How To Cook White Rice Without A Rice Cooker - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker PDF download Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE Ingredients 1 Rinse your rice thoroughly 3 times before cooking. 2 Soak your rice for about 30 minutes. 3 Add fresh cooking water to the pot. 4 Put the pot over medium-high heat. 5 Add salt and butter for seasoning. 6 Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. 7 Let the rice rest for 10 minutes. 8 Fluff the rice with a fork. 9 Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. How Do You Cook Jasmine Rice? + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: March 28, 2024 References

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This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 234,400 times.

White rice is a simple staple when it comes to basic cooking and side dishes, but how easy is it to make without a rice cooker? It turns out a rice cooker isn’t necessary—making white rice in a pot on the stove gives just as great results. We’ve put together a handy guide to making the perfect white rice without a rice cooker to go with any meal. Keep scrolling to satisfy your craving!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (440 g) of white rice
  • 3 cups (710 mL) of water
  • 0.5 teaspoons (2.8 g) of salt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of butter or oil (optional)
  • 3 cups (710 mL) of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth (optional in place of water)

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Steps

1

Rinse your rice thoroughly 3 times before cooking.

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  1. Rinsing removes the extra starches on your rice, making it less sticky. Rinsing removes the extra starches on your rice, making it less sticky. To rinse, put your rice in a pot and add just enough water to cover the rice. Swirl the rice around with your fingers—you’ll notice the water turn milky—then drain as much water as possible.[1]
    • Repeat the swirling and draining process 3 times, or until the water becomes mostly clear.
    • Alternatively, put your rice in a colander or sieve and rinse it under cold water until the water running out of the sieve is nearly clear.[2]
    • Rinsing isn't required, but is recommended. When the starch on the outside of the grains is rinsed away, they stay more separated when they're cooked.
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2

Soak your rice for about 30 minutes.

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  1. Rice absorbs water when it soaks, which speeds up the cooking time. Rice absorbs water when it soaks, which speeds up the cooking time. Put approximately equal amounts of your rinsed rice and fresh water into a pot and let the rice soak for at least 30 minutes or as much as an hour.[3]
    • If you’re pressed for time, soaking isn’t absolutely necessary. Shorten the soaking time or skip it entirely.
    • Rice can soak for up to half a day. Start soaking your rice before work or other activities so it’s ready to cook as soon as you’re home.
3

Add fresh cooking water to the pot.

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  1. The best white rice to water ratio is 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water. The best white rice to water ratio is 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water. Drain the soaking water out of your pot and add 1.5 times more water than you have rice. For example, if you’re making 2 cups (440 g) of rice, add 3 cups (710 mL) of water. Stir the rice a bit with a wooden spoon.[4]
    • For more flavorful white rice, use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth in place of water.[5]
    • One old trick to get the right amount of water is to hover your fingertip on top of the rice and add water until your first knuckle crease is covered.[6]
    • For 2 cups (440 g) or less of rice, a 2-quart (1.9 L) pot with a tight-fitting lid will be a sufficient size. This amount serves 4-6 people.
    • You can also add a little bit of chicken stock to the pot to give your rice a little extra flavor.[7]
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4

Put the pot over medium-high heat.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook White Rice Without a Rice Cooker Leave the pot uncovered and bring the water to a boil. Keep it boiling until the water level is just below the level of rice. If it’s boiling too aggressively or water starts sloshing over the sides of the pot, turn the heat down slightly.[8]
    • Keep an eye on your rice during the boiling phase. It’ll be safe to walk away after you turn the heat down later.
5

Add salt and butter for seasoning.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook White Rice Without a Rice Cooker Salt, butter, or oil are easy ways to add flavor and moisture to your rice. Add about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of butter (or oil if you’re vegan) and 0.5 teaspoons (2.8 g) of salt for every 1 cup (220 g) of uncooked rice. Besides adding flavor, butter or oil will also keep your rice moist and prevent drying out.[9]
    • Consider the other foods you’re pairing with your rice. If the other dishes are already very flavorful or salty, you might not need any seasoning in the rice.
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6

Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes.

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  1. Turn down the heat, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until it’s done. Turn down the heat, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until it’s done. Resist the urge to lift the lid and stir or check on the rice—you want to keep the pot fully sealed the entire time.[10] The rice is finished when almost all of the water is gone and you see steam holes in the surface of the rice.
    • Make sure the pot has a lid that fits tightly to prevent too much steam from escaping the pot.
    • If you’ve had an issue with soggy rice in the past or your lid fits loosely, lay a towel over the pot and then place the lid on top. The towel will soak up excess condensation. Fold the corners on top of the pot so they don’t catch fire.[11]
7

Let the rice rest for 10 minutes.

