Rice is such a versatile and delicious grain that goes with almost any meal and cooking perfect rice can be so easy when you follow this recipe. There are a few key factors when cooking rice and once you know these simple techniques, you’ll have great results every time.
This recipe calls for Basmati rice, which is one of my favorites, but the techniques in the recipe are really what make the difference when cooking perfect rice. There are a lot of “tricks” and tools that I’ve seen that are supposed to make rice cooking easier. However, in my experience the simplest method has been the best method, no tricks necessary just a little knowledge.
Unless you’re making something like risotto, rice doesn’t need much attention. In fact, the more you fuss with it the more chance there is that it won’t turn out the way you hoped. Perfect rice should be fully cooked, defined grains that are firm, and fluffy.
Following the methods in this recipe will give you great results every time. Let’s get started.
The Right Ratios
An important factor in rice cooking is the ratio of liquid to rice. I’ve found that for most types of rice a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice creates the best results. Knowing this a general “rule” means that you can convert any rice recipe into any amount and always have a great outcome.
That being said, there may be some type of rice that require more or less water. But for popular types of rice the 2:1 ratio will work well.
I’ve followed package directions many times and either have soggy or undercooked grains. After many failures and experiments, the 2:1 ratio proved to be the most effective in achieving the perfect rice texture.
Choose the Liquid
You have a couple of choices to make when it comes to what liquid to use for your perfect rice.
Water of course, is a great choice. When cooking rice in water I suggest seasoning the water with a bit of salt to lift the flavor of the rice. Add ¼ tsp per cup of water. Salt can be added to the rice once cooked but adding it to the water/liquid will get the seasoning into the grains for a more balanced flavor.
Broth is an awesome choice as it adds a savory richness to the rice. Also, broth seasons the rice well, so additional salt is not necessary.
Bouillon is also a great option and is usually my choice. Keeping bouillon on hand in your cupboard or fridge is wonderful idea and there are many forms of bouillon. I always have Edward & Sons Not Chick’n and Not Beef Bouillon in my kitchen. These are vegan bouillon alternatives that are shelf stable and so delicious. I prefer them to other meat-based bouillon cubes and use them to season many dishes. If using bouillon, check the package directions for use and ratio of bouillon to liquid.
Recipe Step – Once you’ve chosen your liquid, measure it and bring it to a boil over high heat. Choose an appropriately sized pan for the amount of rice you are cooking. Typically, a medium sauce pan with a well fitted lid works nicely.
Find Your Favorite Rice
I mentioned before that this recipe is for Basmati because it is a favorite. Basmati has a distinctly nutty flavor and pairs well with Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish and European based meals. It’s great with grilled meat, vegetables, and is a solid all-purpose rice.
Jasmine rice is another favorite that works well with Asian inspired meals, fish, and chicken. Jasmine rice has light perfumed flavor that is slightly sweet.
Brown rice is a fantastic whole grain option and is wonderfully nutritious. Short or long grain brown rice work well with this recipe. It’s important to note that brown rice takes much longer to cook than most white rice. Check the recipe notes for modifications when using brown rice.
Recipe Step – When you’ve chosen the type of rice you’ll be cooking, measure it and put it in a mesh strainer or colander with small holes and rinse the rice under cool water, stirring it around with your fingers, until the water runs clear.
What Makes Rice Perfect?
Rice is an introvert; it likes to be left alone and have its personal time to do its rice thing. If you take the lid off the pot and stir the rice a bunch, it’s going to be gummy, and the grains will break apart. Agitating the rice makes it release its starches which can lead to a sticky mess.
Conversely that’s exactly what you want when making a risotto. Check out my Creamy Mushroom Risotto recipe to learn more.
An important step in making perfect rice is knowing when to leave it alone.
You will stir the rice only 2 times in the cooking process. Once when initially adding the rice to the boiling liquid, and a second time before putting the lid on. During each stir, try to go around the whole pot in only one pass. Be gentle, one swish around should be plenty.
Recipe Step – Once the water is boiling, carefully add the rice to the pot. Stir around the pot only enough to distribute the rice and be sure none is stuck to the bottom. This counts as stir #1. Stop stirring! Allow the liquid to come back to a boil.
Leave that Rice Alone!
Another important element to perfect rice is to keep the lid on during the entire cooking time. Keeping the lid on creates a sealed environment trapping moisture and heat which are essential for perfectly cooked rice.
Be patient. Resist the temptation to get in that pot and check what’s happening.
Recipe Step – When the liquid and rice are at a boil again, do one more stir. Again, just enough to distribute the rice and be sure nothing has stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is stir #2. Turn the heat to low and put the lid on. Set you timer and let the rice cook. Check the recipe for cooking times.
Fluff and Cover
Lastly, fluff and steam the rice. This sounds like a totally unnecessary step, I get it. But this step really makes such a difference in the texture of the rice. If you skip this step your rice can be both soggy and undercooked. Steaming the rice for a few minutes is a necessary step that shouldn’t be skipped!
Recipe Step – After the cooking time has ended, turn off the heat, remove the lid and stir with a fork. You can get a little vigorous at this point, really get in there, get into all the corners and break the rice up. Do this step quickly. You may notice the rice kernels look a little wet still. That’s ok, keep going.
Recipe Step – Once you’ve sufficiently fluffed the rice, replace the lid and set the pot off heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. When you’re ready to serve you will have fluffy, wonderful grains of rice.
It would be at this point that you would add any additional seasonings, see recipe notes.
Tada! You did it!!! Hooray you have perfect rice. It’s time for a delicious meal.
Perfect Rice
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan with a well fitted lid
- Measuring Cups
- Serving Dish
- Wooden Spoon
- Fork
- Wire Mesh Strainer
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cups Basmati Rice
- 3 Cups Broth OR Water (see recipe notes)
Instructions
- In a medium pot that has a tight-fitting lid, bring broth (water) to a boil.
- In a mesh strainer, rinse the rice under cool water stirring and swishing until water runs clear. Drain off excess liquid.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the boiling water and stir once to be sure no rice has stuck to the bottom.
- Bring the rice and water to a boil. Stir through he the rice briefly once more.
- Cover the pot and reduce to low heat. Set a timer for 18 minutes (time may vary depending on the type of rice used, see recipe notes).
- When the time is up, remove the lid and stir the rice with fork. The kernels of rice may look slightly wet. Put the lid back on and remove the pot from the heat. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve
