How To Cook Rice Easily

How To Cook Rice Easily on the stovetop is a no-fail method to make fluffy tasty rice in a pot and on the stove. No rinsing is required, and ready in about 20 minutes to cook most kinds of white rice. Simple, easy, and perfect every time. An ideal side to serve with some of your favorite dishes.

No Rice Cooker? No Worries! This method is super easy to make fluffy, delicious tasting rice every time. All you need is a pot with a lid, some water, and rice.

At times, rice can be a lifesaver for meals, especially when you need a “quick” side dish that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients.

Plus, it’s no fuss to whip up either, and it is perfect every time!

How Many Kinds of White Rice?

1. Arborio rice – this is our go-to rice for making any risotto dish, like our Creamy Asparagus Risotto.
2. Basmati rice – a type of long-grain, Indian rice. It is very light texture rice.
3. Jasmine rice – is very light rice, with a slightly sticky texture.
4. Long Grain white rice – is more like sticky rice, perfect for Italian riceballs and even sushi.

Then there are other kinds of rice that are commonly found and popular in supermarkets as well, and these are:

1. Brown Rice – this rice contains extra protein and fiber than white rice.
2. Black Rice – is cultivated wild rice, and the dynamic color contrast when served with shrimp, like our recipe for Wild Rice with Garlicy Lemon Shrimp.
3. Wild Blend Rice – is a blend of different kinds of rice, offering colorful and delightful textures.

Kitchen Items Needed To Cook Rice on Stovetop:

1. A measuring cup for liquids
2. One measuring cup for solids
3. A cooking pot, and big enough for the rice to double in size, and with a tight-fitting lid. I used my 2-quart pot for 1 cup of uncooked rice.

The Benefits of Eating Rice…

• Rice provides vitamins and minerals including, folic acid, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium, fiber, iron, and zinc. 
• It is gluten-free and a natural anti-Inflammatory.
• Provides a good source of energy.
• It provides 90% carbohydrates, 8% protein, and 2% fat.

How To Cook Rice Easily and Perfectly?

Keep in mind, for most types of white rice, all you’ll need to add is about 2 cups of water to the pot for every 1 cup of white rice.

*Quick Note: Brown rice and Wild rice tend to need more water per cup of rice, and usually 2.5 cups or more of water for every 1 cup of rice.

FOUR EASY STEPS TO COOKING RICE…

1. Bring the water to a boil, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then lower the heat and slowly pour in the rice.

2. Give the rice a quick stir.

3. Cover with a lid, and cook the rice on low heat to simmer until the water is completely absorbed about 20 minutes. Set a timer for 20 minutes.

*Additional Note: Brown rice and Wild rice will also need more time to cook, at least for 45 to 50 minutes.

4. When the water is completely absorbed, the rice is done. Remove the lid, and fluff the rice with a fork. Then remove the pot from the heat. Serve immediately or keep it covered to keep it warm until ready to serve.

A Quick Tip! Turn off the heat. Then taste the rice. If you feel the rice is a little undercooked, keep it covered, with a lid and the rice will continue to steam and cook for a few minutes.

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS…

How much does 1 cup of rice yield?

• 1 cup of uncooked rice will yield 4 cups of cooked rice.
• Usually, for a family of four, I like to double the amount and cook 2 cups of uncooked rice with 4 cups of water. Having leftover rice is never a problem. 😉

How do we flavor cooked Rice?

1. We prefer to keep the flavor simple! A little salt, butter (or extra virgin olive oil), and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese are all we need to make it amazingly tasty. Trust me … it’s the best! The more flavor you make the rice, the more enjoyable it is to the palate.
2. Other options for additional flavor: you can stir in some fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and even some of your favorite spices.
3. Additional flavorings? Flavor the rice with freshly chopped herbs, like Italian parsley and basil.

Can we cook rice in our “Instant Pot?“

If you have one, the answer is yes. First, you will need to rinse your rice. Then add wet rice, water, and salt to your Instant Pot and stir once to combine. Lock the lid and set the steam valve to a “sealing” position.  Press the “rice” button or set it on the manual for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes, then quick-release pressure.

Can we measure rice without using a measuring cup?

1. Yes! There is an Asian secret to achieving a perfect rice-to-water ratio without using a measuring cup. But you will need to add the rice first into the pot, then the water after.
2. First, place your fingertip on the bottom of the pot and measure the rice to the “first knuckle.”
3. Then slowly add the water, only to the “next” knuckle of your finger.
4. I haven’t tried it yet, but I bet it works.

What to serve with cooked rice?

A delicious side of tender rice will go perfectly with any of these dishes and more…

• Skillet Salmon with Chili Sauce
• Zucchini Rollatini with Spinach and Cheese
• Chicken Tenders Skillet Dinner
• Easy Italian Zucchini Stew
• Baked Crusted Cod
• Creamy Asparagus Risotto
• Chicken Tenders Smothered in Lemon and Parsley
• Risotto con Funghi (Mushrooms)
• Pan-Seared Salmon with Teriyaki Ginger Sauce

Options for Leftover Rice…

1. Make fried rice.
2. Stir some rice into a soup or stews.
3. Use leftover rice to make Italian rice balls.
4. Fill a burrito or tacos.
5. Turn it into a creamy risotto
6. Use leftover rice for a seafood bowl.

It’s no secret, that Italians love their carbs. And we love pasta and risotto. So here are some of our favorite ideas and additional dinner recipes for white rice.

… and ENJOY!!

Additional Recipes to Make with Rice…

• Best Rice Ball Casserole Stuffed with Meat and Peas
• Easy Vegetable Risotto
• Rice and Chicken Casserole
• Italian Rice Balls with Eggs and Cheese
• Arancini Bites with Fontina Cheese (Trader Joe’s Copycat)
• Wild Rice with Lemon Garlicky Shrimp
• Cheesy Rice Balls with Peas

…Thanks for Pinning!

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 cup
Servings:  4 servings
Amount per serving
Calories	220
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6.1g	8%
Saturated Fat 3.7g	19%
Cholesterol 15mg	5%
Sodium 194mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate 37g	13%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g	2%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 3.4g
Vitamin D 4mcg	20%
Calcium 18mg	1%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 56mg	1%

Hi Friends! Have you tried this easy method on how to cook rice? Let us know, and leave a comment below!

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Happy and Healthy Cooking! 🙂

thanks for stopping by…

xo anna and liz