Rice is a versatile and essential ingredient in kitchens around the world, but achieving perfectly cooked rice can sometimes feel tricky. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, using the right techniques can make all the difference.
There are many different ways to cook rice at home. Depending on the type of rice, the equipment needed and the time that you have on your hands, different methods may work better for different people. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most popular cooking methods and some tips to cook rice perfectly every time.
Stovetop
Cooking rice on the stove is a common method that works well for a variety of rice types. It also requires no special equipment, so anyone with a pot and a lid can make rice at home. Follow the steps below to cook rice on the stove:
- Measure out the rice and water. Depending on the type of rice you’re using, the ratio of water to rice will vary. Check the box or bag of rice to get an idea of how much water to use with the amount of rice you’re preparing.
- Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice in water a few times until the water runs clear or almost clear. This step helps remove excess starch from the rice, which can cause the rice to clump together.
- Add rice and water to the pot and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and wait for the rice and water to boil.
Tip: This is the point where you can add salt, herbs or oil to enhance the flavor of your rice, if desired. You can also replace the water with broth to add a deeper, richer flavor ideal for some recipes.
- Simmer. Lower the heat and simmer the rice and water together, keeping the lid on to keep the steam inside. The length of time to simmer rice depends on the type of rice and the length of the grain, so check your rice box or bag for guidance. It tends to take 30 minutes to simmer brown rice, for example, compared to around 12-18 minutes for white rice.
- Let the rice rest. Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit, still covered. This will take around 10 minutes , but may vary again on the type of rice you’re cooking. This step helps to ensure that the rice absorbs any excess water in the pot, so it doesn’t come out dry.
- Fluff and serve. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate any grains that stuck together, and it’s ready to serve!
A shorter stovetop method to cook rice is using Minute Instant Rice. Minute Instant Rice is pre-cooked and dried, reducing the cook time significantly without adding any additives or preservatives.
Most Minute Instant Rice varieties, including White, Basmati and Jasmine, are ready in just 5 minutes. For these varieties, simply measure out rice and water in a one-to-one ratio, then bring the water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, add the rice and stir, then cover and remove from the heat. Let the rice absorb the water for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve. For brown rice varieties, including Brown and Rice & Quinoa, add water and rice into a saucepan in a one-to-one ratio, then boil water. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Rice Cooker
Using a rice cooker is a hands-off method to prepare rice, with no need to set timers or check on your rice as it cooks. This can be a big help in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on preparing the rest of your meal while the rice cooker handles the rice.
After rinsing your rice, add it to the rice cooker along with water in the proper ratio, based on the rice variety and amount you’re preparing. Then, simply hit start and the rice cooker does the rest! Most modern rice cookers will make a sound or have an indicator light to alert you when the rice is ready. Many also have a “keep warm” setting, so you can ensure that your rice stays warm until you’re ready to serve it.
Once the rice cooker is done, let the rice sit in the cooker for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the moisture evaporate and distribute heat evenly through the grains.
Remember that every appliance is different, so be sure to check your rice cooker instructions for specific guidance to help your rice come out perfectly.
Slow Cooker
Rice can also be cooked in a slow cooker such as a Crock-Pot. Another hands-off method, this technique is useful when preparing large quantities of rice. When you’re preparing rice as part of a larger meal, like a stew, this method enables the rice to cook alongside the other ingredients and help the flavors meld together.
To prepare rice in a slow cooker, follow the same steps of rinsing your rice and measuring the appropriate rice to water ratio, depending on the variety of rice you’re cooking. Add the rice and water to the slow cooker, cover and cook for 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Microwave
Using the microwave is a speedy and convenient method to cook rice. Microwaves vary in wattage and strength, so this method may take a few tries to get the timing right that works with your appliance.
Rinse your rice and add the rice and water to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then on medium for 15 minutes. Let the rice rest for 5 more minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve. The beauty of this method is that, if the rice needs more time after resting, you can simply add the rice back into the microwave for another minute or two.
Preparing Minute Instant Rice is incredibly easy in the microwave as well. For all Minute Instant Rice varieties, simply add rice and water in a one-to-one ratio to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for 5 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Then, you’re ready to enjoy—it’s that simple!
The fastest option to prepare rice is using Minute Rice Cups. These rice cups are pre-portioned in a single serving, making them the perfect base for a rice bowl or side dish to a meal. Ready in just 60 seconds in the microwave, Minute Rice Cups are incredibly convenient for meals when you’re short on time or on the go.
Minute Rice Cups come in a variety of flavors and classic varieties such as White, Brown, Jasmine, Basmati, Long Grain & Wild Rice, Hot Honey Chicken and Cilantro & Lime.
Common Challenges when Cooking Rice
Rice may seem like a simple grain, but there are a few challenges when preparing rice that people often run into.
- Rice is sticking to the pot: Avoid overcooking the rice for too long, as this can cause it to get stuck to the bottom of the pot. Adding a little oil or butter at the beginning of cooking will coat the grains which may also help prevent sticking.
- The bottom of the rice is burning: Make sure you’re using enough water so the rice has enough moisture to absorb, and ensure that you aren’t leaving your rice on high heat for too long.
- Rice is clumpy or mushy: Rinse rice before cooking to ensure that excess starch is removed. Excess starch can cause rice to stick together and become mushy.
- Rice is too dry: If your rice comes out dry, simply add a bit more water to create more steam, and place on very low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes.
Convenience with Minute Rice
For quick, convenient rice that’s perfect every time, look no further than Minute Rice. With plenty of rice varieties and flavors to choose from, there’s a Minute Rice product for whatever meal you have in mind.
Minute Instant Rice is the perfect pantry staple, ready to enhance any meal without taking up too much time in the kitchen. From classic White and Brown rice to aromatic Jasmine and Basmati, and even Rice & Quinoa for a delicious blend of whole grains, there’s a Minute Instant Rice that suits every meal you’re making.
For no-fuss rice bowls, side dishes and meals on the go, Minute Rice Cups bring convenience to whatever you’re craving. Available in a multitude of rice varieties and exciting flavors, Minute Rice Cups offer endless possibilities for your next meal. Get inspired with delicious ways you can use your Minute Rice Cups with our Mix It Up rice bowl ideas.
Now that you’re ready to cook your rice, check out hundreds of recipe ideas from Minute Rice for the perfect rice recipe for your next meal!
