White Rice Recipe

Cooking perfect white rice is a fundamental skill in the kitchen. With this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to make fluffy, flavorful white rice every time. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice (long-grain or medium-grain)
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid
• Measuring cups
• Strainer or sieve
• Fork

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

1. Measure the rice: Measure 1 cup of white rice.
2. Rinse: Place the rice in a strainer or sieve and rinse under cold running water. Swirl the rice with your hand to remove excess starch. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan

1. Add rice and water: Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of water.
2. Add salt and fat: If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of butter or oil for added flavor.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

1. High heat: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

1. Reduce heat: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low to bring the water to a gentle simmer.
2. Cover: Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Do not lift the lid during cooking, as this allows steam to escape.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

1. Simmer: Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. The water should be fully absorbed, and the rice should be tender.
2. Check doneness: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 20 minutes, cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Let the Rice Rest

1. Remove from heat: Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Rest: Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish cooking and the steam to evenly distribute.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

1. Fluff: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Serve: Serve the rice hot as a side dish or as a base for your favorite recipes.

Tips for Perfect White Rice

• Ratio: The standard ratio for cooking white rice is 1 part rice to 2 parts water.
• Do not stir: Avoid stirring the rice during cooking, as this can release starch and make the rice sticky.
• Resting time: Allowing the rice to rest after cooking helps achieve a perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

White rice is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes:

• Asian cuisine: Serve with stir-fries, curries, or sushi.
• Latin cuisine: Pair with beans, grilled meats, or enchiladas.
• Mediterranean cuisine: Complement with kebabs, roasted vegetables, or tzatziki.

Final Thoughts

Cooking perfect white rice is simple with these step-by-step instructions. This basic recipe will serve as a foundation for countless delicious meals. Enjoy cooking and serving your fluffy, flavorful rice!