Rice is one of the world’s staple foods that are cooked in millions of homes on a daily basis. Whether you prefer the white, brown, or basmati type, rice can make a tasty side dish to any main course. It is simple to learn how to cook rice at home that comes out perfect all the time.

Rice is easily accessible, affordable, and the perfect base of many dishes like coconut jasmine rice, chicken rice soup, jollof rice, rice with cabbage stew.

How to make rice is a lot easier with a rice cooker. Boiling rice on the stove top can sometimes be intimidating because it requires careful observation. However, once you master the art of how to cook rice, you can whip up a pot in no time.

Cooking rice is easy, provided you follow a few simple rules and choose the right method for your type of rice. Do this and we guarantee that you will say goodbye to sticky rice, under-cooked rice, or dry, overcooked rice.

There are only two rules: firstly, measuring rice by volume makes it easier to determine how much water to add.

Secondly, under no circumstances should you stir the rice as it cooks or it will disintegrate and become sticky. In some recipes, butter or spoonful of oil is often added at the start to help separate the grains before they start to cook.

Tips for How to Cook Rice

Firstly, always remember the basic water to rice ratio: 2 parts water to 1 part rice

Second and most importantly, use a pot with a tight-fitting lid and don’t remove the lid at any point during cooking.

Don’t forget to add a few pinches of salt per cup of rice to give it a nice touch(optional)

Whether to rinse or not to rinse is not compulsory, but if worried with extra starch, just before cooking wash rice in cool water a few times until water runs clear, then remove excess water.

Below is how to cook rice (white, brown, and aromatic rices-like jasmine and basmati on the stovetop). Once you master all the steps which include;

Rinsing

Simmering

Fluffing

Resting

You can make endless, tasty variations by adapting one or more of these steps.

3 Methods for Stovetop Rice

Since not all rice varieties are the same, there is no reason to cook them using the same method. These stovetop methods use different pot sizes and water boiling methods.

How to Cook White Rice

Ingredients

1 cup (195 g) medium- or long-grain white rice

2 cups (470 ml) water

½ teaspoon (2.84 g) salt

1 tablespoon (14 g) butter or oil (optional)

Directions for Cooking White Rice

First, pour rice into a bowl, and fill it with cold water. Wash the grains, using your fingers. Spill out any starchy water, and repeat until water runs almost clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a pot. The mixture will double in volume as it cooks. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18 minutes, then remove from heat and allow the rice to steam in the pot for another 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before serving.

How to Cook Brown Rice

Ingredients

1 cup (190 g) medium- or long-grain brown rice

1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil or sesame oil

2 cups (470 ml) water

1 teaspoon (5.68 g) salt

Directions for Cooking Brown Rice

Add water, salt, and rice to a medium saucepan. You will need an additional ½ cup of water if you soaked your grains, which in this case would be 2 ½ cups. If not soaked, you’ll add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil and once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until water is completely absorbed and rice is tender – about 15-25 minutes (will depend on whether or not the rice was soaked). Drain off any excess water if there is any. Turn off the heat Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork This rice is delicious in things like fried rice with stews and more! Store the surplus covered in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month. Heat up on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little oil or water until warm.

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Ingredients

2 cups (380 g) basmati rice

3 cups (705 ml) boiling water

1 teaspoon (5.68 g) salt

Directions for Cooking Basmati Rice

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add the aromatic basmati or jasmine rice and simmer at a low boil, uncovered over medium heat until rice is tender, 7- 10 minutes. Drain if there is any water, and allow to stand over a strainer for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

How do you cook your rice and are there any tips you swear by? I take pleasure in reading from you. Kindly click the share buttons and don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below!

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