The Perfect Steamed White Rice: A Simple Guide

Steamed white rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or used in a variety of recipes, from stir-fries to fried rice. While cooking rice can be intimidating for some, achieving the perfect steamed white rice is not as challenging as you may think. Here's a simple guide to help you master this essential cooking technique and create fluffy, tender, and delicious rice every time.

Rinsing the rice

• Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or a bowl. If using a bowl, you will need to drain the water after each rinse.
• Hold the sieve or bowl under a running tap and run cold water over the rice.
• Gently stir the rice with your hand or a spoon while rinsing.
• Continue rinsing until the water running through the rice or draining out of the rice is clear, rather than cloudy. This may take several changes of water.
• Once the rice is rinsed, gently shake the sieve to discard any remaining water, or drain the rice in a sieve if you used a bowl.

After rinsing, you can proceed to add the rice to the pot of boiling water or combine it with the water and bring it to a boil together, depending on your preferred method. Remember, if you do rinse the rice, you may need to reduce the amount of water used in the cooking process by a small amount to compensate for the residual water on the rice.

The water-to-rice ratio

For instance, one source recommends a ratio of 1.5 cups of water to 1 cup of rice for stovetop cooking, noting that the standard 2-to-1 ratio often leads to overly soft rice with gummy surfaces. Similarly, another source suggests using 1.5 cups of water for each cup of long-grain white rice to achieve fluffy rice that's never soggy.

It's worth noting that the type of rice and cooking method can also impact the ideal water-to-rice ratio. For microwave cooking, the water amount should be increased to 2 cups per cup of rice. Additionally, if you choose to rinse the rice before cooking, it's recommended to reduce the water amount by 2 tablespoons per cup of rice to account for the residual water.

When cooking rice, it's important to follow the specific steps and not be intimidated by the process. With the right ratio and technique, you can achieve fluffy, tender, and delicious rice every time.

Cooking methods

Stovetop method

Place 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat – no lid. Turn the heat down to low, cover with a lid, and leave for 13 minutes. With the lid still on, remove the saucepan from the stove and stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a rice paddle, rubber spatula, or fork, and marvel at the perfect fluffy rice!

Oven method

Place rice and boiling water in a small casserole with a lid (or use a pan and foil). Cover with the lid and bake at 200°C/390°F (180°C fan) for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Microwave method

Place 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of boiling water in a microwave-proof round container that’s 3 to 4 times taller than the water level (the water bubbles up quite a lot). Microwave uncovered for 12 minutes on high. Remove from the microwave, cover, and rest for 10 minutes.

Tips for perfect steamed white rice:

• The ratio of water to rice is crucial. For stovetop cooking, use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. For oven and microwave cooking, increase the water to 2 cups per cup of rice.
• Rinsing the rice is not necessary, but if you do, reduce the water by 2 tablespoons per cup of rice.
• Do not lift the lid or stir the rice while it’s cooking, as this can cause undercooked/unevenly cooked rice and activate starch, making the rice gluey.
• Always let the rice rest for 10 minutes after cooking. During this stage, any residual water will be absorbed, leaving you with perfectly fluffy rice.
• To reheat rice, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of water per cup of cold rice, cover, and microwave until warm.

Reheating rice

Storing Leftover Rice

To store leftover rice, it's important to cool it quickly. Divide the rice into smaller batches and leave it uncovered until it reaches room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. Rice should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within four days. It can be frozen for up to two months.

There are several ways to reheat rice, including using a microwave, stovetop, or oven. Here's a general guide for reheating rice:

• Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle it with a small amount of water.
• Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel.
• Microwave the rice in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it is piping hot (at least 165°F).
• If reheating on the stovetop, place the rice in a saucepan with a small amount of water and heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until it reaches the desired temperature.
• For the oven method, preheat the oven to 300°F and place the rice in a baking dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish securely with foil and bake until piping hot.

It is important to ensure that the rice reaches a high temperature when reheating. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the rice, which should be at least 165°F.

Storing and freezing rice

Storing Cooked Rice:

• Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooked rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator to cool completely. Then, transfer the cooled rice to a labelled freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer. Frozen rice will stay fresh for about 6 months.

Storing Uncooked White Rice:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store uncooked white rice in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. It can be kept in its original packaging or transferred to a glass or plastic container with a lid. Uncooked white rice has an indefinite shelf life but is best consumed within 4-5 years.
• Freezer Storage: To freeze uncooked white rice, pour it into a labelled freezer bag, remove excess air, and store it in the freezer. Frozen uncooked white rice will stay fresh indefinitely.

Storing Uncooked Brown Rice:

• Room Temperature Storage: Place uncooked brown rice in a glass or plastic container and store it in a cool, dry place. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life due to its oil content and is best consumed within 6 months.
• Refrigerator Storage: Storing brown rice in the refrigerator can extend its shelf life by a few months.
• Freezer Storage: Brown rice can also be frozen to preserve its freshness. Place it in a labelled freezer bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 12-18 months.

Frequently asked questions