How to Cook White Rice in 3 Steps + 7 Tips
Diana Barkley
(Senior Editor)
Learning how to cook white rice is an essential skill everyone needs to know. That’s because this dish can be a side, a main, and a dessert. There’s more to cooking rice than boiling it in water, though. Keep reading this guide for the best white rice recipe.
Many people believe making white rice is straightforward. Yet, if you want the best fluffy texture, you need to be meticulous when making this plain recipe. From there, you can prepare almost any type of dish using white rice.
Interesting Facts About White Rice
Interesting Facts About White Rice
White rice might seem plain. Yet, that’s only because we’ve gotten used to it. This grain is one of the most important elements of cuisine across the globe.
Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting white rice facts.
Origin of White Rice
Origin of White Rice
No matter where you go, every culture has distinct rice dishes.
All of these cultures enjoy simple white rice as well. Fortunately, the entire world has East Asia to thank for this staple dish.
Not only has China originated some exceptional recipes using white rice, but the country is also the first to incorporate the grain into its cuisine.
That’s not all, though. Ancient Egyptians, Europeans, and Indians cultivated rice, after being introduced to it through trades with East Asia. From there, rice became a main grain, cooked as a main course, side dish, and even dessert.
Nutritional Facts and Calories of White Rice
Nutritional Facts and Calories of White Rice
White rice is one of the healthiest carbohydrates you can consume. For starters, it’s gluten-free, making it easier to digest.
It has about 130 calories per 100 grams, which is significantly lower than other carbs.
Rice is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including: Vitamin B6, Folic acid, Selenium, Magnesium and Zinc.
Potential Risks of White Rice
Potential Risks of White Rice
There are plenty of benefits to eating white rice. However, you should know this grain has a high glycemic index.
In simple terms, consuming white rice can spike your blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the subsequent sugar crash will lead to increased hunger.
In turn, this might result in overeating and weight gain. That’s why many people opt for brown rice.
While it has comparable calories and nutritional benefits, it has a lower glycemic index due to its high fiber content.
How to Cook White Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Cook White Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
White rice is simple to make in theory. That said, many people end up with uncooked rice, sticky rice, or just white rice that doesn’t taste right.
Understanding how to cook white rice will significantly improve your life. While it’s a three-step recipe, you have to follow the steps to a tee to get the perfect rice every time. Here’s everything you need to know.
Measure the Rice
Measure the Rice
The most crucial step of cooking white rice is getting the ratios right. You must understand that rice doubles in size after cooking, so you don’t need that much to begin with. A standard serving of rice is half a cup per person.
Since rice absorbs all the liquid it’s cooked in, the amount of water or broth you add is also essential. You should use two cups of water for every cup of rice.
If you like your rice on the chewy side, only use one and a half cups of water.
Wash the Rice
Wash the Rice
Typically, the rice you get from the grocery store is as clean as can be. Yet, that’s not the reason why you must wash the rice.
Washing the rice gets rid of excess starch and prevents the rice grains from sticking together. In turn, this leads to the perfect fluffy rice.
To properly wash the rice, place it in a large bowl and cover it with tap water. Use your hands to gently swirl the rice around the water until it becomes cloudy.
Throw out the starchy water and repeat until the water is almost clear. Usually, this takes about three to four rinses.
Cook the Rice
Cook the Rice
Lastly, it’s time to cook the rice. You might be tempted to use your trusty microwave to make things easier.
Trust us, though, the way to get excellent white rice is to cook it on the stovetop.
Cover the rice with two parts water and add salt to taste.
If you’re unsure how much water to add, place your finger on top of the rice and add cold water until it covers your first knuckle.
Afterward, bring the rice to a boil on medium-high heat.
Allow the rice to simmer for two minutes, before covering and turning down the heat. Lastly, cook the rice for about ten minutes, and let it rest for a while before serving.
7 Tips for Cooking and Serving White Rice
7 Tips for Cooking and Serving White Rice
Anyone can cook white rice. It takes some tricks to make plain white rice the star of the dinner table and have guests going in for seconds. So, here are our favorite tips for exceptional white rice.
Use High-Quality Rice
Use High-Quality Rice
The rice options available in grocery stores are mind-boggling. If you’re a beginner, deciphering all the rice varieties can lead you to just go for pasta. We’ve got you covered, though.
White rice is versatile, meaning you can use any rice option available. For fluffy rice, go for long-grain white rice varieties, such as jasmine and basmati rice.
Alternatively, short-grain white rice results in a stickier texture, making it ideal for puddings.
Decide on a Recipe Beforehand
Decide on a Recipe Beforehand
You can make your white rice before deciding on a dinner, as it’s a staple dish. Still, some white rice recipes require specific cooking instructions.
For example, if you’re making a casserole, you’ll need to cook the rice for less time, allowing it to finish cooking in the oven.
You might also need to season the rice while it’s cooking.
Avoid Checking on the Rice
Avoid Checking on the Rice
The key to making the perfect rice is allowing it to cook in the steam.
