How to Cook Rice

There are literally hundreds of varieties and styles of rice, but most cooks need only to know a few basic ratios to cook rice perfectly.

The first thing you must know about cooking rice is that one cup of raw uncooked rice will yield three cups of cooked rice. This is true of just about all rice, although some grains will cook larger than others.

The second thing you must know about cooking rice is how absorbent it is. The rice to water ratio will almost always be 1:2 – meaning one cup rice, two cups water. White rice will be a little less (one cup rice to 1 3/4 cups water) and brown rice slightly more (one cup rice to 2 1/4 cups water).

The third step to cooking perfect rice is timing.

For basic white rice, add 1 cup rice to 1 3/4 – 2  cups water in a saucepan and bring to a roiling boil. Don’t stir more than once or twice. Cover, lower heat to LOW, and set a timer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes. Remove cover, fluff with fork and serve!

For basic brown rice, add 1 cup brown rice to 2 1/4 cups water and bring to a roiling boil. Stir once, cover, lower heat to LOW, and set a timer for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove from heat and let steam for 10 minutes. Remove cover, fluff and serve!

Of course these are just the basics and I will give you more techniques in upcoming posts.

Related posts:

1. Rice Pudding Recipe