To make rice on the stove, follow these general steps for perfect, fluffy rice:
- Measure and rinse the rice (optional but recommended): Use about 1 cup of rice and rinse it under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent gummy rice
- Add water: Use a ratio of about 2 parts water to 1 part rice (e.g., 2 cups water for 1 cup rice)
. For some types of rice or personal preference, this can be adjusted slightly (e.g., 1.5 cups water for 1 cup rice for stovetop cooking)
- Bring to a boil: Place the rice and water in a pot, add a pinch of salt if desired, and bring to a rolling boil uncovered
- Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring
- Rest off heat: After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice rest and steam for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and become fluffy
- Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving
This classic method works well for long-grain white rice and many other varieties. For brown rice or other types, cooking times and water ratios may vary slightly. In summary, the key points are a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, simmering covered without stirring, and resting the rice after cooking for fluffiness
