To cook long grain rice perfectly, follow these stovetop instructions:
- Measure 1 cup of long grain white rice (uncooked) and 1.5 cups of water.
- Place the rice and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 13 to 18 minutes without stirring or lifting the lid. The water should be fully absorbed by the rice.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Additional tips:
- Do not rinse the rice before cooking to maintain fluffiness unless you want to remove surface starch or impurities; if rinsed, reduce water slightly to avoid mushiness
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution
- Avoid stirring during cooking to prevent rice from becoming sticky
- Optionally, add a pinch of salt or a little oil for flavor
This method yields fluffy, evenly cooked long grain rice suitable for most dishes
