• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
End of the Fork
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • HOW-TO
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • HOW-TO
    • ABOUT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    • Firni in glass bowl with garnish of small dried roses
      Firni
    • Creole seasoning in glass bowl.
      Creole Seasoning
    • Boiled lemons in small green bowl.
      Boiled Lemons
    • Stack of oatmeal raisin cookies.
      Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
    • Banana and date oat cookies on a lined baking sheet.
      4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan)
    • Butter beans salad in red bowl.
      Italian Butter Bean Salad
    • Closeup of tahini sauce with herbs in green bowl.
      Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
    • Baked frittata in a cast iron wedge pan.
      Mini Frittatas
    • Cowboy salsa in a red bowl surrounded by ingredients.
      Cowboy Salsa
    • Blueberry blondies on baking paper.
      Blueberry Blondies
    • Three stacked banana blondies on baking paper.
      Banana Blondies
    • Fennel salad in yellow bowl on chequered cloth.
      Orange And Fennel Salad

    Home » Recipes » All Recipes

    How To Cook White Basmati Rice

    Published Mar 6, 2017, modified Sep 3, 2022 by Nicole Shroff / 9 Comments /

    Jump to Recipe
    pin of two images of boiled rice in brown bowls.

    Follow these simple steps with measurements for make delicious fluffy rice every time.

    boiled rice in brown bowl
    Boiled fluffy rice

    To make perfect white rice you do not need any extra equipment such as a rice cooker or instant pot. It is very easy to make wonderful fluffy white rice on the stove top.

    This recipe is for a no-drain rice where all the water is absorbed. The rice is first boiled and then left to steam.

    This method is essential if you plan on adding spices or stock for flavour.

    It is also much easier than having to drain away the excess water which oftentimes leaves a water-logged rice.

    Follow my simple steps to make fluffy basmati rice every time.

    Hit the Subscribe link above or on the side to get more recipes like this.

    Jump to:
    • Basmati rice ratio to water
    • Measurements for cooking rice
    • Pro tip
    • Helpful tips
    • Fragrant rice
    • Storing
    • What goes with rice
    • More rice recipes
    • You may also like …
    • 📋 Recipe

    Basmati rice ratio to water

    One of the most common mistakes many people make is adding too much water giving a soggy rice. Here are the measurements for a perfect rice to water ratio.

    These measurements take into consideration the fact that a tiny bit of water always remains after rinsing and draining.

    Measurements for cooking rice

    ServingRaw riceWater
    2 people1 cup/180 g1.25 cups/295 ml
    4 people2 cups/360 g2.25 cups/530 ml
    6 people3 cups/540 g3.25 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 cup of water for 2 people
    • 2 cups of rice + 2 and ¼ cup of water for 4 people
    • 3 cups of rice + 3 and ¼ cup of water for 6 servings.

    Pro tip

    Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the boiling water before giving it a quick stir. The vinegar seasons the rice and helps cut the starchiness of the rice.

    Find more useful tips for the home cook such as how to tenderize meat. and why you should not overcrowd the pan.

    Helpful tips

    • Select a suitable size saucepan for the quantity of rice you wish to make. Use a saucepan with a lid which fits properly so you lose don’t  too much steam.
    • Rinse the rice in a large bowl, swirling it around with your hand then drain. Repeat till the water is no longer cloudy (three times is normally sufficient). This gets rid of the excess starch.
    • Melt butter in the saucepan. Although this is not essential, it gives a wonderful butteriness to the rice.
    • Use hot water or stock (chicken, beef, or seafood stock). Boil water in a kettle, or if using stock heat it in a saucepan on the stove.
    • This is optional, but I usually add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the starchiness.
    • Add salt if using water or the stock is not salty.
    • Turn the heat down to low, cover with the lid and cook for 10 minutes till the water is absorbed and the grains are soft.
    • Do not stir the rice while cooking as this will release more starch, making it mushy.
    • Allow the rice to rest with the lid on for 10 minutes as this continues the cooking process by steaming.
    • Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking as this will allow the steam/moisture to escape.
    • There is no need to rinse the rice again. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

    Fragrant rice

    For a wonderfully deliciously fragrant rice, stir in any of these ingredients before covering with the lid.

    • 2 whole Kaffir lime leaves
    • One dried lime (available in Middle Eastern stores)
    • 2-3 cloves
    • a bay leaf
    • 1 crushed black cardamom
    • 2-3 crushed green cardamoms
    • a pinch of crushed strands of saffron

    Storing

    Store rice in a closed container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, then add a tiny amount of water, cover and reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

    What goes with rice

    Rice works well with any dish that has a sauce. Try it with these recipes:

    • Red lentil dal
    • Black bean stew
    • Punjabi chicken curry
    • Chicken do pyaza
    • Chicken curry with potatoes
    • Zigni
    • Butter Chicken

    More rice recipes

    You may also like these savoury or sweet rice dishes.

    • A tasty Turkish rice, Sehriyeli pilav
    • This Mexican rice is perfect with all your Mexican dishes
    • A delicious side Puy lentil salad, perfect alongside fish, chicken or meat
    • Easy giardiniera rice salad is an easy picnic food
    • An easy Saffron and Cardamom Kheer
    • A classic style Indian Kheer dessert

    ⭐️ Are you making this recipe for Fluffy Rice? I’d love to know how it turned out in the comments!

