How to Cook Rice on the Stove (VIDEO)
Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it doesn’t get any easier. To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Home-cooked white rice is a staple in our home. We love it for everything from Arancini Rice Balls to Shrimp Fried Rice, or just as a simple side dish with Baked Chicken Breast for an easy dinner.
![Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it doesn't get any easier. No more gummy or hard rice! To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cooked white rice in a saucepan with spoon](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-To-Cook-Rice-3.jpg)
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How to Cook Rice Video
Watch Natasha make this easy stovetop white rice. This is a recipe everyone should have in their recipe repertoire. It’s perfect for any recipe that calls for cooked white rice like our Chicken Fried Rice and is excellent served under saucy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
How to Make White Rice
- Rinse the rice if desired and drain well. Add rice, salt, and butter (if using) to a medium saucepan.
- Pour in water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook with the lid on for 18 minutes.
- Check rice. If there’s any water on the bottom, cover and let it rest 5 minutes off the heat to absorb then serve.
![Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it doesn't get any easier. No more gummy or hard rice! To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. How to cook rice step by step instructions](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-To-Cook-Rice-7.jpg)
What Kind of Rice Should I Use?
This tutorial is written for long-grain white rice. Our go-to rice is Jasmine rice, but Basmati long-grain white rice will also work here. We prefer long-grain white rice because it stays fluffy and the grains remain separate after cooking.
Different rice varieties require different cooking methods. If you’re looking for an arborio recipe, make sure you try our Risotto. For brown rice, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Rice (Plov).
Should I Rinse Rice or Soak Rice?
- Soaking your Jasmine rice or white rice for long periods is not recommended because it is naturally soft and can result in mushy rice.
- Rinsing rice is optional and depends on personal preference. There are some good reasons to rinse your rice though. Rinsing removes the extra starch on the outside of the rice, making it slightly less sticky and resulting in fluffy and separate grains. It also removes pesticides or arsenic so if you have a diet high in rice then rinsing is a good idea.
To rinse rice: place rice in a fine mesh colander and rinse 20 seconds or until the water runs clear underneath. Drain well in the colander before cooking.
![Cooking Jasmine Rice Jasmine white long grain rice in a measuring cup with rice surrounding the base](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-To-Cook-Rice-2.jpg)
How do you know when rice is cooked?
- Set a Timer: For consistent perfectly cooked rice every time, our best advice is to set a timer while cooking. Fully cooked rice will be fluffy and tender all the way through.
- Listen for Simmering Sounds: You should hear the rice simmer and hiss while the lid is on and when the sounds stop, the rice has absorbed the water and should be removed from heat.
- Water is Absorbed: When you take off the lid, fluff with the fork and you should not see any pooling of water at the bottom. If you see any water, cover with the lid and let rest 5-10 minutes off the heat until water is fully absorbed.
![Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it doesn't get any easier. No more gummy or hard rice! To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Perfectly cooked white rice on a serving spoon](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-To-Cook-Rice-4.jpg)
How to Freeze Cooked Rice
Having portioned rice in the freezer is great for quick weeknight meals like Shrimp Fried Rice. Frozen cooked rice can be heated directly from frozen without needing to thaw. Here is the process we use to freeze rice.
- Cook and Cool rice to room temperature.
- Portion into freezer-safe zip lock bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze, laying flat, for up to 3 months in the freezer. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of water over the rice and reheat portions covered in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes.
To Cook 2 Cups of Rice
1 cup of uncooked rice will yield 3 cups of cooked rice. If you need more, you can easily scale the recipe up or down, just keep in mind the rice-to-water 1:2 ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups water). To double the recipe, use 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water. If scaling up, make sure you are using a pot that is large enough for the rice to expand as it cooks.
Can I Substitute the Water?
For more flavorful rice, you can substitute water with chicken broth or vegetable broth as we use in our Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe. If substituting with stock, you will want to add less salt or salt to taste.
What if my rice looks dried out?
If your heat is too high or your lid wasn’t tight enough, the moisture can evaporate too quickly resulting in dry rice. My sister Anna taught me this trick to make rice moist. Drizzle in 2 to 4 Tablespoons of boiling hot water and you can stir in an extra tablespoon of butter if desired, then cover with the lid and rest for 5 minutes. The rice will absorb the water and will become moist and fluffy.
![Learn how to cook rice perfectly every time. This is our go-to method to make fluffy white rice and it doesn't get any easier. No more gummy or hard rice! To cook rice on the stove, all you need is a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Frozen and reheated white rice in a serving bowl with fork garnished with chives](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-To-Cook-Rice-6.jpg)
Learning how to cook perfect white rice is so easy and this is one of those staple lunch or dinner recipes you’ll memorize and make over and over.
