How to cook rice perfectly is one of those basics I think everyone should have in their back pocket. This stovetop method is my go-to because it’s quick, no-fuss, and gives you fluffy rice every time. Add a little ghee and sea salt on top, and honestly, that’s hard to beat.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil, optional
This makes about 3 cups of cooked rice, enough for 4 side servings. To make more or less, keep the ratio at 1 cup rice to 1 ½ cups water. If you’re using a different kind of rice, check the package for its recommended water ratio and cook time.
How to Cook Rice on the Stovetop
1. Rinse the rice
Add the rice to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool water, gently stirring it with your hand. Continue until the water runs mostly clear. This removes some of the surface starch and helps keep the cooked rice from becoming gummy.
2. Bring the water to a boil
Add the water, salt and optional butter or olive oil to a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the rice and cover
Stir in the rinsed rice. Once the water returns to a gentle boil, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and turn the heat to low.
4. Simmer until tender
Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Keeping the lid on helps the rice cook evenly and gives it time to absorb the water.
5. Let it rest
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This final rest helps the grains finish steaming.
6. Fluff and serve
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve warm.
Tips for Fluffy Rice
- Rinse before cooking. A quick rinse removes excess starch from the outside of the grains.
- Use a tight-fitting lid. Steam escaping from the pot can affect how the rice cooks.
- Keep the heat low. A gentle simmer gives the rice time to absorb the water without scorching on the bottom.
- Leave the lid on. Try not to peek while the rice cooks or rests.
- Fluff with a fork. A fork separates the grains without packing them together.
How to Fix Rice That Didn’t Turn Out Right
The rice is still firm. If the water has been absorbed but the rice is not tender, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for a few more minutes, then let it rest again.
The rice is too wet. If there’s a small amount of water left, remove the lid and let the rice sit over low heat for a minute or two. If the grains are cooked but just a little moist, let them rest uncovered for a few minutes before fluffing.
The rice is sticky. A little stickiness can happen, especially if you prefer softer rice. Rinsing the rice before cooking and fluffing it gently after resting can help keep the grains more separate next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rinse rice before cooking it?
Yes. Rinsing removes some of the surface starch, which can make rice gummy. Rinse in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear.
How much water do I use for 1 cup of rice?
For this method, use 1 ½ cups of water for 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Other types of rice may need a different ratio, so check the package directions.
How long does rice take to cook on the stovetop?
Long-grain white rice simmers for about 15 minutes, then rests off the heat, covered, for 10 minutes. Try to keep the lid on during both steps.
Can I make rice ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the rice, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat it until steaming hot, adding a small splash of water if it seems dry.
Perfect Stovetop Rice
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil, optional
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear.
- Add the water, salt and optional butter or olive oil to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the rice. When the water returns to a gentle boil, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes. Keep the lid on.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
