Perfect Basic White Rice
Master the art of making **Perfect Basic White Rice** with this foolproof recipe that delivers fluffy, tender grains every time. Whether you're cooking long or medium-grain white rice, this method is simple yet precise, guiding you from rinsing away excess starch to locking in steam for the perfect texture. With just a handful of pantry staples—rice, water, salt, and an optional touch of butter or olive oil—you’ll create a versatile side dish ready to complement any meal. Ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe ensures consistent results in under 30 minutes. Pair it with stir-fries, curries, or hearty stews for a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to your table. Unlock the secret to flawless rice with this essential recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup White rice (long grain or medium grain)
- 2 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoons Unsalted butter or olive oil (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess surface starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, salt, and optional butter or olive oil.
Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes without removing the lid or stirring. The water should be completely absorbed by the rice at the end of cooking.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and ensures a fluffy texture.
Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve immediately as a side dish or use in your favorite recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
294 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.6 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1197 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.4 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.4 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 71 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
