Learn how to cook White Rice on a stovetop that delivers the best, perfectly fluffy, and tender rice every time. This recipe for white rice is usually made with short, medium, or long-grain rice and water using the absorption method. The process for cooking rice involves boiling, and simmering the rice until it is cooked completely.
The cooking method shared here is one of the easy and best ways to make Rice on the stovetop using a pot. Here the Rice is made plain without any seasonings, so it pairs great with curries, stir-fried dishes, and roasted and baked dishes. You could also serve it with chicken, salmon, shrimp, and many Asian and Indian recipes for lunch and dinner.
The recipe I have shared here shows you how to cook White Rice with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe below to make the cooking process visually clear. You can also find the separate post for brown rice and basmati rice here in this blog.
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What is Rice?
Rice is one of the common food in Indian and Asian cooking. There are different types of rice varieties like brown rice, wild rice, white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, sushi rice, arborio rice, and more. It is used to make flavored rice like biryani, pilafs, risotto, and fried rice, chicken fried rice etc. Mostly cooked plain rice is usually served with curries, stir-fries, and roasted and baked dishes.
So wondering how to make the best and perfectly fluffy rice for your weeknight dinner? Whether you are planning to combine your rice with one of the best Chinese recipes, or Thai recipes or to pair it with a simple chicken dinner, this recipe for White Rice is a keeper.
This post shows you how to cook the best rice using the absorption method with easy step-by-step guidance. Cooking rice on the stovetop is not at all tricky using a pot. And it delivers perfectly fluffy, yet soft and tender rice every time. That too in under 30 minutes. If you follow this recipe you will never have to deal with mushy, sticky, or gummy rice anymore!
You could also find more easy and best rice recipes to make a delightful dinner for your family here in this blog.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to Cook Rice are just 2 ingredients that should be already in your pantry. So let's see what are they below.
- White Rice - I have used medium-grain white rice here, but you can also use long-grain or short-grain if that's handy for you. See the detailed rice water ratio in the section below if you are opting for long or short grains
- Water - For cooking rice
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below
How to cook or make rice on the Stovetop?
The recipe I have shared here is one of the cooking basics, How to cook Rice on the stovetop using a pot. This recipe for White Rice is made plain without any seasonings that deliver perfectly fluffy rice every time. For cooking rice, I have used the absorption method which involves boiling the rice, then simmering the rice in low heat until all the water is absorbed completely.
Following are the high-level instructions to make this recipe but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and video, please check out the recipe card below.
- Rinse and Wash - In a bowl, add rice and wash and rinse it using cold water. Rinse it a few times until the water runs clear. This will help to remove the dust, debris, and starch from the rice
- Bring water to boil - Now In a wide bottom pot with medium heat, pour 3 cups of water and bring it to boil
- Add white rice - Add the washed white rice to the boiling water and spread it well
- Let the rice bubbles - Allow the rice to boil until the center and sides of the rice bubble and create a foamy texture. Please refer to the picture
- Simmer and cook - Now simmer the heat to low, and close the lid of the pan. Cook the rice for about 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed completely. At this stage do not open and peek or stir the rice which will stop the coo
- Rest the rice - Switch off the heat and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Now open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Now the fluffy rice is ready for you to serve
- Serve - Serve this Fluffy White rice with veg or non-veg curries like chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, stir fry recipes, or Thai dishes
Rice Water Ratio
The perfect rice-water ratio for cooking white rice is 1:2. That is for every 1 cup of rice 2 cups of water should be used. The ratio remains the same for short and medium grain. I have used medium grain here, but if you are using long grain like basmati then I recommend using a 1:1½ cup of rice water ratio.
How long to Cook Rice?
The rice usually cooks in under 15 to 20 minutes if you are using the absorption method. But the rice also boils for 5 to 7 minutes in water before closing the pot with its lid. Then once after simmering, it may take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all the water.
Additionally, the cooked rice is also allowed to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes once the heat is switched off. This will help to absorb leftover water if any. This is the stage the cooking process ends completely.
What are the best ways to Cook Rice?
Cooking rice on the stovetop using a pot is one of the best ways to cook Rice. You can use the absorption method or the cook and drain method if you are choosing a stovetop. However, you can also use an instant pot, rice cooker, or microwave to make rice for similar results.
Do you want to rinse the Rice before cooking?