     Instagram – I love seeing your creations, so post a picture, tag @endofthefork and hashtag #endofthefork

    You may also like …

    • Close up of chicken 65 on a plate.
      Hyderabadi Chicken 65
    • Image of chicken curry in a large saucepan.
      Chicken Curry With Potatoes
    • cooked chicken on blue platter
      Tandoori Chicken
    • green halwa in bowl
      Green Moong Dal Halwa

    📋 Recipe

    Image of plain basmati rice in a brown bowl.

    How To Cook White Basmati Rice

    Nicole Shroff
    Follow these simple steps with measurements for make delicious fluffy rice every time.
    5 from 6 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Resting time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Side
    Cuisine All
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 363 kcal

    Ingredients

    Metric | US Customary
    • 15 g butter 1 tablespoon
    • 360 g basmati rice 2 cups
    • 530 millilitres freshly boiled water / hot stock 2¼ cups
    • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
    • 5 ml apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon (optional)*

    Instructions
     

    • 15 g butter, 360 g basmati rice
      Rinse the rice well and drain. In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, melt the butter and add the rice.
    • 530 millilitres freshly boiled water / hot stock, 1 teaspoon salt to taste, 5 ml apple cider vinegar
      Add the water or stock, vinegar (if using) and salt (if required) and stir briefly to mix. Cover with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. 
    • 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

    • In a large bowl, rinse the rice swirling it around with your hand then drain. Repeat till the water is no longer cloudy (three times is normally sufficient).
    • Use a saucepan with a lid which fits properly so you lose don’t  too much steam.
    • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the boiling water before giving it a quick stir. The vinegar seasons the rice and helps cut the starchiness of the rice.
    • Allow the rice to rest with the lid on for 10 minutes as this continues the cooking process by steaming.
    • Store in a closed container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the add a little water and reheat in a microwave or cover and heat on the stovetop.
    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

    MEASUREMENT NOTES

    The ingredients here on EOTF are set out in grams & milliliters and in US cups & spoons.

    Equipment

    Medium saucepan with lid

    Nutrition

    Calories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 7gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 37mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 87IUCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Let me know by leaving a review below, or snap a photo and share it on Instagram tagging me @Endofthefork.
    SUBSCRIBE for new recipes
    Facebook Pin Recipe Email

    More All Recipes

    • Rice krispie treats on a teal plate.
      Rice Krispies Treats
    • Mini heart shaped decorated cakes on a plate.
      Mini Heart Cakes
    • Close up of pear cobbler with scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Pear Cobbler
    • Apple cider vinegar drink in green glass with orange slice and mint.
      Apple Cider Vinegar And Cranberry Juice

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. eileenbakingsense

      May 27, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      What a great post. Cooking perfect rice is definitely a challenge for many cooks.

      Reply
    2. The Olive Blogger

      May 26, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
    3. NicoleShillings

      May 25, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      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!

      Reply
    4. Fred Nonterah

      May 23, 2017 at 6:26 am

      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!

      Reply
    5. Lynn | The Road to Honey

      April 09, 2017 at 2:03 am

      I love the idea of browning the rice first to add those nutty aromas. Definitely trying next time we cook rice.

      Reply
    6. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes

      April 09, 2017 at 1:07 am

      I love a big bowl of rice! Yum!!!

      Reply
    7. Debra C.

      April 08, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      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!

      Reply
    8. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

      April 08, 2017 at 9:52 pm

      I’ve read about toasting the rice too, but never take the time to do it! I will start.

      Reply
    9. Patty @ Spoonabilities

      April 08, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      There is nothing like hot, fluffy rice! Thank you for passing on this cooking method!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Nicole.

    Browse my site for healthy and seasonal recipes from around the world, read about great ingredients, and get handy tips for working in the kitchen. Also, check out my restaurant reviews for some great dining experiences! more about me →

    Eating Seasonally

    What are in season foods and why we should be eating seasonally

    Summer Recipes

    • Close up of roasted lamb ribs on white platter.
      Turkish Lamb Ribs
    • Chocolate covered orange cake with slice cut out.
      Chocolate Orange Cake
    • Close up of cherry muffins.
      Cherry Muffins
    • Slice of blueberry muffin loaf on a blue platter.
      Blueberry Muffin Bread

    What is the healthiest meat?

    We look at the differences between lamb, goat, mutton and chicken.

    Trending Now

    • Image of Linguine with tomato sauce and fresh basil in white bowl
      Pasta With Ricotta And Tomato Sauce
    • Image of broccoli cheese muffins on wooden board.
      Broccoli & Cheese Breakfast Muffins
    • Image of overhead view of zigni on injera bread.
      Zigni
    • Image closeup of cooked cavolo nero in green bowl.
      Cavolo Nero With Garlic And Lemon

    Top Categories

    Breakfast Chicken Lamb Seafood Light Meals Soup Salad Sides Beans Cookies Dessert

    Cookout Recipes

    • Two assembled spicy chicken wraps on a blue platter.
      Spicy Chicken Wraps
    • Image showing grilled steak, burgers, kebabs and pineapple.
      60+ Easy Summer Grilling Recipes
    • Tomato salad with gremolata on glass plate
      Italian Tomato Salad
    • Gremolata in small white bowl
      Gremolata

    Footer

    As seen in:

    FOCUS MAGAZINE - FOODGAWKER - KITCHEN THYME - ZOMATO - FLIPBOARD - PARADE - YUMMLY - FOOD52 - QUORA - FINDING VEGAN - SECOND GEAR GAMES

    ^ BACK TO THE TOP ^

    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • WORK WITH ME
    • SHOP

    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Mail
    • Pinterest

    @ 2023 End of the Fork. All Rights Reserved.