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Follow these simple steps to make delicious fluffy rice every time.
There are just 4 steps to cooking perfect basmati rice every time: wash, sauté, boil and steam.
Many years ago I found a really old Turkish cookbook which suggested sauté the rice first in butter. This gives a wonderful nutty aroma, the grains are fluffy, and never stick together.
I have been using this technique ever since and it makes a perfect bowl of rice every time!
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 making rice
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.
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 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.
Cook’s Tip: Consider adding a couple of whole Kaffir lime leaves to the rice as it cooks for a deliciously fragrant rice!
Want another rice recipe? Check out my Sehriyeli pilav (Turkish rice).
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How to cook fluffy rice
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 for 1-2 minutes, ensuring grains are lightly coated in butter.
- Add water/stock 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.
Recipe Notes
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What a great post. Cooking perfect rice is definitely a challenge for many cooks.
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!
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!
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!
I love the idea of browning the rice first to add those nutty aromas. Definitely trying next time we cook rice.
I love a big bowl of rice! Yum!!!
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’ve read about toasting the rice too, but never take the time to do it! I will start.
There is nothing like hot, fluffy rice! Thank you for passing on this cooking method!