How to Cook Rice (perfect every time!)
Master How to Cook Rice (perfect every time!) with simple steps for fluffy, separate grains.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 ½ cups water (I use filtered water)
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Drain the Rice
Place the white rice into a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool, running water until the rinse runs clear; this removes excess surface starch so the grains will cook separate and pillowy. Shake the strainer gently to remove excess water, then let the rice sit briefly to finish draining before moving on.
Step 2: Bring Water and Fat to a Boil, Add the Rice
Pour 1 ½ cups of filtered water into a medium saucepan and add the teaspoon of butter or a splash of olive oil for a touch of silk and separation. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat; as soon as it reaches a boil, stir the drained rice into the bubbling water so the grains are fully submerged, immediately cover the pot with its lid, and reduce the heat to the lowest setting so the pot goes into a gentle, barely-there simmer.
Step 3: Cook Covered, Then Let It Rest
Leave the covered pot untouched for 15 minutes—no peeking—to allow the steam to evenly cook the rice. The pot should sit at an extremely low simmer so the grains absorb the water slowly and remain distinct. After 15 minutes on the heat, remove the pot from the heat source and leave the lid closed for an additional 10 minutes so the steam finishes the gentle carryover cooking.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
After the rest, lift the lid and use a fork, spoon, or spatula to delicately fluff the rice into airy, separated grains, releasing a soft, warm steam. Transfer or heap the rice into a shallow, round serving bowl and present immediately so the pillowy, slightly translucent grains with a subtle sheen show at their best.
Notes
- Rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Use a tight-fitting lid for even steaming and consistent texture.
- Store cooled rice in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of water.
- Adjust water slightly for different rice varieties and personal texture preference.