If you frequently uncover the lid to check on the rice, you’re letting all the steam escape, resulting in undercooked white rice. The result will be even worse if you stir the rice as it cooks.
Alternatively, you should trust your timer and allow the rice to cook. After ten minutes, you can check on it.
If the rice has absorbed all the water but is still undercooked, add a quarter cup of boiling water, and then cover and cook for an additional five minutes.
On the other hand, if there’s too much water and the rice is starting to get mushy, remove the lid and turn up the heat until all the water evaporates.
Add Butter and Salt
Add Butter and Salt
To make the most out of rice, adding butter and salt to the water can go a long way. Half a teaspoon of salt is sufficient for every cup of rice. As for butter, half a tablespoon to a tablespoon will do. Don’t forget to stir the water well, so every rice grain will absorb the butter and salt.
Don’t Throw Away Leftover Rice
Don’t Throw Away Leftover Rice
Leftover rice is an underrated treasure. Even if you have a tablespoon of rice leftover, don’t let it go to waste.
If you store your rice correctly, you can use the leftovers in numerous recipes.
In fact, some dishes taste better with leftover rice, including stir-fried vegetables. That’s because leftover rice doesn’t clump together.
If you don’t have any special recipe for day-old rice, reheating the rice in the microwave is a great option.
Alternatively, you can freshen up the rice by adding some cold water and letting it cook for five minutes on low heat.
Trial and Error
Trial and Error
Every kitchen is different, from the stove to the choice of pans. Accordingly, you can’t expect to get the perfect rice on your first try.
Most people swear by using a medium saucepan for white rice.
However, this ultimately depends on the amount of rice you’re cooking.
Instead, you must experiment with your stove’s heat settings as well as try different pots and pans.
Invest in a Rice Cooker
If rice is a daily dish in your household, a rice cooker can be a lifesaver. Not only does it cook rice faster, but it also offers exceptional peace of mind, as you’ll know your rice will turn out perfect every time.
12 Tasty Recipe Ideas for White Rice
12 Tasty Recipe Ideas for White Rice
So, you’ve successfully made exceptional white rice? While white rice is delicious on its own or as a side dish, you can make multiple recipes from a single batch of white rice. Here are some of our favorite dishes using white rice as a base.
Vegetable Stir-Fried Rice
Vegetable Stir-Fried Rice
Vegetable stir-fried rice is as versatile as any main dish can be. It’s a straightforward recipe that you can make even if you’ve never stepped foot in a kitchen before.
Additionally, you don’t have to follow any steps. Instead, just use any vegetables you have in your fridge.
The trick to enhancing this dish is to use as many spices and condiments as possible.
Some perfect pairings for white rice and vegetables include black pepper, cinnamon, parsley soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Not only is vegetable stir-fried rice delicious and filling, but it’s also pretty nutritious. So, the next time you find yourself too tired to cook a full meal, just use leftover rice to prepare this exceptional meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is the go-to takeout food for anyone wanting a fast and delicious meal.
Well, you can save money, enjoy a healthier meal, and alter the rice to your liking.
Once you make this dish, you won’t go back to ordering out. For starters, there’s much less grease and oil in homemade shrimp fried rice.
You can also use fresh shrimp and add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional benefits of the dish.
The best part is that there are almost no dishes to clean after preparing shrimp fried rice. You can do it all in one skillet. All you have to do is cook the shrimp first, add some onions, celery, garlic, and ginger, and then fry the rice.
Lemon Rice Pilaf
Lemon Rice Pilaf
If you’re looking for a zesty and fresh twist on classic white rice, look no further than lemon rice pilaf.
This dish pairs perfectly with chicken, shrimp, or even on its own as a light lunch dish.
Yet, our favorite way to enjoy this recipe is with Greek salad and seared fish.
Traditional lemon rice pilaf calls for cooking the rice in chicken broth and lemon instead of water.
However, if all you have is leftover rice, you can still enjoy this mouthwatering recipe. Simply mix the peas and corn with the lemon pilaf seasonings and add some chicken bouillon. Next, stir the mixture into the cooked rice, resulting in a fresher and more prominent flavor.
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is one of those dishes beginner chefs avoid as it seems too daunting. However, once you know how to make the best white rice, preparing risotto will be effortless. After all, risotto is just starchy white rice cooked in chicken broth.
You can skip a couple of steps to prepare this chicken and mushroom risotto in minutes. After cooking the rice, transfer it to a large skillet where you’ve grilled the chicken and mushroom.
Then, slowly add chicken broth and stir, until you’re left with the creamy texture of your dreams.
Don’t forget to top your dish with fresh Parmesan. You can actually change up the recipe, making any type of risotto you prefer. The technique is the same regardless of the ingredients you’re using.
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
White rice can look plain at first. Yet, you can make the heartiest, most filling recipes from this simple base. Nothing beats the spicy cajun flavor of Louisiana red beans and rice.
Many people believe that rice is the easy part of this recipe. That said, you need a perfectly cooked base to get the best texture.
From there, making the beans depends on your preferences.
To make things easier, you can go for canned red beans. Just simmer it in a pan and add your favorite seasonings.
Typically, you should use cajun seasonings, bay leaf, smoked paprika, onion, and garlic powder. Lastly, transfer the beans over the cooked rice and top with fresh herbs.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice might take minutes to make, but its flavor is out of this world. The Korean dish is tangy, spicy, and sour, satisfying all your cravings with a single bite.
If there’s an Asian convenience store near you, grab some kimchi for the simplest, yet tastiest, dinner you’ll try.
To add more protein to this recipe, you can fry the rice with eggs or crispy bacon.
The best way to enjoy kimchi fried rice is by wrapping each bite in fresh lettuce and dipping it in ssamjang.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice
Who said you can only use white rice to make savory dishes? Mango sticky rice is a Thai dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious.
So, if you’re looking for an appetizing treat and have leftover rice and some mangoes, you must try this dish.
Mango sticky rice is sweetened with coconut milk. However, sweetened condensed milk works just as well.
Test the sweetness of the rice as you go, and then top it with sliced mangoes.
This is the best dessert to make if you’re in a pinch and need to impress your dinner guests. What’s more, you can make various versions of the desert using different fruits. If you don’t have any fresh fruits on hand, frozen fruits or jams are exceptional substitutes.
Rice Pudding
Rice Pudding
Another mouthwatering dessert to make using white rice is classic rice pudding. There’s no wrong way to prepare this dessert.
Usually, you’ll need to cook the rice in sweet milk until you reach a creamy consistency. Next, chill the pudding and enjoy it cold.
If you have more time and extra ingredients, stir in vanilla to flavor your pudding. Some recipes also call for cinnamon, shredded coconuts, whipped cream, and assorted fruits.
In our opinion, you don’t need any additives, as plain rice pudding is exquisite enough on its own.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Grilled stuffed peppers are an out-of-the-box method to make use of leftover white rice. This recipe tastes magnificent but requires little effort.
You’ll need to spice the rice first and use it to stuff large bell peppers. Transfer the peppers to a baking tray, brush with oil, and bake for about 15 minutes.
You’ll never get bored of this simple meal as there are many ways to prepare it. While stuffing the peppers with seasoned white rice is tasty, you can also add ground beef, and top it all with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole
There’s no easier way to enjoy white rice than making a casserole. There are plenty of recipes to choose from.
Yet, at the end of the day, it’s all up to your taste buds.
A casserole is simple. You spread the rice in an appropriate pan, mix in the protein of your choice on top, and bake.
We’ve fallen in love with the chicken and rice casserole because of its available ingredients and fantastic taste.
To make this dish, simply mix all the ingredients in a casserole dish, ensuring there’s enough liquid to cover the rice. Bake the casserole for 40 minutes, and enjoy. If you’ve made too much, you can freeze the leftovers, and they’ll retain the fresh flavor for weeks.
Sushi Bowls
Sushi Bowls
Food trends are a hit or miss. Well, sushi bowls are here to stay. They’re incredibly appetizing, easy to make, and healthy.
While you might’ve seen sushi-grade salmon in these indulgent bowls, you can make them with ingredients already in your pantry.
Any type of fish is a great addition to your sushi bowl. The trick is to use rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. If you love creamy sushi, add cream cheese or Kewpie mayo. Spicy food lovers must try adding sriracha sauce.
Burrito Bowls
Burrito Bowls
Everybody loves a good Chipotle bowl. The key to the addicting bowls is the perfect rice. Now that you know how to prepare the best white rice, you can make any deconstructed burrito you’re craving.
The reason we love burrito bowls so much is that they fit all dietary preferences. After all, white rice is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Accordingly, you can make large quantities of white rice, and invite your friends over for a make-your-own burrito bowl dinner.
Tips on Buying and Storing White Rice
Tips on Buying and Storing White Rice
Making the best white rice doesn’t just depend on the cooking technique. Instead, you must also pay attention to how you store the grain. Here are some tips to help you:
Buy in Bulk
Rice doesn’t go bad. Accordingly, if you have enough room to store rice, make sure you have plenty on hand. This way, you’ll be able to make various dishes using this staple ingredient. Additionally, buying in bulk is more eco-friendly and cost-efficient.
Store Uncooked Rice in a Dry and Cool Place
Rice is a rather delicate dry good. It can absorb even the smallest amount of moisture and the faintest aromas. For this reason, we recommend storing uncooked rice in an airtight container and keeping it separate from any pungent food, such as onions and garlic.
Cool Cooked Rice Quickly
Cool Cooked Rice Quickly
White rice has plenty of moisture, which makes it susceptible to bacteria. If you want to prevent the overgrowth of this bacteria, make sure that you consume your rice immediately after cooking. Then, remove the leftover rice from its pot into a shallow container, allowing it to cool slightly.
Refrigerate Cooked Rice
After the rice is slightly warm, you can seal it and refrigerate it. Refrigerated rice is good for up to seven days. However, you should inspect its texture, smell, and flavor before eating. If there’s any change, it’s best to throw it away.
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