white rice is a staple! Fluffy white rice can be yours in just a few simple steps. Follow the steps below for the perfect stovetop white rice recipe to pair with stir-fries, grain bowls, simple proteins and more.
Cooking white rice can seem like an easy task, but getting it just right can be a challenge at times.
This post will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking white rice to perfection on the stovetop!
A staple of many cultures, white rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
It’s great to have on hand, and it’s a quick and easy meal to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side dish.
White rice is a bland-tasting grain that has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, perfect as a base for many of my recipes like Turmeric Rice, Homemade Fried Rice, and Korean Beef Bowl. It’s fizzy and soothing.
Because it’s so versatile, you can always swap out this stovetop white rice for cooked brown rice, depending on your preference!
Health Benefits of White Rice
Although sometimes maligned in comparison to brown rice, white rice does have their health benefits.
- White rice is a healthy source of carbohydrates that provide energy for the body.
- It’s a low-fat, low-sugar, and low-sodium food that may help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.*
- It’s also a good source of thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6, which help maintain healthy nerves, skin, and red blood cells.*
- White rice is a gluten-free grain that is easy to digest and contains no allergens or irritants.
Overall, white rice is a healthy and versatile food that can form part of a balanced diet in moderation.
How to cook white rice on the stove
Cooking white rice on the stovetop is easier than you think.
Save space in your cupboard – no rice cooker needed to cook good rice!
The ingredients
- white rice. You can use short or long grain white rice. A shorter grain rice can result in a stickier end product.
- Water. The ratio of rice to water is crucial.
- salt and butter. Adding salt and butter is optional, but will improve flavor and help evenly season the rice. Also, salt can prevent the rice from sticking together.
The directions
- Rinse rice with cold water until water runs clear. Don’t skip this step!
- Place rice, salt, and butter (optional) in a saucepan of boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 5-10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, fluff up with a fork and top with herbs if you like.
Why is my white rice sticky?
If your white rice comes out stickier than you’d like, it could be for several reasons:
- Short grain rice. Some varieties, such as short grain rice, are naturally more starchy and tend to become stickier when cooked. If you’re looking for fluffy rice, opt for a long-grain variety like basmati or jasmine rice.
- Too much water. The ratio of water to rice is important when cooking rice. If you add too much water, the excess moisture can result in sticky rice.
- stirring too much. When cooking rice, it is important not to over-stir it. Too much stirring can break up the rice grains, releasing excess starch and becoming sticky.
- Cook too long. Overcooking rice can also cause it to become sticky. Once the rice has absorbed all of the water and is fully cooked, remove from the heat and let sit to allow the grains to separate.
- lid fitting. If the lid of your pot doesn’t fit tightly, steam can escape and the rice can become sticky. Be sure to use a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid so the steam stays inside while the rice cooks.
storage tips
- To store. Allow the white rice to cool before storing in an airtight container. Store cooked white rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To warm up. Place the white rice and a small amount of water or broth (or an ice cube!) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until reheated.
- Freeze. Spread the white rice on a baking sheet and freeze until set. Place the frozen rice in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ways to use white rice
In many recipes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice.
This stovetop white rice recipe delivers the perfect fluffy white rice every time!
frequently asked Questions
Rinsing rice is an essential step that can improve texture and remove unwanted residue. Rinsing white rice removes excess starch, resulting in less sticky and fluffy rice. Flushing also removes the small amounts of arsenic that can be found on grains like white rice. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in the quality of your rice and the overall flavor of your dish.
One cup of uncooked white rice yields about 3 cups of cooked.
Substituting broth for water is a great option to deepen the flavor of white rice. Sprinkle your rice with additional butter, fresh herbs and salt to taste.
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Cup white rice Long or short grain
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Optional
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Optional
- Chopped fresh coriander parsley or herbs of your choice Optional
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In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
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Rinse rice. Put the rice in a fine sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
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Once the water is boiling, add the rice, salt, and butter (if using). Stir to combine.
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Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the simmer. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice during this time, as this can disrupt the cooking process.
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Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let sit with the lid on for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the remaining moisture and become fluffy.
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After 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Top with herbs if you like.
- TO STORE: Allow the white rice to cool before storing in an airtight container. Store cooked white rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- TO WARM UP: Place the white rice and a small amount of water or broth (or an ice cube!) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until reheated.
- FREEZE: Spread the white rice on a baking sheet and freeze until set. Place the frozen rice in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Portion: 1 cup of boiled riceCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 49GProtein: 4GFat: 0.4GSaturated Fatty Acids: 0.1GPolyunsaturated fat: 0.1GMonounsaturated fatty acids: 0.1GPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1GSugar: 0.1GCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.5mg
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*See healthline.com for white rice health benefits.