Follow these simple steps to make delicious fluffy rice every time.
There are only 4 steps to cooking perfect basmati rice every time: wash, sauté, boil & steam.
To start, it is important to use a saucepan with a lid which fits properly so you lose don’t too much steam.
Measurements for cooking rice
| Serving | Raw rice | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 1 cup/180 g | 1.25 cups/295 ml |
| 4 people | 2 cups/360 g | 2.25 cups/530 ml |
| 6 people | 3 cups/540 g | 3.25 cups/770 ml |
Measure out the amount of rice: 1 serving is approximately ½ cup (see below for measurements).
- 1 cup of rice + 1 and ¼ cups of water for 2 people
- 2 cups of rice + 2 and ½ cups of water for 4 people
- 3 cups of rice + 3 and ¾ cups of water for 6 servings.
My secret tip
I always add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the boiling water before giving it a quick stir. The vinegar helps cut the starchiness of the rice without imparting any flavour.
Find more useful tips for the home cook such as how to tenderize meat. and why you should not overcrowd the pan.
How to make fluffy rice
- 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. Sauté on medium heat till nicely toasted and the grains are lightly coated in butter.
- Add the boiling water/stock, a splash of apple cider vinegar, salt, then 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.
For fragrant rice
Adding any of these to the rice while it cooks, gives a wonderfully deliciously fragrant rice:
- 2 whole Kaffir lime leaves
- One dried lime (available in Middle Eastern stores)
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 crushed green cardamoms
- instead of using water, use hot chicken, beef, or seafood stock
Recipes to go with rice
More rice recipes
Find more side recipes
⭐️ Are you making this Fluffy Rice recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out in the comments!
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How To Cook Fluffy Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2¼ cups freshly boiled water / hot stock
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Rinse the rice well. In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, melt the butter and add the rice. Gently sauté the rice for 1-2 minutes, ensuring grains are lightly coated in butter.
- Add water/stock, vinegar and salt (if required) 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.
Notes
- A couple of whole Kaffir lime leaves
- One dried lime (available in Middle Eastern stores)
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 crushed green cardamoms
- cook in broth
eileenbakingsense
What a great post. Cooking perfect rice is definitely a challenge for many cooks.
The Olive Blogger
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!
NicoleShillings
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!
Fred Nonterah
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!
Lynn | The Road to Honey
I love the idea of browning the rice first to add those nutty aromas. Definitely trying next time we cook rice.
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
I love a big bowl of rice! Yum!!!
Debra C.
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!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I’ve read about toasting the rice too, but never take the time to do it! I will start.
Patty @ Spoonabilities
There is nothing like hot, fluffy rice! Thank you for passing on this cooking method!