How to cook rice Step by step instruction on how to cook rice
Cooking rice is not exactly rocket science, but to make it just right follow
these steps and you will have fluffy, tender, and tasty rice for dinner.
1. Rinse the Rice
Pour rice into strainer and run water over it until the water is clear and
starch-free. Note that a lot of rice is pre-washed. This is especially the
case for white rice, but also for non-white rice. Check your package, and if
it's already washed you can skip this step. Some people may argue that you
should rinse all rice, regardless of whether it is pre-washed or not, but we
don't think it's necessary.
2. Combine Rice and Water in the Pot
The ratio of rice to water needed differs a little depending on what type of
rice you use. Follow the package directions or start off by trying a 2 to 1
ratio of water to rice, meaning 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice. Some
people like to add oil or butter to the water at this point, but it's not
necessary.
When using a measuring cup, measure dry rice first, and then the water.
If you measure the water first, the rice will stick to the measuring cup
causing extra work for you. Note that for every cup of raw rice you use, it
will make about three cups of cooked rice.
The rice absorbs the water when you cook it. More water makes the rice
softer and stickier, while less water makes it firmer. The key is to find
the rice and water combination that is perfect for you.
3. Boil the Rice and Water
Bring the water and rice to a boil in a pot with a lid, BUT keep it
UNCOVERED UNTIL IT BOILS. Otherwise, you are likely to have a boil over and
a big mess on your stovetop.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes in Covered Pot
When it starts boiling, turn the heat down to simmer and cover. Set the
timer for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid before the timer goes off. You
don't want the water (steam) to escape. Tilt the pan slightly and peek
through the lid to see if there is still much water in the pan. If so, you
may want to cook a minute or two longer.
Tip: Use a pot with a see-through lid if you have one, so you can see what's
going on in the pot without removing the lid.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes with no heat.
Let it rest for 5 minutes in covered pot with no heat. We know it is tempting to lift
the lid off to stir it at this stage, but don't do it! Remove from heat and let it
sit for at least 5 minutes before you do anything to it.
6. Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork. If you are not serving the rice
right away, replace the lid after fluffing to keep it fluffy.
If you find your rice is too crunchy, add more water and simmer a few
minutes more and/or use a little more water next time. If it's too mushy,
use less water next time.
How much rice should I make, you may ask? Generally 1/2 cup of dry rice per
person is plenty.
Note: Special rice, like brown rice or wild rice, usually requires
more water, more simmer time and more resting time.
You can also watch the below video that gives you "how to cook rice" instructions:
