Making rice is the easiest and most versatile food to make and it only takes a few steps. I love to add some flair to the typical boring white rice with a few added ingredients.
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked bowl of fluffy, white rice to accompany your favorite dishes. Whether you’re making a stir-fry, or simply enjoying it as a side dish, knowing how to make white rice that turns out just right every time is a valuable skill that can take your cooking to the next level.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to make the perfect white rice every time, without the need for any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of white rice
- 4 cups of water
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 tbsp of parsley, fresh or dry
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of ground black pepper
- 2 tsp of sea salt
- ½ tsp of red pepper flakes
Types of Rice
While the basic steps for cooking white rice are the same, there are many different varieties of white rice available, each with its own unique texture and flavor. Some popular types of white rice include Basmati, Jasmine, long-grain, short-grain, and Arborio, which are great for making Risotto or Rice Pudding.
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The cooking time and water ratios may vary slightly depending on the type of rice, so be sure to read the package instructions or do a quick online search to ensure you’re cooking the rice correctly. For example, Basmati rice typically requires less water and a shorter cooking time, while short-grain rice may require more water and a longer cooking time to achieve the desired texture.
The go-to rice that I use is either Jasmine rice or long-grain rice. Jasmine rice has a soft and fluffy texture that I love, and a delicate aroma that’s reminiscent of popcorn or pandan leaves. It’s also lower in starch than sticky rice, which means it’s less likely to clump together or become overly sticky when cooked.
Experiment with different types of white rice to discover which ones you like best and how to cook them perfectly every time.
Stove Top vs Rice Cooker
When it comes to cooking rice, there are two main methods: on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. While rice cookers can be convenient and produce consistent results, many people, like myself, still prefer the traditional method of cooking rice on the stovetop. I’ve been making it for years just like my mom always did!
Some people find that rice cooked on the stove has a better texture than rice cooked in a rice cooker, as the rice cooker can sometimes produce rice that’s too soft or sticky. Another reason for this is that cooking rice on the stove allows for greater control over the cooking process. With a rice cooker, you simply add the rice and water and let the machine do the work. However, with stove-top cooking, you can adjust the heat and monitor the rice as it cooks.
Additionally, cooking rice on the stovetop allows you to use any pot you have on hand, whereas a rice cooker takes up counter space and requires additional storage. I also like the I can saute rice in a pot with some added ingredients to help enhance the natural flavors of the rice.
The best method for cooking rice depends on personal preference and the tools you have available in your kitchen.
Improving Taste and Safety
Washing rice before cooking is an essential step in the preparation process. Not only does it remove dirt, debris, and impurities that may be present in the rice, but it also helps to improve its overall texture and flavor. Rice can often contain excess starch, which can make it stickier and less fluffy when cooked. Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps to remove this starch and produce a better-tasting dish.
Toasting Rice
One of my favorite reasons for cooking my rice on the stovetop is the opportunity to toast the rice first. Toasting rice before boiling is a technique that can add an extra layer of flavor to your rice dish. The toasting process involves heating the rice in a dry pan or pot over medium-high heat until it turns golden brown or white, depending on the rice, and starts to smell nutty.
This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the rice and can also improve its texture. Once the rice has been toasted, it can be boiled or cooked in the same way as usual.
Tips for Making Perfect White Rice:
- Use a medium-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and prevent steam from escaping.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and debris.
- Toast the rice before adding water. Bonus tip: after toasting rice, water or chicken stock will come to a boil almost instantaneously after you pour it in.
- Measure the water carefully to get the perfect ratio of rice to water.
- Let the rice simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes without opening the lid.
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow it to absorb any remaining water and steam.
Making the perfect white rice is a simple process that requires minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients. By following these easy steps, you can create a fluffy and delicious bowl of rice every time. So, go ahead and give it a try!
The best recipes to pair this rice with are:
- Creamy Dijon Pork Chops: An Easy and Elegant Dinner Idea
- Quick and Easy Puff-Pastry Salmon
- Classic Comfort: How to Make the Perfect Meatloaf Recipe
- Best and Easy Crispy and Flavor Packed Chicken Cutlets
Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!
Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!
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How to Make the Perfect Rice
Equipment
- 1 4-5 quart pot
Ingredients
- 2 cup of Jasmine Rice or any long grain rice.
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp of parsley fresh or dry
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper
- 2 tsp of sea salt
- ½ tsp of red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat your pot, about 4-5 quarts.
- Add olive oil, onions, garlic and rest of herbs and seasonings. Sauté until onions become translucent.
- Add in rice, after you have rinsed it, and let sauté until rice grains start to turn white.
- Add in the 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and place lid on pot and let simmer slowly.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until water in the pot has evaporated completely. You will hear the bottom of the pot start to sizzle.
- Shut off the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid. The leftover steam will continue to cook the rice.
- When ready, serve rice with whatever you would like.
- Bom appetite! Enjoy this delicious rice.
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