A comprehensive (and easy) guide with a cooking video for how to cook rice on the stove.
Toast your rice. I’m just going to say that right off the bat. This is why my recipe is unique. Toasting the rice in oil (or butter) before adding the water makes such a difference in the final result. It’s a common technique for risotto. So I’m not sure why it’s not mentioned more often for cooking a standard pot of rice.
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Why Cook Rice on the Stove?
Because it is so easy! You don’t have to wait for an Instant Pot to come to pressure (and make sure to clean it thoroughly after). You don’t have to buy a special rice cooker (which you’ll then have to find a place to store). I was talking to a friend over the holidays about rice and what a mystery it seems to many people. So I decided to take the mystery out of it.
Watch how to Cook Rice on the Stove:
More Tips for How to Cook Rice:
- I like using a pot that is both non-stick and that has a glass lid to cook rice (so I can watch the progress without having to remove the lid). This is the pot that I use.
- I cook on a gas stovetop. My rice is finished cooking in 15 minutes. It may take a bit longer on an electric stovetop – maybe 16 to 18 minutes.
- Instead of vegetable oil you can use butter or coconut oil.
- This is the brand of rice I use most often.
- This recipe can easily be doubled but you’ll need a bigger pot.
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How to Cook Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup rice
- 1 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add the oil to a non-stick pot and heat over medium heat.
- Add the rice and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often, to toast the rice a bit.
- Pour in the water and stir.
- Bring the rice to a gentle boil.
- Turn the heat to low and cover the pot. You want the rice to gently simmer. Low heat on a gas stove is plenty for simmering. If cooking on an electric stovetop, you may need to set the burner to medium-low heat.
- Cook the rice, with the lid on, for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
- Stir the rice and serve.
Nutrition
More Recipes with Rice:
- Greek Rice Salad
- Vegetarian Chili
- Mexican Rice and Bean Soup
- Easy Fried Rice
- Bacon Apple Risotto
- Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole
- Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
- One Skillet Cowboy Rice
- Oven Fried Chimichangas
- Grilled Carne Asada Burrito Bowls
- Simple Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Asian Maple Sausage Meatballs
- Turmeric Lemon Rice
- Beer Cheese Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- One Pot Honeyed Chicken and Rice
- The Best Rice Pilaf
- Minestrone Risotto
Jacqueline Debono says
I use my rice cooker (which was actually a present) for rice to be served with Indian or Thai food but yes, for risotto my Italian hubby ‘cooks’ the rice before adding the liquid (usually broth). I think it’s a good idea to do it when cooking rice on the stove top. Adds flavour!
foodtasticmom says
Agreed. I was surprised when I Googled “how to cook rice” that the top posts did not mention toasting the rice first.
Danielle Wolter says
I have never tried to toast white rice before! this is such a great idea and i have to try it. II can’t believe ive never tried it!
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad I gave you a new tip! Enjoy…
Elaine Benoit says
I agree, cooking rice is so easy on the stove top! Your rice looks excellent. I can’t wait to try it out!
foodtasticmom says
It really is. Even with my recent kitchen remodel, I don’t have extra room for things like a rice cooker. I can’t even store my Instant Pot in my cabinets! So I always cook rice on the stovetop.
Colleen says
I gave away my rice cooker because I like cooking it on the stove so much better, it’s just so easy, and as you say, it’s one less gadget to store and clean. Great post!
foodtasticmom says
Exactly! Thank you Colleen!
Emily says
I had no idea there was so much to know about making rice! Thanks for these tips.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome.
Emma says
Wow you’ve thoight of everything. I’ve been using a similar method for years but have never added oil (or any other fat for that matter) will give this a go!
foodtasticmom says
I think it really helps with the flavor and texture. I would never eat plain rice without fat. But this way I can make a meal out of just a plain bowl of rice with some chicken on top.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
This is such a handy guide to use bc we make rice weekly at my house. It’s one thing all my kids will eat and I love to have leftovers at the ready. I never toast it but need to try that for some extra flavor!
foodtasticmom says
Same – my kids will always eat rice. Fresh or leftover!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I prefer to learn to do this one stove top. My ricer cooker always seems to over cook my rice and its a big blob of a mess thanks for great instructions
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Danielle says
Thanks for this helpful post! I’ve never cooked great rice on the stove, so I’m bookmarking this for later!
foodtasticmom says
Great! Come back and report how it goes.
krissy says
I am terrible at making rice! Im so glad i found this! Thank you!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. And you are definitely in good company!
Edyta says
It seems like I always burn my rice. This tutorial will come really handy moving forward. I hope I will not burn it anymore 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Yay for no more burned rice!
Toni says
That is such a flavorful way to cook rice! Amazing!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Toni!
Lindsay Cotter says
Looks perfectly cooked! Great tutorial!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Lindsay.