Follow these simple steps to make delicious fluffy rice every time.
There are just 4 steps to cooking perfect basmati rice every time: wash, brown, boil and steam.
Some years ago I found a really old Turkish cookbook which suggested browning the rice first in butter. This gives a wonderful nutty aroma, the grains are fluffy, and never stick together.
To start, it is important to use a saucepan with a lid which fits properly so you lose don’t too much steam.
Measurements
Measure out the amount of rice: 1 serving is approximately 1/2 cup (see below for measurements).
1 cup of rice and 1 1/4 cups of water for 2 people
2 cups of rice and 2 1/2 cups of water for 4 people
3 cups of rice and 3 3/4 cups of water for 6 servings.
- Rinse the rice well, till the water is no longer cloudy (three times is normally sufficient), and drain. Boil the water in a kettle, or if using a stock, in a saucepan.
- In another saucepan, on medium heat, melt some butter and add the rice. Brown the rice on medium heat while stirring with a spoon till it is nicely toasted and the butter is absorbed.
- Add the boiling water/stock and salt, and stir once. Turn the heat down as low as possible, cover and cook for 10 minutes (until the water is absorbed).
- Once cooked, turn the heat off and keeping the lid on, allow to stand for a further 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tip: Consider adding a couple of Kaffir lime leaves to the rice as it cooks for a deliciously fragrant rice!
Try my Sehriyeli pilav (Turkish rice) recipe
How to cook fluffy rice
Follow these simple steps to make delicious fluffy rice every time. There are just 4 steps to perfect rice every time: wash, brown, boil and steam.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 1/2 cups freshly boiled water / hot stock
- salt to taste
Instructions
-
Rinse the rice well. In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, melt the butter and add the rice. Gently sauté the rice till it changes colour and the butter is absorbed. Add the hot water/stock and salt and stir briefly, to mix. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 10 minutes (until the water is absorbed. Once cooked, turn off the heat and keeping the lid on, allow to stand for a further 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
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There is nothing like hot, fluffy rice! Thank you for passing on this cooking method!
I’ve read about toasting the rice too, but never take the time to do it! I will start.
Thank you for the step-by-step directions for the perfect rice! I enjoy a flavorful rice so taking those extras steps is great advice, thank you!
I love a big bowl of rice! Yum!!!
I love the idea of browning the rice first to add those nutty aromas. Definitely trying next time we cook rice.
What a wonderful way to cook rice, I’m trying this for sure! I have never been a fan of sticky rice, have always loved my rice fluffy. Thanks for sharing this tip!
This post was written for me. I hate cooking rice because I do it wrong every time. I either burn it or under cook it – for what seems like forever – until then it’s over cooked. I even bought a rice cooker and I still some how do it wrong. This is a totally different way than I’ve done it before, but it makes complete sense. I’ll let you know how it goes! Thanks for sharing!
OMG yes I needed this!!! I get so mad when my rice is mushy and I realize now I am missing a step…the browning!!! DUH! Can’t wait to give it a try!
What a great post. Cooking perfect rice is definitely a challenge for many cooks.