What to Serve with White Rice
Rice is so versatile. You can put it into rice soup, serve it as a plain buttery side, and it’s also amazing served under stir fry. Some of our favorite recipes to serve over rice are:
- Chicken Stir Fry – easy and so saucy
- General Tso’s Chicken – a restaurant copycat
- Beef Stroganoff – the creamy sauce is excellent over rice
- Air Fryer Salmon – with the best glaze
- Beef Stir Fry – with bell peppers and mushrooms
- Vegetable Stir Fry – saucy veggies are perfect over rice
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
![perfect cooked white rice on stovetop](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/White-Rice-Sq-150x150.jpg)
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, (we used Jasmine rice)
- 2 cups water, preferably filtered
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, optional, or added to taste
Instructions
- Rinse your rice if desired and drain well. In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup rice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 Tbsp butter (if using) to the pan.
- Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil, uncovered, over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 18 minutes. You should hear faint simmer and hissing sounds while it’s cooking.
- After 18 minutes*, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on then fluff with a fork and serve hot.
just a tip. I never measure rice or liquid. Whattttt???? yes never couple hand fulls rice wash or fry in hot butter n oil key is add enough liquid to come up first knuckle of pointing finger. while rice is lying even and flat in pot even frying pan works every time. cover and follow the direction listed here
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Joseph!
I always rinse my rice. If it is not rinsed it will come out clumpy. When rinsed every grain is separate.
Hi Carmen, Thank you so much for sharing that with me. Rinsing rice is optional and depends on personal preference. There are some good reasons to rinse your rice though and we listed a few in the recipe post.
I followed this recipe to a tee (I didn’t rinse my rice) and it came out perfect! Thanks Natasha for helping me cook white rice!
Hello Stephanie, thank you for your comments and feedback. So glad that you loved it!
When I cook my rice, I wash my rice first in cold water and drain. I boil water 1st and add salt. Then I add rice and turn the burner down as low as it gets. My rice bubbles up and boils over my pan. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Karen, it should be barely at a simmer – you should just be hearing a hissing sound and not boiling. If the heat is too high or the saucepan is too small, it is more likely to bubble over.
How is converted rice different from other types of rice? I grew up using Uncle Ben’s converted rice so I curious what the difference is.
Hi Cathy! You may find this article about Converted Rice helpful. 🙂
I love your recipes bit this is very disappointing. How do you not wash the rice? Do you eat your veggies and fruits without washing? Wash off the pesticides and dust that are stuck to rice before cooking. All the countries where rice is a staple, it’s a common practice to was rice because they know how rice is processed and stored. It isn’t hygienic.
And your rice doesn’t look great either. Grains don’t look separate and it looks so sticky. So, this is a good recipe for sticky rice.
Hi Ria, you do make some valid points. Please see my section in the post above titled “Should I Rinse Rice or Soak Rice?” Also, I added a note in the first step of the instructions. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
Natasha you should always rinse the rice many times before cooking and you must make sure that you don’t put too much water as it gets soggy. I was born and raised in China so I am very particular with my rice. By the way I am Russian. I use a lot of your recipes and I love them.
Thank you, Irene! I’m glad you love my recipes.
Nope I haven’t been doing it wrong. I do it just like you do which is the way I learned from a box of Uncle Ben’s rice 40 years ago. 2:1 ratio liquid to rice. Cover when boiling and cook for 18-20 minutes.
There are many other ways to make rice; there is no one right way.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Cindy!
Guess what I had for dinner tonight? A wonderful and succulent meal.
I will have it again for sure!
Thank you Natasha. 🙂
Thanks, glad you enjoyed your dinner!
Several of my widowed friends who never learned how to fluff rice from their wives have a common problem. How to fluff cooked rice properly to prevent clumping together after being refrigerated. Any suggestions?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi! Rinsing the rice before cooking removes the extra starch on the outside of the rice, making it slightly less sticky. To rinse, place rice in a fine mesh colander and rinse 20 seconds or until the water runs clear underneath. This as well as fluffing the rice will help prevent some of the sticking.
Perfect rice. I’ll chill it to make Chinese fried rice. I enjoy your sight
Hi Zoe! So glad to hear that you enjoy my recipes. Thank you.
Asian white sticky rice please? Love the rice at the chinese restaurants. Mine never comes out dried and sticky. Adore your web site!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll try to add that to our list. I’m glad you’re enjoying our recipes!
Natasha, I struggle with white rice … Jasmine is what I use and we like the final rice to very very soft, with NO crunch left at all. I think my problem may be my saucepan … there is a vent hole in the lid. I think there is enough steam escaping that we run out of water/steam well before the 18 miunites is up. Advice?