Yes, you want to rinse the rice before cooking. Rinsing the rice removes all debris, dust, and other unwanted particles from the rice. It also helps to remove the excess starch from it which helps to achieve fluffy rice when cooked.
Tips
- Rinse the rice - rinsing the rice helps to remove the excess starch, dust, and debris from it. If the rice is not rinsed properly it may lead to clump or stick it together that delivers a mushy rice
- Rice Water Ratio - Rice water ratio is one of the important factors to achieve the best result, so always follow the 1:2 ratio of rice to water for a fluffy white rice
- Close and Cook - Closing the pot with the lid and cooking the rice on low heat helps the rice to cook evenly
- Temperature - The temperature of the stove should be at medium heat until you see the bubbles and foamy textured surface. And the temperature should be low when you cook it with the lid closed
Storage Suggestions
You can store the cooked white rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a closed airtight container. Usually old and cold rice is best for making fried rice. But if you don't have the plan to make fried rice, then simply reheat it in the microwave on high until it warms up evenly. You can also sprinkle some water if the rice is too dry before reheating it. You can also freeze it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fluffy White Rice with curries like chicken curry, chicken tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, lamb vindaloo, paneer tikka masala, chole, palak paneer, or vegetable korma for Indian inspired dinner night.
For an Asian spread like Chinese, Thai or Japanese, serve the rice with Thai red curry, Thai yellow curry, Thai green curry, Panang curry, chicken stir fry, vegetable stir fry, orange chicken, and more stir-fried recipes, and salmon recipes.
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at rice recipes.
- Basmati Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Brown Rice
- Mexican Rice (Spanish rice)
- Fried Rice
- Chicken and Rice
- Baked Chicken and Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Pudina Rice (Mint Pulao)
Cooking White Rice Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video on how to cook Rice on the stovetop using a pot below that I hope will help you to make perfectly fluffy rice at home. You could also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
How to cook Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ cups White Rice, medium grain
- 3 cups Water
Instructions
To make White Rice on Stovetop
- In a bowl, add rice and wash and rinse it using cold water until the water runs clear. This will help to remove the dust, debris, and starch from the rice
- Now In a wide bottom pan or pot with medium heat, pour 3 cups of water and bring it to boil
- Add the washed white rice to the boiling water and spread it well
- Allow the rice to boil until the center and sides of the rice bubble and creates a foamy texture. Please refer to the picture
- Now simmer the heat to low, close the lid of the pan, and cook the rice for about 15 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed completely
- Switch off the heat and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Now open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Now the fluffy rice is ready for you to serve
To Serve
- Serve this Fluffy White rice with veg or non-veg curries like chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, stir fry recipes, Thai dishes, or other dishes of your choice
Video
Notes
- Rinse the rice - rinsing the rice helps to remove the excess starch, dust, and debris from it. If the rice is not rinsed properly it may lead to clump or stick it together that delivers a mushy rice
- Rice Water Ratio - Rice water ratio is one of the important factors to achieve the best result, so always follow the 1:2 ratio of rice to water for a fluffy white rice
- Close and Cook - Closing the pot with the lid and cooking the rice on low heat helps the rice to cook evenly
- Temperature - The temperature of the stove should be at medium heat until you see the bubbles and foamy textured surface. And the temperature should be low when you cook it with the lid closed
Nutrition
FAQ
Rice is one of the common food in Indian and Asian cooking. There are different types of rice varieties like brown rice, wild rice, white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, sushi rice, arborio rice, and more. It is used to make flavored rice like biryanis, pilafs, risotto, and fried rice. Mostly cooked plain rice is usually served with curries, stir-fries, and roasted and baked dishes.
The perfect rice-water ratio for cooking white rice is 1:2. That is for every 1 cup of rice 2 cups of water should be used. The ratio remains the same for short and medium grain. I have used medium grain here, but if you are using long grain like basmati then I recommend using a 1:1½ cup of rice water ratio.
The rice usually cooks in under 15 to 20 minutes if you are using the absorption method. But the rice also boils for 5 to 7 minutes in water before closing the pot with its lid. Then once after simmering, it may take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all the water. Additionally, the cooked rice is also allowed to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes once the heat is switched off.
Serve this Fluffy White rice with veg or non-veg curries like chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka masala, chicken vindaloo, stir fry recipes, Thai dishes, or other dishes of your choice.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe I shared here and I would love to hear from you about how it turned out for you. Please let me know.
If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy Cooking!
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