This is a foolproof easy recipe for how to cook white rice on the stove! This method results in white rice that is perfectly fluffy and tender without a gummy or mushy texture.
Cook Perfect Rice on Stove
Rice is one of those staple ingredients that is a great addition to any meal and while cooking rice on the stove can be intimidating, I promise you it doesn’t have to be!
After you master how to cook rice on the stove, it’ll become your go-to cooking method for meal prep. The rice gets perfectly fluffy and tender and the flavor is great!
For another easy method, learn how to cook rice in the Instant Pot.
What You’ll Need to Cook Rice on Stove
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- White long-grain rice: Jasmine rice is always a favorite but any type of rice will work for this rice recipe. It is best to have it long-grained but there are medium-grain rice and short-grain rice to choose from too.
- Butter: This will soften the rice and add a little bit of sweet flavor.
- Salt: Sprinkle the salt in the water to help bring it to a boil as well as balance out the butter and flavoring to the rice.
- Water: This gives the rice moisture and fluffs rice up once cooked.
- Saucepan with lid: Dutch ovens are best for this rice recipe but you can use any type of saucepan that is insulated.
- Fork for fluffing: A simple technique that helps boost and fluff the rice when it is hot.
- Wooden spoon: I like to use a wooden spoon since they are soft and usually doesn’t scratch the bottom of the pan. They are also nice to set on the edge or ledge of a pot or pan because they won’t heat up since they are insulated.
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
Skip the rice cooker and make your favorite white rice on the stovetop!
- Rinse. Place the rice under water for a period of time to rinse it clean.
- Boil water and salt. Place water and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Add the rice and butter to the boiling water and only stir once. Don’t over-stir. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not remove the lid while it’s cooking.
- Remove the lid, then fluff. Remove the lid and let the water evaporate for a few minutes you do not need to drain. Gently fluff with a fork just before serving. Salt and pepper, to taste.
Rinsing Rice Before Cooking
I always recommend that you rinse rice before cooking. Simply place it in a mesh strainer and rinse with cold water until it runs clear. This will remove the extra starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Best Rice to Water Ratio
The standard ratio of water to rice is 2:1 (2 cups of water, 1 cup of rice). Although I personally prefer to use 1 3/4 cups water for every 1 cup of rice. I’ve found that this rice ratio absorbs better and makes it less mushy.
White Rice Recipe Tips
- Season it: Keep it simple with salt, pepper and butter or add thyme, oregano or basil. Use it for fried rice or turn it into Mexican rice.
- Prevent sticking. No one wants super sticky rice that’s glued to the bottom of the pan! One of my main tips to prevent this is to rinse the rice under cold water prior to cooking. This removes any excess starch, which is typically the culprit for the stickiness.
- Cook rice at a simmer. Once the rice is brought to a boil, reduce the heat to simmering which means just below the boiling point. This helps cook it perfectly as well as prevents it from bubbling over on the stovetop making a mess.
- Keep the lid on. It’s tempting to want to peak at the rice but that allows steam to escape and prevents the rice from cooking perfectly.
White Rice Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your perfect rice all week long as a side dish to your favorite mains, toss it in a stir fry or use it as a base for a grain bowl. Here are a few favorite recipes to try!
Storage
- Store: Store leftover rice covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze rice in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy!
- Reheat: To reheat leftover rice, place in a microwave safe dish sprinkle with a few drops of water then cover with a damp paper towel. Reheat until warm.
Do you love rice with your dinner?! Try chicken fajita bowls, one pot Mexican chicken and rice or this chicken broccoli and rice for your next dinner idea!
More Recipes with Rice
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How to Cook White Rice
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups water , use 2 cups for a softer rice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter , or olive oil
- 1 cup white long grain rice , rinsed
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the water and salt in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Add the rice and butter to the boiling water and then stir once. Don't over stir. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid while it's cooking. Remove from heat and let it sit a couple more minutes.
- Remove the lid and allow the water to evaporate for a minute. Just before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Salt and pepper, to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Asian, Rice, Side Dishes, Stovetop, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
The only way I make rice!! Comes out perfect every time! :)
So easy to make. The rice came out perfectly fluffy! The best way to make rice.
Thanks Debbie! So glad you enjoyed the rice recipe!
Super easy instructions and the rice was perfect!
Turned out perfect
So happy to hear that!
This is so helpful! I always just buy the microwave rice but so easy on the stove :)