Hi Doug, I have successfully made this in a vented lid. If there’s too much steam or pressure in the pot, the vent will allow just the right amount to escape so your rice isn’t soggy (which can be the result of not letting any steam escape). But maybe it would be worth trying another pan and lid to see if that fixes the issue you are facing…
So easy to follow and make! Mine came put perfect 🙂
Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for offering the basics, in addition to your delicious recipes. I grew up in a household where there was always rice, and when I asked my mom to teach me how to cook it, with exact instructions, she was never able to do so, because she just knew how to get it right. I appreciate your detailed instructions, and when I follow them, my rice is always perfect. Thank you for thinking of everything on your website.
You’re so welcome, Monica. I’m glad this was so useful for you. Thank you for your good feedback!
Years ago we were told by health experts to rinse rice a few times till the water is clear before cooking. The reason is to remove some of the arsenic from the paddy fields. 90% of rice is grown abroad. As some commentators have said it removes the sticky/gummy texture when rinsed. I have found that the amount of water to add depends on the the type & brand of rice. I suggest to use a heavy bottom pot for stove top cooking to prevent burnt rice at the bottom. Below are measurements I have found successful. I prefer cooking my rice in the microwave.
RICE
* Wash rice 3-5 x’s till water is clear
* 1/2 teas. salt to each cup of raw rice for cooking
Ratio of water to white rice for long grain, basmati or jasmine
* 1C rice = 2C water
* 2C rice = 3C water
* 3C rice = 4C water
* 4C rice = 5 1/2C water
* 5C rice = 7C water
Cooking rice in microwave
* Use microwave oven proof dish
* Leave lid slightly ajar so steam can escape
* Initial setting is High power to get water hot. 5 mins. for 1C rice then add 1 min. for each additional cup of rice
* Use Low power setting for the rest of cooking time
* When microwave stops, cover completely with lid & let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
* Rice is cooked when no longer opaque. If not, add only hot water to rice & microwave additional 1-2 mins
* Fluff only with two pronged fork if desired to prevent clumps
Tips
* Use broth instead of water, but do not add additional salt
* Add 1-2 Tbls of oil or butter (add more depending on quantity) & some whole spices-1 or 2 of the spice itself for each C of rice (peppercorns, cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon stick) to washed rice in the pot, do not add cooking water yet, stir & microwave at High power for 1 min intervals, stir each time till whole spice swells & is fragrant. This should take no more than a couple minutes
* Now add cooking water & microwave High power for 5 mins for 1C rice. Add an additional minute for each C of rice
* Reduce power to Low & cook 15 minutes for 1C of rice. Add an additional 5 mins for every cup of rice cooking
Brown rice
* Increase water measure by 1/2C using ratio of white rice above
* Cooking time is 1C = 40mins, then an additional 5 mins for every additional cup of rice
* Good rule of thumb is water should be 1 inch above rice in pot before cooking
I followed your recipe exactly, but my rice turned out mushy. I didn’t rinse the rice. I sis also make your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry and by the time that was dine, the rice had dried up a bit, but it was still clumpy.
Hi Annabelle, I haven’t had that experience, but I’m curious if you used the same rice we recommend or a different one? Short/ long-grain vs. converted rice.. all take on water differently, resulting in a different outcome. I hope you give this another try soon.
This sounds like the same way I cook my rice on the stove, except I use regular salt! Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
One cup of instant rice yields how much cooked rice?
Servings: 4 people (makes 3 cups cooked rice)
HI, do I need to wash the rice first??
Hi Quita, see the note in the recipe titled: “Should I Rinse Rice or Soak Rice?” It explains when to and when not to. I hope that helps.
Hi Natasha,
I’m not sure what I did wrong. The cooked rice turned a little mushy and clumped while the rice at bottom of the saucepan got a little brown! I thought I followed the recipe to the tee. Lol. I did use Thai jasmine rice though! Does that make a difference. Any tips would be very helpful!
Hi Anju, did you soak the white rice? Soaking Jasmine rice or white rice is not recommended because it is naturally soft and can result in mushy rice.
I have found that using the Le Creuset Rice Pot works the best. Bar none.
Finally, after 60 years of cooking, I know how to cook the perfect rice….Thanks
Yay love it! I’m glad you think it’s perfect, Donna.
Is it ok to use oil instead of butter?! It’s what I’ve always been told. Please advise
I look forward to trying it your way!
Hello Edda, I haven’t really tried that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
What about brown rice? Will this recipe work for brown rice as well?
HI Marlyn, brown rice would require more water and a significantly longer cooking time.
