Master the art of cooking perfect white rice with this simple, foolproof recipe that delivers fluffy, tender grains every time. With just a handful of ingredients—white rice, water, and a pinch of salt—you can create a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with countless meals, from savory curries to grilled proteins. Optional additions like a touch of butter or oil enhance the flavor and keep the rice from sticking. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy rice recipe is a must-know for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Serve it up as the foundation for stir-fries, burrito bowls, or hearty stews—your options are endless! Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this essential guide to cooking white rice is sure to become your go-to method.
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Stir briefly to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
Optional: Add a teaspoon of unsalted butter or oil for additional flavor and to prevent sticking.
Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.
After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Calories |
239 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.2 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 606 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.3 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 56 mg | 1% | |
*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.