5 from 15 votes
How to Cook Rice
This method for cooking white rice ensures fluffy, separate grains by rinsing out excess starch and simmering with a precise water-to-rice ratio. The rice rests covered after cooking to finish steaming, resulting in tender, well-cooked rice without burning or sticking. Using kosher salt enhances the flavor subtly. This approach is practical for cooking plain rice as a base for many meals and allows for easy storage of leftovers in the refrigerator.
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
169 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the rice with a few cups of cool water in a bowl. Swirl the rice in the water with your fingers to remove the excess starch. Drain, then rinse once more, and drain again.
- In a pot large enough to hold the amount of rice you're cooking, bring the water to a boil. A two-quart pot is sufficient unless you're using more than two cups of rice.
- Stir in the rice and kosher salt. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Cook for 20 minutes (depending on the type of rice and the package instructions). Resist the urge to remove the lid or stir your rice before it's done.
- Remove the rice from the heat and while still covered with the lid, allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Before serving, fluff rice with a fork to break up the grains. Store cooked rice in the fridge for several days.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
169kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
297mg
(12%)
Potassium
53mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Calcium
16mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 169
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 169kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 297mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 53mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.