How To Cook Fluffy Rice

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 & 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 making rice

Measure out the amount of rice: 1 serving is approximately 1/2 cup (see below for measurements).

• 1 cup of rice + 1 and 1/4 cups of water for 2 people
• 2 cups of rice + 2 and 1/2 cups of water for 4 people
• 3 cups of rice + 3 and 3/4 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.

How to make fluffy rice

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add the boiling water/stock, a splash of apple cider vinegar, salt, then stir once.
4. Turn the heat down as low as possible, cover and cook for 10 minutes (until the water is absorbed).
5. 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.

To make fragrant rice

Add any these to the rice as it cooks for a deliciously fragrant rice:

• 2 whole Kaffir lime leaves
• One dried lime (available in Middle Eastern stores)
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 crushed green cardamoms
• cook in broth

Need more rice recipes?

• Sehriyeli Pilav (Turkish rice)
• Easy Giardiniera Rice Salad
• Puy Lentil Salad

More sides recipes

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5 from 3 votes

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, sauté, boil & steam.

Cook Time25 mins

Resting time10 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Side

Cuisine: All

Keyword: Basmati rice, how to cook rice, rice

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 363kcal

Author: Nicole Shroff

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 1/2 cups freshly boiled water / hot stock
• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

US CustomaryMetric

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.

Recipe Notes

For fragrant rice, add any of these to the rice as it cooks:

• 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

Nutrition Facts

How To Cook Fluffy Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 363 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 37mg2%

Potassium 106mg3%

Carbohydrates 74g25%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 87IU2%

Calcium 31mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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