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5.0 from 42 votes

How To Make Fluffy Rice

Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time so it's fluffy and soft. Say goodbye to sticky, mushy, undercooked or overcooked rice.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 225 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice rinsed
  • 1½ cups water (or broth)
  • ½ teaspoon salt optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Boil. Add the rinsed rice, 1½ cups water, and salt to a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil over high heat. 
  2. 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.
  3. Rest. Remove pan from heat and let rice rest covered for about 5-10 minutes to firm up.
  4. Fluff. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. Serve immediately or chill to store for later.

Notes

  • Rinse the rice. Rinsing the rice in a fine mesh strainer removes dusty starch that can lead to sticky or gummy grains. Make sure you rinse it until the water runs clear.
  • Use the correct water to rice ratio. Generally, use the 1:1½ rice to water ratio when cooking rice. Some types of rice require more water (like brown or wild rice) because they cook longer while other types of rice require a little bit less water (sushi rice). Check the section below for more details on the rice to water ratio for each rice type.
  • Add rice to cold water and bring to boil. Some sources recommend adding the rice to boiling water but I find that cooking rice this way, leaves it hard and crunchy plus it takes longer to cook. If you want soft and fluffy rice, you should add the rice to cold water and bring it to a boil.
  • Use a tight-fitted lid. Use a good lid so the steam and moisture don't escape during the simmering cook time.
  • Cook the rice on low heat. Cooking rice on low or simmer guarantees that you will have well-cooked rice that is not over- or undercooked, and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Don't uncover or stir the rice during cooking. It's very important not to uncover or stir the rice once it starts simmering because otherwise the steam will escape and the rice won't cook properly. Be patient and don't mess with the steam.
  • Let the rice rest covered for at least 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, move the saucepan aside and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. While the rice rests, its grains cool off slightly and firm up. If you stir the rice as soon as it's cooked, while it's still very hot and moist, the grains can break up and get mushy.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork. After the rice has rested, you can fluff it up with a fork gently without squishing the rice. Keep it covered until you are ready to eat.
  • Add a pinch of salt and butter, or cook in broth. If you want to add some flavor to your rice, you can add a pinch of salt, 1 Tbsp butter or even cook it in broth instead of water. This is optional but it guarantees delicious flavor!

Nutrition Information

Calories 225kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 49g (16%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 0.4g (1%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g Sodium 397mg (17%) Potassium 71mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3cups

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.