Plain Rice Recipe
Simply steamed, fluffy white rice - the perfect accompaniment for any dish.
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Ingredients
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Rice
Method
Rice
Rinse the rice
Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl. Rinse under cold running water or swish in several changes of cold water until the rinse water runs mostly clear (about 3–4 rinses). This removes excess surface starch and helps keep the cooked rice fluffy. Drain well for 1–2 minutes.
Combine and rest
In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, add the drained rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tablespoon oil or butter if using. Stir once just to distribute. Let the mixture sit, uncovered, for 5–10 minutes at room temperature (optional) — this helps hydrate grains evenly and reduces sticking.
Bring to a simmer
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting that maintains a very gentle simmer. Cover with the lid.
Cook gently
Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes on low heat. Do not lift the lid during this time; lifting releases steam and can make the rice unevenly cooked. If your stove runs hot, check once near 12 minutes to ensure it’s not burning or sticking — adjust heat so the pot is barely simmering.
Steam off heat
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and leave the covered pot undisturbed for 10 minutes. This resting (carryover steaming) finishes cooking and makes the rice fluffy.
Fluff and serve
Remove the lid, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately as an accompaniment to your dish.