How To Make Fluffy Rice
This method for making fluffy rice uses a precise water-to-rice ratio and a careful cooking process to produce tender, separate grains. Starting with rinsed rice removes excess starch that can cause clumping. Simmering the rice on low heat with a tight lid locks in moisture and heat, ensuring even cooking without stirring. Letting the rice rest off the heat firms up the grains for better texture before fluffing it gently with a fork. This technique works well for white rice and can be adjusted for other types by altering water amounts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice rinsed
- 1½ cups water (or broth)
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- Boil. Add the rinsed rice, 1½ cups water, and salt to a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer. Once the water is boiling, stir the rice once, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer the rice, without uncovering the pot, for about 15 minutes.
- Rest. Remove pan from heat and let rice rest covered for about 5-10 minutes to firm up.
- Fluff. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. Serve immediately or chill to store for later.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio for white rice; adjust as needed for other types.
- Start cooking with cold water rather than adding rice to boiling water to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the lid tightly closed during simmering to maintain steam and moisture.
- Do not uncover or stir rice while cooking to avoid losing steam and disrupting texture.
- After cooking, let rice rest covered off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Add salt, butter, or use broth in place of water to add flavor if desired.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 225
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 225kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 397mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 71mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.