White Rice Recipe

Time30m

Serves2

Make White Rice Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Rinse the rice
Place 1 cup long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl. Rinse under cold running water, swirling with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear (about 20–30 seconds). This removes excess surface starch to keep the cooked rice from being gummy. Drain well.
2
Measure 1 1/2 cups water in a measuring cup and set aside.

3
Combine and bring to a boil
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed and drained rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp butter or oil (optional). Stir briefly to distribute. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil, uncovered. Watch closely so it doesn't boil over.
4
Simmer with lid on
As soon as the water reaches a steady boil, reduce heat to the lowest possible setting so the pot is at a gentle simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir during this time — steam is what cooks the rice evenly.
5
Rest off heat
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This finishing steam allows the grains to firm up and evenly absorb remaining moisture.

6
Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve warm.
7
Leftover storage: Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.