White rice may seem simple, but it often turns out mushy, sticky, or undercooked. This guide shows you how to cook perfect white rice every time using the right water ratio, gentle heat, and a short resting period. White rice is budget-friendly, versatile, and easy to prepare follow these steps to make fluffy, non-sticky rice that cooks evenly and never burns.
Why This Method Works
White rice cooks evenly because its outer layer is polished. This helps it:
- absorb water consistently
- soften at the same rate
- stay fluffy when cooked correctly
The three keys to perfect white rice are:
rinse → measure → rest.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon oil or butter (optional)
1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine works great)
2 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil or butter (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Cook White Rice
1. Rinse the rice
Rinsing removes extra starch that makes white rice sticky. Rinse under cold water until it runs mostly clear.
2. Add rice and water to a saucepan
Use the correct ratio: 1 cup rice : 2 cups water.
Add salt and oil if desired.
3. Bring to a boil
Heat on medium until the water begins to boil.
4. Reduce heat and cover
Lower the heat to low, cover with a lid, and don’t open it while cooking.
5. Cook 12–15 minutes
Let the rice steam slowly. Don’t stir — stirring breaks the grains and makes the rice gummy.
6. Turn off heat and rest for 10 minutes
Resting lets the steam finish cooking the rice, creating perfectly fluffy grains.
7. Fluff with a fork
Gently separate the grains before serving.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Sticky Texture
→ Rinse more or use slightly less water next time.
Too Soft
→ Cook uncovered on low heat for a few minutes to evaporate excess water.
Undercooked
→ Add 1–2 tablespoons of water and continue steaming a bit longer.
Burned bottom
→ Heat was too high. Use a heavier pot or lower the flame next time.
Water Ratios for Different Types of White Rice
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup rice → 2 cups water
- Jasmine rice: 1 cup rice → 1¾ cups water
- Basmati rice: 1 cup rice → 1½ cups water
- Medium-grain white rice: 1 cup rice → 1¾ cups water
- Parboiled white rice: follow packaging instructions
Extra Tips for Perfect Texture
A bit of oil or butter keeps grains separate.
If rice is too wet, cook uncovered for a few minutes.
If too dry, add a small splash of water.
Heavier pots help with more even steaming.
Large batches need a slightly longer resting time.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C. Combine rice, boiling water, and salt in an oven-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Rest ten minutes, then fluff.
Boil-and-Drain Method
Boil rice in plenty of water like pasta for about ten minutes. Drain well, cover, and rest five minutes.
Water Ratios for Other White Rice Types
Long-grain white rice: 1 cup rice – 2 cups water
Jasmine rice: 1 cup rice – 1¾ cups water
Basmati rice: 1 cup rice – 1½ cups water
Medium-grain white rice: 1 cup rice – 1¾ cups water
Parboiled rice: follow package instructions
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Sticky rice: Rinse the rice more thoroughly next time or slightly reduce the amount of water you use.
Mushy rice: Cook it uncovered on low heat for a few more minutes to evaporate the excess moisture.
Hard rice: Add two tablespoons of water, cover, and cook a little longer until the grains soften.
Burned bottom: Gently scoop the rice from the top without scraping the burnt layer.
Alternative Cooking Methods for White Rice
Oven Method
Mix rice, boiling water, and salt in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes. Rest 10 minutes, fluff, serve.
Boil-and-Drain Method
Cook rice in plenty of boiling water for ~10 minutes. Drain and rest covered for 5 minutes. Produces fluffy, separate grains.
Storage and Reheating
- Store cooled rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Microwave: add 1 tbsp water per cup of rice, cover, heat 1–2 minutes.
- Stovetop: warm gently with a splash of water.
What to Serve With White Rice
White rice pairs perfectly with:
- stir-fried vegetables
- chicken or beef dishes
- curries and stews
- fish and seafood
- teriyaki sauce
- garlic, herbs, or butter
How Much White Rice to Cook Per Person
- ½ cup uncooked rice per person
- 4 people → 1 cup uncooked
- 6 people → 1½ cups
- 8 people → 2 cups
Printable Recipe: Perfect White Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil or butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice.
- Add rice, water, salt, and oil to a pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes.
- Turn off heat, rest 10 minutes.
- Fluff and serve.
If you’re looking for more simple cooking guides, check out our How to Cook White Rice tutorial.