How to cook rice easily and perfectly every time

Rice is part of the daily diets of over 3.5 billion people around the world. It is a refined carbohydrate and can be paired with a variety of meals from around the world. There are lots of different types of rice with different textures and tastes. You can learn how to cook rice on the stove, in the microwave, or using a rice cooker to make sure it comes out perfectly every time. Read on to learn more about how to cook rice in its different varieties.

Types of Rice

Because it is a world-wide staple, rice is available in different types and textures. The outer husk, bran, and germ have been ground off of white rice. It is the most common type of rice coming in 3 lengths - long, medium and short grains.

• Long grain white rice - e.g., Basmati rice, best for Indian foods, e.g., curries, or even a delicious coconut flavoured rice recipe
  
• Medium grain white rice - e.g., Arborio rice for risottos, or the perfect Gumbo
  
• Short grain white rice - e.g., Sushi rice or rice pudding

Brown rice is considered the most nutritious. In terms of processing, brown rice undergoes the lightest treatment. It's whole grain with only the outer husk removed, leaving behind the nutrient-dense bran and germ. It has a nutty, chewy texture and is higher in nutrients than white rice. Brown rice is also available in three grain lengths: short, medium, and long. Sweet brown rice is a short-grain, starchy brown rice that cooks to a soft, sticky consistency. It's commonly used in Asian cuisines.

Vitamins, iron, antioxidants, and fibre are all found in abundance in black rice. When cooked, it takes on a purple hue. When cooked, aromatic rices have a distinct perfumy scent. Basmati (India), Jasmine (Thailand), Texmati (Texas), and Wehani and pecan wild rice are all popular varieties.

How to cook rice

How to cook perfect rice? For some, rice can be a challenge to cook. But these tips make cooking rice foolproof. Depending on the kitchen equipment you have at home, you can cook rice using:

• Stove
• Rice cooker
• Microwave

So for fluffy and tender rice, let me show you how to cook rice properly.  The recipes will mainly focus on how to cook white rice.

How long does rice take to cook?

How to cook rice properly

This depends on the type of rice and the way that you cook it. For white rice, you would like the rice to be fluffy and not too hard, but it depends on personal preference. 

• Stove - 13 minutes
  
• Microwave - 12 minutes
  
• Rice cooker - 25 - 35 minutes

How to cook rice on the stove?

How to cook perfect rice

Unlike a risotto which needs to be cooked in a pan, you will need a pot to cook long grain rice on the stove. How to cook rice in a pot? You ask, Well, the most important step in how to cook rice is getting the ratio of water to rice just right. 

You need 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.

Add the washed rice to the pot and pour in cold water. Take the pot to the stove and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, turn the heat to low. Let it simmer for 13 minutes with the lid on. You can tell it is cooked when all the water has gone. Rinse it with cold water and drain. Put the rice aside with the lid on to keep it warm. 

More ways to cook rice on the stove

How to cook Jasmine and other aromatic rice

Cooking aromatic rice is simple because most of it resembles white rice. So, follow the instructions for long-grained white rice if using Basmati or Jasmine rice (above). 

How to cook Black rice 

To make black rice, combine 1 ½  to 2 cups liquid with 1 cup rice. In a colander, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Bring your water and rice to a boil, then cover and lower to a low heat setting. Cook for 30–35 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes. Cover with foil and fluff with a fork. 

How to cook Brown rice

Because brown rice has more bran and germ than white rice so it requires more water and a longer boiling time. 
Recipe for the base: 1 cup rice, rinsed in a colander and added to a saucepan with 2 cups water. Take the lid and cover the saucepan and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and cook for 45 minutes. Allow it sit covered for 10 minutes before serving. See more brown rice cooking tips and find brown rice recipes here.

How to cook fried rice?

How to cook rice the Asian way

Fried rice is quick to make and can be a healthy midweek meal with the key ingredient: cold leftover rice.

Yes! Cold leftover rice is the secret to how to cook fried rice as the rice is drier and fries better.  

Ensure that your wok is hot and add a little oil. Add chopped garlic and shallots and cook for a few seconds. Add 2 whisked eggs and fry until it is cooked. Next, add the cold rice and sauces such as soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle in your vegetables chopped spring onion and chilli. Cook for a minute. Serve with chicken teriyaki or enjoy a full bowl on its own. 

How to cook rice in rice cooker?

Rice cookers are a simple and convenient way to cook your rice. You get the same results every time, and your rice is kept warm and ready to eat when you are.

Rinse the rice and put it in the rice cooker pot. Add the same amount of water as you would use when cooking on the stove. Put the lid on and set the rice cooker to cook. For basmati rice, it will take around 25 to 35 minutes.

How to cook rice in the microwave?

The trick to how to cook rice properly in the microwave is boiling water. 

Use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of boiling water. Place the rice in a deep microwavable container as the water will bubble when cooking. Cover the container with cling film and pierce it so steam can escape. Set your microwave on high for 12 minutes. 

How to store rice

Rice storage isn't difficult, but it does require more than just throwing a bag or box in the cupboard and closing the door. Before you go out and buy some rice, you'll want to consider a few things, and then you'll want to know how to store cooked rice once you've made it. This, like keeping dry rice, needs a little more effort than simply dropping it into a container and closing the refrigerator door.

How to store uncooked rice

Uncooked rice can be stored for one to two years in an airtight container in a cool atmosphere. For the greatest flavour and texture, cook within the first year. You can also store your uncooked rice in the freezer. The trick is storing it in sealed and dry packaging. Except for brown rice, which will survive up to 18 months in the freezer, all forms of rice will last up to 30 years in the freezer.

Can you store instant rice?

Instant rice, also known as converted rice, has been par-cooked to make it ready faster than other forms of rice. As a result, you won't be able to keep it for a long time. Instead, utilize it before the expiration date printed on the box or packet. 

How to store cooked rice

Don't leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than an hour after it's been prepared. Allow for some steam to escape before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six days.

Rice recipes

• Special Fried Rice
• Old Delhi style butter chicken
• Chilli con Carne
• Authentic New Orleans Gumbo
• Next level Paella
• Dahl lentils Indian recipe
• Chicken Tikka Masala