My wife always made the best rice ever. Then she started making it in the micro. Nothing but lumps, bumps and clumps. Then Natasha came along, we tried your recipe and it was beautiful. Light, fluffy and delicious to season. Thanks again for sharing another of your wonderful recipes. Gonna make your fast cabbage rolls now and need some rice.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I have cooked rice for decades; usually, it was fine….however, sometimes, I missed the mark.
Thanks to your info, my rice is always on target. I did not know to let rice sit covered, for a few mins, if water was on the bottom. Also, I now have more knowledge on types of rice. Thanks…
You are most welcome. I hope that you will love every recipe that you will try!
Love you Natasha. I have tried so many of your recipes and enjoyed them all..quick easy and delicious…the lasagne,the shrimp Alfredo,the garlicky chicken and mushroom ..garlic herbed lamb chops…yummy for my tummy …looking forward to dine Christmas dinner menus….
Wow! That’s just awesome Jasmine! Thank you for that great review!
I’ll make it like this every time from now on. Enjoyed the jasmine rice with vegetable stir fry from this site. So good!
So wonderful to hear that, Jackie. Thanks for your good feedback!
Perfect white rice recipe!!! I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first because I’ve tried other white rice recipes out there and I just couldn’t get it right. I’m so glad I tried this one. I followed the recipe to a T and it was sooo good. This recipe will definitely be my go-to for white rice from now on!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Yes, thank you for recipe Natasha!
You’re welcome!
Perfect recipe! Thank you, Natasha!
You’re welcome, Sophia! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
NICE! Loved the tips
Thank you Maryam! I’m glad you enjoyed the white rice cooking tutorial.
YOU’RE WELCOME!
Hi Natasha,
Do you ever make brown rice? I would love to see a recipe for that.
Hi Irin, I normally don’t but thanks for your suggestion.
I usually make my jasmine rice with a different water/rice ratio because I rinse the rice and have also read that jasmine rice requires less water. I thought I would go ahead and try your recipe anyways, becuase the ratio is easier to remember
Unfortunately it was slightly too mushy for my liking. I even used just a little less water since I rinsed the rice. Maybe it’s just my rice preference?
Hi Angelina, that is possible. We have not had the problem following our recipe, as you can see in the photos. I hope you find what works best for you preference Angelina!
Is this rice a better option for fried rice dishes versus the jasmine rice? my jasmine rice comes out clumpy or mushy. Also, if using this long grain rice is chilling the rice still best for stir fry dishes.
Hi, yes you definitely want to chill the rice before using in stir fry, otherwise, it will be mushy like you described.
Great tips – nothing beats perfecly cooked rice!
Isn’t it the best! Thank you for that great review Erin!
Turned out perfectly. Fluffly, light and not sticky and mushy. Easy to follow directions.
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Lisalia!
Seriously this is now the only way I will make rice. It comes out perfectly every time!
Sounds like you found a new favorite! That’s so great!
This is such a great tutorial! So easy to follow! Thanks for the tips!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
Thank you so much for this recipe. It came out perfect. I struggled learning how to make rice because my mom doesn’t use measurements. She was taught to cook just by eyeballing everything. That’s always been hard for me to do. I do better with measurements lol I tried it with her ingredients but using your measurements and time. It came out perfect. She even loved it. Thank you.
I’m so glad you and your mom enjoyed this Tiffany! Thank you for that great review!
This rice comes out great. If I am making red curry, I add 1 Cup water and 1 cup Thai coconut milk. Yum
That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Hi Natasha
Love your cooking videos!
I have always cooked my rice this way but lately I have been adding a can of coconut milk and adding enough water for the required amount of liquid. It is so good. I also grew up with my Mom putting butter on the rice and love it. Thanks for all your delicious recipes and your fun videos.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes and videos! That’s so great!
re Perfect rice….Exactly as Natasha says, but put it in a lidded dish in microwave for 20 Min. And let stand maybe 10 Min. Never burns or sticks.
Thank you for sharing those tips with us Cynthia!
Hi please send me the recipes how to cooking chicken biryani in a rice cooker please thank
Hello Ken, I don’t have a recipe for that yet but I’ll take that as a suggestion!
Hola Natasha, tu arroz luce delicioso! Otro tip es ponerle un ajo picadillo y si quieres una cebolla de verdeo picadita, solo la parte blanca. Se sofrien en la mantequilla o aceite y luego el arroz y el agua y se cocina a fuego bajo.
Great idea! Thank you for sharing that with me, Clara!
You can’t mess this rice up! It’s perfect, fluffy, & great for so many recipes!
Super love it! Thanks for your short but sweet and awesome review!
Shared this my college son! Learning to make rice is a very important skill! Thanks for the easy recipe.
I’m so glad this rice cooking tutorial was helpful! I agree – and I love how easy it is.
Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that was helpful!