Perfect Rice

Every cook should know how to make rice at home. This four-ingredient recipe ensures your rice is perfectly tender and fluffy every time, but never sticky or mushy. 

How to Cook Rice 

Cooking rice at home is incredibly easy. You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What You’ll Need to Cook Rice

These are the kitchen staple ingredients you’ll need to make this incredibly easy white recipe: 

• Butter: This perfect rice recipe starts with two tablespoons of butter melted in a saucepan. 
• Rice: You’ll need 1 ½ cups of long grain white rice to make four servings.
• Salt: The basic rice is seasoned with just a teaspoon of kosher salt.
• Stock: Use store-bought or homemade unsalted chicken stock. You can use water if you prefer. 

How to Make Rice

“I’ve got the formula for a perfect pot of rice every time,” says recipe developer and culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin. “I like to cook my rice using the pilaf method. Don’t get scared: It’s the same ingredients, they just go in the pot in a different order.” You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here are a few tips and tricks from Nicole: 

• Nicole coats each grain of rice in fat (butter) before boiling. This essential step keeps the rice from sticking together. 
• This basic recipe is simply seasoned with just kosher salt, but you can dress it up if you prefer. Sometimes, Nicole adds diced onion for extra flavor. 
• The longer the rice is toasted in the butter, the deeper the flavor will be. Nicole likes to cook it, stirring often, for about one minute. 
• You can stir the rice once when you add the liquid and once more when it comes to a boil, but that’s it! Cover the pot and don’t peek until it’s done. 

How Long to Cook Rice

The rice should be perfectly cooked after about 17 minutes in a covered pot or saucepan. Remember: For the best texture, avoid stirring or uncovering the rice until it’s finished cooking. 

What to Serve With White Rice 

The beauty of this basic white rice is that it works well with just about everything. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite cut of meat or fish, ladle sauce over it for a comforting meal, or pair it with other ingredients to make your very own rice bowl. In need of inspiration? Here are a few top-rated recipes that pair perfectly with white rice: 

• Grilled Salmon
• Baked Teriyaki Chicken
• Good New Orleans Creole Gumbo
• Naked Chicken Burrito Bowl
• Easy Fried Rice

How to Store Cooked Rice

Store your cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to six months. 

Rice contains a spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus Cereus that flourishes in warm, moist environments. It’s important to store the rice properly within two hours and to reheat the rice until piping hot, not just warm. 

Learn more: How to Store Rice

How to Reheat Rice

The best way to reheat cooked rice is gently over low heat with a splash of water or stock. This way, the rice stays fluffy and moist. You can also steam it in the microwave or gently heat it in the oven, but don’t forget to add moisture. 

Learn more: How to Reheat Rice Three Ways

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams