How to Cook White Rice

Knowing how to cook white rice seems simple, yet it’s often a challenge to get it just right! Whether it’s your first time trying or you’re looking to perfect your skills, this guide will walk you through the essentials of using a pressure cooker, rice cooker, stovetop, or microwave.

Types of white rice

White rice comes in different varieties, each with a unique texture, flavor, and culinary application. Here are the most common ones:

• Long-grain: Known for its long, slender grains that stay separate and fluffy after cooking. Basmati and Jasmine rice are popular varieties in this category.
• Medium-grain: This type has shorter, wider grains than long-grain rice and turns moist and tender when cooked, making it ideal for dishes like paella or risotto.
• Short-grain: This rice’s grains are short and plump, and they have a stickier texture after cooking. Japanese short-grain rice is the go-to for sushi, like avocado rolls, and onigiri.

This recipe works best with medium-grain and most short-grain white rice. However, you’ll need a separate recipe for sushi rice — check out my Instant Pot sushi rice recipe for the specific ratios and directions.

Preparation

Before you transform your grains into fluffy clouds of deliciousness, there are a few preparatory steps to ensure your rice cooks perfectly every time.

Measuring
Use a dry measuring cup to measure your rice. Sloppy measuring techniques are a huge reason recipes fail, so precision is key.

Rinsing
Another critical step is rinsing rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch, which can make rice gummy or sticky. Place the rice in a strainer and gently wash it under cold, running water.

Soaking
While not always necessary, soaking rice can shorten cooking time and make the texture softer. For firmer rice, you can skip this step. If you choose to soak, 30 minutes is typically sufficient for most white rice varieties.

How to make

Learn the best way to cook white rice my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!

Rice cooker

Step 1
Use the cup provided with your rice cooker, following the machine’s guide for water ratios (it’s usually a 1:1 ratio). After rinsing, add the rice and water to the cooker.

Step 2
Turn your rice cooker on and let it cook, which usually takes about 20-35 minutes. When the rice is ready, the cooker will notify you. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking, then fluff it with a fork.

Remember to fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Stovetop

Step 1
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once boiling, add the rice and stir once. Cover the pot again.

Step 2
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-25 minutes. Check the rice at the 18-minute mark. If there is still water, cover the pot and continue cooking. When it’s done, turn the heat off and let it sit, covered, for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Instant Pot

Step 1
Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. Place rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing.

Step 2
Cook on low pressure for 8 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow it to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Open the lid carefully and fluff the rice.

Microwave

Step 1
In a microwave-safe dish, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 ½ cups of water. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.

Step 2
Cook the rice on high for 10 minutes, then at 50% power for 15 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff and serve.

Water-to-rice ratios

This ratio will vary slightly depending on the type of white rice you’re using and your chosen cooking method. For most white rice, the standard ratio is 2 parts water to 1 part rice.

• Stovetop: Stick to the 2:1 water-to-rice ratio for standard white rice.
• Rice cooker: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or start with a 1:1 ratio.
• Microwave: A 2.5:1 ratio is a good starting point.
• Instant Pot: The pressure cooking method requires less water, usually a 1:1 ratio.

Some types, like Basmati or Jasmine, cook best with a slightly lower ratio — about 1¾ cups of water for every cup of rice. Start with these ratios and adjust based on your experience and preference.

Common mistakes to avoid

Over-stirring: Stirring rice too much while it’s cooking can break the grains and release excess starch, making it sticky or gummy. Stir once just after adding the rice to boiling water, then leave it be.

Incorrect water ratios: Using too much or too little water can result in mushy or undercooked rice. Measure the rice and water carefully and accurately.

Improper sealing: When you’re cooking on the stovetop, double-check that the lid fits snugly to prevent steam from escaping. In an Instant Pot, check that the sealing ring is properly placed.

Forgetting the resting time: After cooking, the rice needs to sit off the heat, covered, for 5-10 minutes to help absorb any remaining moisture and improve the texture.

Serving suggestions

White rice pairs incredibly well with a variety of cuisines! Serve it alongside Indian and Thai curries like vegan chickpea curry, tofu curry, vegan butter chicken, or butternut squash curry. Or, use it as a base for Japanese-style dishes like pan-fried tofu and teriyaki tofu stir-fries.

It’s great for soaking up the rich flavors of vegan stew, vegan minestrone soup, and Moroccan chickpea stew. White rice also makes the perfect base for a vegan poke bowl or as a side for tofu steak and cauliflower steak with vegetables.

If you’re making Mexican rice or vegan Spanish rice, you’ll also need white rice. It is even used in Mexican drinks like horchata!

Frequently asked questions

Storing & reheating

Proper storage and reheating are crucial for keeping leftover rice fresh and tender. Let it cool to room temperature before storing it.

Fridge
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, I highly suggest storing it in the freezer to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer
For longer storage, freeze rice in airtight containers or ziplock bags. Spread the rice out flat before freezing to make reheating easier. Frozen rice can last up to 2 months.

Reheating
Add a tablespoon of water for each cup of rice, cover loosely, and microwave on high until heated through, stirring halfway. Or, reheat it in a saucepan over low. Add a little water, cover, and stir occasionally until hot. This method is great for larger quantities.

Recipe

Note: I’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.