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Rice is a staple and makes the perfect side dish. Here’s how to cook rice so you get that fluffy, perfect texture every time!
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We Love Rice!
You can always find some type of rice in our pantry. It’s quick, delicious, and pairs well with SO many recipes, like our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake!
We also have specific rice recipes that we LOVE— bright and fresh Lemon Rice, sweet Coconut Rice, and Cilantro Rice that we swear tastes just like Cafe Rio and Chipotle rice (seriously, you have to try it)!
Have you ever cooked rice and it came out mushy? That’s the WORST! Cooking rice is pretty simple, but there are a few common mistakes that people make that can leave it sticky or undercooked. That’s why we want to go through a few methods with tips and tricks to get your rice perfect every time!
Why We Love Rice:
- Perfect side or main dish. Rice can be a simple side dish or the star of the show. It’s perfect for everything from stir-fries to rice bowls.
- Pantry staple. Rice is a long-lasting pantry staple. It’s always good to have a bag on hand for quick and easy meals.
- Budget-friendly. Rice is an affordable and budget-friendly option that you can create countless recipes with other common ingredients you have in the pantry!
Ways to Cook Rice
These are the basic methods for cooking rice. Keep in mind that the water-to-rice ratio and cooking time can vary depending on what type of rice you’re using—whether it’s long-grain rice, short-grain rice, or another type. For each method, be sure to check the instructions on your rice package for the best water-to-rice ratio!
Rice Cooker Method
- MEASURE. Use the plastic cup that comes with your rice cooker to measure your rice.
- RINSE. Put the rice in a colander or metal strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess starch on the rice and prevent it from getting sticky.
- ADD. Pour your rinsed rice to your rice cooker and add water. Most rice cookers have water level markings for common types of rice.
- SEASON. This is optional, of course! Add a pinch of salt and a touch of butter for some extra flavor if you wish.
- START. Place the bowl back into the rice cooker, close the lid, and select the appropriate setting if your rice cooker has options.
- COOK. Let the rice cooker work it’s magic. The rice cooker will automatically switch to a ‘keep warm’ setting once the rice is done.
- REST. Let the rice sit in the ‘keep warm’ setting for about 5-10 minutes after it finishes cooking. This helps any remaining moisture absorb and makes the rice fluffier.
- FLUFF. Use a fork and fluff your rice and enjoy! If you plan on saving some rice for later, store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4–6 days.
Stovetop Method
- MEASURE. Measure out the amount of rice you want to cook.
- RINSE. To prevent your rice from being sticky and mushy, rinse your rice under cold water, and let it drain until it runs clear.
- ADD. Put measure rice and appropriate amount of water to a pot—a medium saucepan will work. Again, the amount of water and rice you will use will depend on the type of rice you’re cooking. White rice requires a different amount than brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice! This is also the time to add in some butter and a pinch of salt if you want.
- BOIL. Set the pot on the stove on medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, give it a quick stir to make sure it cooks evenly.
- COVER. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer. For white rice, this usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Brown rice or other types may need 30–45 minutes.
- REST. Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water, turn off the heat but KEEP the lid on. Let the rice sit, covered, for about 5–10 minutes. This will allow the rest of the steam to finish cooking the rice.
- FLUFF. Use a fork to fluff the rice and enjoy!
See how to cook rice in the Crockpot here!
Common Mistakes When Cooking Rice
- Not rinsing the rice. Don’t miss this! Rinsing your rice gets the excess gunk (starches, rice dust, etc.) off the rice before cooking, which prevents it from getting clumpy and mushy.
- Using the wrong ratio of liquids. Using too little liquid results in undercooked rice, while using too much can make the rice too soft. Always follow instructions from your rice cooker or refer to the package instructions for the amount of liquid and rice to use.
- Cooking on high heat. When you cook rice on high heat, the water evaporates too fast, which can lead to uneven cooking and mess up the texture. Plus, high heat can make the rice stick to the bottom of the pan and burn, which nobody wants!
- Not letting your rice rest. Always let your rice sit covered for about 10 minutes after cooking it for fluffy rice!
- Using the wrong type of rice. Different types of rice are better than others for certain dishes. For example, long-grain rice like basmati and jasmine are good for dishes like our Arroz Con Leche, while short-grain rice is great for dishes that need stickier rice, like sushi or risotto.
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FAQs
Absolutely! You can use broth, coconut milk, or a mix of water and other liquids to add extra flavor. Just be mindful that some liquids, like broth, may have added salt, so you might want to adjust your seasoning.
Yes! To reheat, add a splash of water and cover the rice to help it steam and regain moisture. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Rice is done when the water is fully absorbed, and it’s tender but not mushy. You can test by fluffing the rice with a fork to check the texture.
