Learn how to cook white rice on the stove to achieve fluffy, delicious rice every single time. All you need are three simple ingredients, a pot, and a little patience. There’s no fancy equipment or complicated steps required!
Naturally gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and easy to keep dairy-free, this fluffy white rice recipe is my go-to side dish for easy dinners and quick meal prep.


How to Cook White Rice Perfectly Every Time
I make white rice at least once a week, if not more. Simple and delicious, it’s the perfect foundation for so many meals, like my copycat Chipotle chicken burrito bowls, Costa Rica shrimp bowls, Instant Pot Mongolian Beef bowls, stir fries, and curries.
However, it took me forever to perfect my simple stovetop white rice method. It sounds like such an easy process, but it can be a little tricky to nail. Until now! This easy stovetop method is SO simple and foolproof when you follow my tips. Try it out, and you’ll never have to resort to an expensive rice cooker or microwave pouches again.


Ingredients and Notes
*Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient list!
- Uncooked Rice: I recommend using long-grain white rice, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice, but any short-grain rice, medium-grain rice, or long-grain white rice will work. Do not substitute brown rice or wild rice!
- Water: I typically use water to keep my rice super versatile, but chicken broth or vegetable broth also works well for a slightly more savory taste.
- Butter: This is optional, but I love to include just a bit of unsalted butter to give my rice a rich flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance the flavor, preventing your rice from being bland.
How to Cook White Rice on the Stove






- Combine ingredients: Make sure to rinse your rice under cold water until it runs mostly clear, removing excess starch that can make the rice sticky. Then, combine all the ingredients in a small pot.
- Cook: Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer until the water is absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the pot from the heat, and let the rice rest covered. This allows the steam to distribute evenly, preventing the rice from becoming mushy!
- Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a rice paddle or fork, and enjoy warm.
My Top Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip rinsing your rice. This removes any dirt or debris, along with excess starch, preventing the granules from clumping together and becoming mushy as they cook.
- Use the right water ratio for perfect rice. Stick to a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio for long-grain white rice. Adding more water can make your rice mushy, and using less water can leave it undercooked, resulting in a crunchy texture.
- Bring the liquid to a full boil. Make sure the water is fully boiling before reducing the heat. This helps the rice cook evenly from the start.
- Keep the lid on. I know it’s tempting to check, but avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks. Trapped steam is key to perfectly tender rice!
- Use low heat. Once covered, keep the heat low and steady. High heat can scorch the bottom before the rice is fully cooked.
- Avoid stirring while cooking. This is key for fluffy rice! Stirring releases starch and can lead to sticky, clumpy rice.


Serving Suggestions
There’s truly not much this white rice recipe doesn’t pair well with. Add the cooked rice to soups, casseroles, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, and so much more! If you’re looking for inspo, some of my favorite ways to use it include:
More Easy Rice Recipes


- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter optional but recommended
- Pinch of salt
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Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
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In a small pot, combine the rice, water, butter, and salt.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
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Fluff with a fork and serve.
- Storage: Store leftover white rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm leftovers in the microwave or covered on the stovetop over medium heat. Thaw frozen rice in the fridge, or warm it directly from the freezer.
- Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam.
- Letting it rest at the end gives you fluffier rice.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 29mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 87IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.4mg
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