cooking rice in the microwave is surprisingly effective and a great hands-off option. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice as you would for stovetop cooking.
- Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add water measured in the same ratios mentioned previously.
- Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters.
- Microwave on high (for white rice, you can microwave between 10-12 minutes; for brown rice, between 20-25 minutes)
If you’re a rice fanatic, you’ll probably notice that microwave rice doesn’t cook evenly. But for most, the difference is minimal, so choosing between methods really comes down to personal preference.
Another popular option is using a rice cooker. It’s one of the best cooking gifts for foodies and eats rice regularly, as it takes the guesswork out of the process (as long as they've got the water-to-rice ratio down). Once you measure the rice and water, the cooker does everything for you!
Learn How To Cook Rice Perfectly From Pro Chefs
Once you understand the basics, cooking rice at home becomes much easier. But if you really want to take it to the next level, consider taking cooking classes with Classpop!
While online recipes are always helpful, nothing beats learning directly from a professional, especially when you want to know more about how texture, seasoning and different rice types can impact dishes.
Cooking classes give you something that recipes can’t always offer: real-time tips, small adjustments and the “why” behind each step. You get to see how chefs handle rice in different cuisines and even how they fix common mistakes on the spot.
Beyond rice, you can learn about so many different cultures and ingredients, expanding your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or looking forward to hosting dinners at home, learning from the pros gives you more confidence and intention to each dish you make.
Believe it or not, everyone has a story with rice. The first time you cook it, you quickly realize there’s more science behind it than simply letting it simmer in water. Small details — like the type of rice, water rations and resting time — make all the difference.
With these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be able to cook rice that’s fluffy, balanced and consistent, no matter the method you choose.
For even more pro chef tips and tricks, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
