White Rice
Perfectly fluffy white rice, cooked simply on the stovetop. This versatile staple is the ideal base for countless meals, from curries to stir-fries, and is ready in under 25 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 18 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Rinse the rice
- b.Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve.
- c.Rinse under cold running water, swirling the rice with your hand, until the water runs clear. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- d.Drain the rice thoroughly to remove all excess water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the rice
- b.In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice and water.
- c.Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- d.As soon as it boils, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
- e.Cover the saucepan with the lid and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Rest and fluff the rice
- b.After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat but keep it covered.
- c.Let the rice stand undisturbed for 10 minutes. This allows the residual steam to finish cooking the grains.
- d.Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, lifting and separating the grains from the bottom up.
- e.Serve immediately as a versatile side dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The rice-to-water ratio is key. For long-grain white rice, a 1:2 ratio (1 part rice to 2 parts water) is generally perfect for the absorption method.
- 2Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from scorching on the bottom.
- 3Resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid releases steam, which disrupts the cooking process and can lead to unevenly cooked or mushy rice.
- 4If your rice is still a bit wet after resting, you can place a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid for 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- 5For extra flavor, toast the rinsed, dry rice in a little oil for a minute before adding the water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use brown rice instead of white for more fiber. You will need to adjust the water ratio to 1:2.5 and increase the simmer time to about 40-45 minutes.
quickQuick
For a faster version, skip the rinsing step, though the rice may be slightly stickier. This saves about 2-3 minutes of prep time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Stir in some cooked peas and carrots after fluffing the rice to add color and vegetables that kids enjoy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
The simple carbohydrates in white rice are easily digested and provide a quick source of energy for the body.
Easy to Digest
Being low in fiber, white rice is gentle on the digestive system, making it a good option during digestive upset.
Versatile and Gluten-Free
White rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe staple for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
White rice is a good source of carbohydrates for energy. However, it is a refined grain, meaning the bran and germ have been removed, which lowers its fiber and nutrient content compared to brown rice. It can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.