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  1. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit with the lid on. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit with the lid on. This allows the grains to absorb all of the remaining moisture in the pot and results in more evenly cooked, fluffy rice. If you’re preparing other dishes at the same time, just leave the lid on until you’re almost ready to serve.[12]
    • Move the pot off the heat to a cool burner or heat-safe surface to rest.
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8

Fluff the rice with a fork.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook White Rice Without a Rice Cooker Remove the lid and break up the grains with a fork, chopsticks, or rice paddle. This releases extra steam trapped in the rice and gives it a fluffy texture.[13] After it’s fluffed, your delicious white rice is ready to serve!
9

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.

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  1. Cooked white rice is good for about 2 days when stored properly. Cooked white rice is good for about 2 days when stored properly. It’s important to refrigerate rice ASAP since warm, wet foods attract bacteria quickly. First, spread the leftovers out on a baking tray so they can cool rapidly. Then put the leftovers in an airtight container or plastic bag.[14]
    • Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to make up for how the rice dries out in storage.
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How Do You Cook Jasmine Rice?

Expert Q&A

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  • Question What can you add to rice to give it flavor? JoAnna Minneci JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. JoAnna Minneci JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef Expert Answer Coconut milk, scallions, and fish sauce make for a great combo! Just keep adding each of those ingredients to taste. You can even sweeten the rice with a little bit or brown or palm sugar, if you'd like. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question If I add too much oil, does that effect the rice? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It depends on how much extra oil you add. A small amount won't have much of an effect, but a large amount will make the rice slippery and oily when finished. If you think you've added too much, strain out the oily water while the rice is simmering and add fresh hot water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question What sort of curry can I make with rice? Give me some ideas, please. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer White rice is very versatile and pairs well with any curry you'd like to make. Panang, red, yellow, or green curries are all tasty, popular options! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Video

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Tips

  • This process mostly works for other types of rice too, like when you’re making brown rice or making basmati rice. The differences are in how much water to use and how long to let the rice cook. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Long, medium, and short grain white rice can be cooked the same way but will result in different textures. Long-grain rice gives you firmer, separated grains, medium-grain rice is a little chewier, and making short-grain rice gives you plump and sticky grains. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Stir the rice a little at the end of cooking time to allow moisture to escape everywhere. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • 2-quart (1.9 L) pot with a lid
  • Colander or sieve
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fork, chopsticks, or rice paddle
  • Dish towel (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/pasta_rice_main/perfect-white-rice.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/yes-you-should-be-rinsing-your-rice-228083
  3. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/videos/techniques/how-cook-rice-video
  4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/cooking/cook-rice
  5. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/perfect-rice-recipe-1938571
  6. ↑ https://www.wokandskillet.com/how-to-cook-rice-without-a-rice-cooker/
  7. ↑ JoAnna Minneci. Professional Chef. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/pasta_rice_main/perfect-white-rice.htm
  9. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/a20089653/how-to-cook-rice/
More References (5)
  1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/how-to-make-perfect-rice-a-step-by-step-guide
  2. ↑ https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/how-to-cook-perfect-rice/
  3. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-cook-rice/
  4. ↑ ​​https://whatscookingamerica.net/pasta_rice_main/perfect-white-rice.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/food/grains/rice/how-to-store-leftover-rice

About This Article

JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. This article has been viewed 234,400 times. 5 votes - 84% Co-authors: 35 Updated: March 28, 2024 Views: 234,400 Categories: Basic Cooking Skills Article SummaryX

To cook rice without a rice cooker, first measure out how much rice you want to cook and place it in a fine-mesh strainer. One cup of dry rice will make about three cups of cooked rice. Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then, transfer the rice to a pot and add 1 ½ cups (350 mL) of water for every 1 cup (200 g) of rice. This ratio will work for any type of rice. For firmer rice, use less water, like 1 ¼ cups (300 mL). For softer rice, use more water, like 2 cups (475 mL). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for about 20 minutes for white rice or 30-40 minutes if you’re cooking brown rice. Check the surface of the rice for small steam holes to make sure it’s done. Then, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the moisture in the pot to redistribute evenly throughout the rice so the texture is even. Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork before serving. To learn how to season white rice, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. JoAnna Minneci Co-authored by: JoAnna Minneci Professional Chef Co-authors: 35 Updated: March 28, 2024 Views: 234,400 84% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote

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Tag » How To Make Rice Without A Rice Cooker