Learn how to stove cook rice, and you’ll unlock a basic culinary skill that forms the basis of countless delicious meals. Cooking rice on the stovetop is a straightforward and versatile method that, once mastered, allows you to create fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that complement a wide range of dishes.
Even if you’re preparing a side dish, the foundation for a stir-fry, or a main course, understanding the art of stove-cooking rice is a valuable kitchen skill. In this article we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve consistently delicious rice, covering everything from preparation to serving.
What You Will Need
To stove cook rice, you’ll need the following essential items:
- Rice.
- Water.
- Pot with Lid.
- Measuring Cup.
- Stove.
- Heatproof Utensils (spoon and fork).
- Timer.
Optional items:
- Salt.
- Butter or Oil.
- Additional Seasonings.
- Rice Cooker (if preferred).
With these items, you’re all set to cook rice on the stove.
How to Stove Cook Rice
In just a few easy steps that take less than 5 minutes of active preparation, you’ll have a pot of stove-cooked fluffy white rice ready to enjoy. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the Rice: Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice under cold running water. This step removes any potential impurities and excess starch that can make the rice sticky. Then, let it drain.
- Bring Water to a Boil: Measure the required amount of water and add it to a medium saucepan. You can also include a teaspoon of butter or olive oil for added flavour and to prevent sticking. Heat it over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Stir in the Rice, Cover, and Simmer: Once the water boils, stir in the rinsed rice. Quickly cover the pot and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. The rice should simmer very gently for 15 minutes. Keep the lid on the entire time and avoid stirring.
- Let it Rest for 10 Minutes: When the 15-minute timer is up, remove the pot from the heat but leave the lid in place. Let it sit for 10 minutes without peeking. During this time, the rice continues to cook through steaming, making it fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork or spoon, and it’s ready to be served!
This method works well for various types of white rice, including long-grain (like basmati or jasmine), medium-grain, and short-grain white rice. If you’re cooking brown rice, refer to a separate guide on how to cook it.
Stove Cooked White Rice Recipe Tips
To make perfect stove cooked white rice, here are some useful tips to follow:
- Use the right amount of water: For every 1 cup of uncooked rice, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of water. Be precise when measuring.
- Cook on very low heat: Turn your stove to the lowest setting while cooking the rice. Your pot should barely show any signs of boiling; just a few occasional bubbles. This gentle heat ensures the rice becomes fluffy without losing too much liquid and prevents spills.
- Keep the lid on: Don’t give in to the temptation to lift the lid or stir. You want to trap all the steam in the pot during both cooking and resting.
- Add a touch of butter or olive oil: This step serves two purposes – it enhances flavour and prevents the rice from sticking to the pot.
- Salt (optional): Whether or not to add salt is a matter of personal preference. Some people don’t feel the need to add salt, but if you prefer it, you can add a bit to the cooking water.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Stove Cooked Rice
Storing Rice:
After cooking rice, it’s crucial to refrigerate or freeze it promptly. Leaving rice at room temperature for too long can create a food safety risk.
In the Refrigerator:
Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Some sources suggest you can store it longer in the fridge, but I prefer to be cautious.
Freezing Stove Cooked Rice:
To freeze cooked rice, let it cool completely (you can speed up the process by spreading the rice out evenly on a baking sheet). Then, place it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. I prefer freezing rice in portion sizes suitable for one meal.
Reheating Rice:
Before eating leftover rice, reheat it until it’s steaming hot. You can do this in the microwave, on the stove, or even in an oven-safe dish, covered to trap in the heat and steam. If your rice has dried out, you can add a bit of water when reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
When it comes to serving rice, you have endless possibilities. You can pair it with dishes like Chicken Stir Fry, Sesame Chicken, Baked Salmon, Pork Tenderloin, or Air Fryer Chicken Breast. In the summer, consider grilling Kabobs or Cilantro Lime Chicken and serving them over white rice.
Alternatively, You can Try these Ideas:
- Create a burrito bowl by layering rice, chicken, black beans, and other toppings.
- Make fried rice using leftover rice.
- Enhance your rice by stirring in lime juice, lime zest, and fresh cilantro to make cilantro lime rice.
- Pair it with recipes that have rich sauces or gravies, such as Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops. Rice is great for soaking up extra sauce.
- Build a grain bowl with rice and roasted vegetables.
We hope this guide has been of great help to you in learning how to stove cook rice. Go on to make delicious stove-cooked rice.
