Chef AntonioMaster the art of cooking perfect rice on the stovetop. No more mushy, sticky, or undercooked rice.
25 min
Time Required
Under $3
Estimated Cost
5
Steps
low
Safety
What You'll Need
Tools
Materials
Step 1 of 5
Rinse the Rice
Place rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear (about 30 seconds). This removes excess starch that causes stickiness.
Tip
This is the #1 secret to fluffy rice. Don't skip it!
Step 2 of 5
Combine and Boil
Add rinsed rice, water, and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add butter or oil if desired for extra richness.
Step 3 of 5
Simmer with Lid
Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly with a lid. Cook for 15-18 minutes WITHOUT lifting the lid. The steam is doing the work.
Common Mistake
Lifting the lid to check releases steam and disrupts the cooking process. Trust the time.
Step 4 of 5
Rest Off Heat
Remove from heat and keep covered for 5-10 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to be absorbed and the texture to set.
Step 5 of 5
Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid and fluff with a fork, gently separating the grains. Serve immediately. Perfect rice should be fluffy with separate grains, not mushy or clumpy.
Pro Tip
For brown rice, increase water to 2 cups and cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
