How to Cook Rice Like Pasta
User Reviews
4.6
-
Servings
3 cups cooked rice
How to Cook Rice Like Pasta
Description
In this recipe, rice is cooked similarly to pasta by boiling it in a large pot of generously salted water. The salt levels should make the water taste nearly as salty as seawater, seasoning the rice as it cooks. Stirring occasionally prevents clumping, and cooking times vary with rice type: approximately 7–8 minutes for white rice and 25–27 minutes for brown rice, checked by tasting for firmness.
After cooking, the rice is drained and returned to the pot set over very low heat. Butter and a pinch of salt are added, then covered and rested for 10 minutes, stirring once midway. This resting step allows the rice to finish steaming gently and absorb butter, enhancing flavor and texture. The final fluffing ensures the grains separate nicely.
This method is helpful for cooks who prefer controlling doneness by testing texture rather than relying on fixed cooking times. It can yield a more al dente rice suitable for a variety of dishes where a less sticky texture is desired.
Ingredients
- water
- kosher salt
- 1 cup rice thoroughly rinsed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water 3/4 full, and bring to a boil over high heat. Season the water with a few big pinches of salt. It should taste like sea water. Stir in the rice, drop the heat to medium, and cook uncovered until al dente, stirring occasionally. For white rice, start checking for doneness (tasting) at 7 minutes. For me, white rice is usually done around 8 minutes. For brown rice, start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. For me, brown rice is usually done around 27 minutes.*
- Drain the rice and return it back to the same pot set over the lowest heat possible. Stir in butter and a pinch of salt. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes, stirring once after 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season to taste with additional salt.
Notes
- Cooking times vary significantly depending on rice type, quantity, and stovetop conditions; taste testing is the best way to gauge doneness.
- Use thoroughly rinsed rice to remove excess surface starch, aiding grain separation.
- The final butter and salt addition after draining enriches flavor and finish, so do not skip this step.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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