How to Cook Rice - Your Go-To Guide for Perfect Rice
How to cook rice in a rice cooker, on the stove, in the microwave, in the oven, and in an instant pot. This guide explains the different types of rice and their respective rice-to-water ratios, as well as the various methods to cook rice perfectly! Learn how to make the perfect fluffy rice, just like a pro!
Ingredients
- rice
- water (Note 1) | the amount of water needed depends on the type of rice and the method used. Please refer to the rice-to-water ratio table above for specific measurements.
Instructions
Rice cooker
- Rinse the rice - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Add to cooker - Place the rinsed rice in the rice cooker pot.
- Add water - Add the appropriate amount of water according to the type of rice you’re using (refer to the table above).
- Cook - Close the lid and start the rice cooker. It will automatically switch to “keep warm” when the rice is done.
- Let it sit - Allow the rice to sit for about 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Stove
- Rinse the rice - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Boil water - In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add rice - Stir in the rice, return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer - Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 17 minutes (for most types of rice except brown rice, wild rice, black rice and red rice) or as per your rice type until the water is absorbed.
- Let it sit - Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Microwave
- Rinse the rice - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine ingredients - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rinsed rice and water.
- Cover - Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam.
- Cook - Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes. Cooking time may vary based on your microwave’s wattage.
- Let it sit - Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Oven
- Preheat oven - Preheat your oven (the temperature depends on the type of rice, refer to the above table).
- Rinse the rice - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine ingredients - In an oven-safe dish, combine the rinsed rice and water.
- Cover - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake - Bake until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender (for cooking time refer to the above table according to rice type).
- Let it sit - Remove from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
Instant pot
- Rinse the rice - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine ingredients - Add the rinsed rice and water to the instant pot.
- Set the pot - Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook - Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook for 4-6 minutes on high pressure (4 minutes for white rice, 6 for brown rice).
- Natural release - Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and serve - Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
