How to cook rice perfectly: tips & methods
How to cook your rice in the best way
Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world, but also one of the most frequently cooked. Who hasn't ended up with rice that's too sticky, too dry, or even burnt at the bottom of the pot? Yet, cooking rice perfectly is an art accessible to everyone, provided you know the right techniques.
In this comprehensive article, you will discover:
- Why washing and soaking rice is an essential step.
- The different methods of cooking rice: absorption, pilaf, steaming, pressure cooker, microwave, electric rice cooker.
- Which type of rice to choose according to your needs: basmati rice, Thai rice, round rice for risotto, special sushi rice, whole grain rice, fragrant rice.
- Mistakes to absolutely avoid so you never mess up your rice again.
- Chef's tips for achieving light, fragrant and perfectly cooked rice.
Why cooking your rice properly makes all the difference
Cooking rice is not simply a matter of "adding water and waiting." It impacts:
- The texture: a soft, light and airy rice.
- Taste: well-cooked rice develops its natural aromas.
- Digestion: undercooked rice can be difficult to digest.
- The success of dishes like sushi, risotto, and paella depends entirely on perfectly cooked rice.
Well-cooked rice is also economical and nutritious, providing sustained energy through complex carbohydrates and can accompany an infinite number of dishes.
Washing and soaking the rice: an essential step
| Type of rice | Recommended soaking time | Cooking time (absorption method) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basmati | 20-30 min | 12-15 min | Light and fragrant, ideal for curries and Indian dishes |
| Thai (Jasmine) | 15-20 min | 12-15 min | Fragrant rice, perfect for Asian dishes |
| Round rice (sushi) | 20 min | 12-14 min | Sticky, suitable for sushi, maki and desserts |
| Brown rice | 1-2 hours | 30-40 min | Takes longer to cook, rich in fiber |
| Wild rice | 2-6 h | 40-50 min | Unique taste, often mixed with other rice |
| Sticky rice | 4-6 hours | 20-25 min (steamed) | Used for desserts and Asian recipes |
| Steamed rice | 20-30 min | 20-25 min | Firm grains, hard to mess up |
Why wash rice before cooking?
Washing the rice removes:
- Excess starch makes rice sticky.
- Impurities and dust accumulated during storage.
- Bran residues or other particles depending on the origin of the rice.
How to wash rice properly?
- Place the raw rice in a large salad bowl or directly into the saucepan.
- Cover with cold water.
- Mix gently with your hand.
- Throw away the murky water.
- Repeat 3 to 5 times until the water becomes clear.
Tip: For basmati or Thai rice, a thorough washing reveals the natural aromas.
Why soak the rice?
Soaking reduces cooking time, improves digestibility, and ensures even cooking:
- Basmati rice: 20-30 minutes
- Brown rice: 1-2 hours
- Sushi rice: 20 minutes
- Fragrant rice (jasmine): 15-20 minutes
Mistakes to avoid
- Wash with hot water → soft grains.
- Do not wash → rice becomes sticky and less fragrant.
- Soaking white rice for too long → makes it crumbly and brittle.
The different methods of cooking rice
1. Boiling water
Simple and quick:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the washed rice and cook for 10-12 minutes for white rice, 25-30 minutes for brown rice.
- Drain.
2. Absorption cooking
Quick and fragrant:
- 1 volume rice = 1.5 volumes water for white rice, 2 volumes for brown rice.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
3. Steaming
For jasmine, sticky or basmati rice:
- Place the soaked rice in a steamer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes over boiling water.
- Preserve the aromas and light texture.
4. Cooking in a rice cooker
- Washed rice + water in the bowl → press "cook".
- Soft rice, automatic cooking.
- Tip: Add a little oil or butter for extra flavor.
5. Pilaf-style cooking
- Sauté the rice in a little oil or butter.
- Add 2 volumes of hot water or broth.
- Cover and cook over low heat.
6. Baking
- Rice + 2 volumes of hot water in an ovenproof dish.
- Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C.
7. Pressure cooker cooking
- Rice + water (1:1.5 or 1:2 depending on type).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes for white, 15 minutes for whole.
- Allow the pressure to subside naturally.
Chef's tips for perfect rice
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
- Add a drizzle of oil or butter for flavor and texture.
- Never lift the lid too soon.
- Adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice.
- Soak the brown or wild rice.
- Add herbs and spices for flavoring.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too much water → mushy rice.
- Not enough water → dry or burnt rice.
- Forgetting to rinse the rice.
- Cooking fragrant rice for too long.
- Soaking time was too short for brown rice.
- Opening the lid too soon.
- Do not adapt the technique to the type of rice.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about cooking rice
1. Is it always necessary to wash rice before cooking?
Yes, to remove starch and impurities, to obtain light and digestible rice.
2. Why soak rice before cooking it?
To reduce cooking time, improve digestibility and ensure even cooking.
3. How much water should be used to cook rice?
1 volume rice = 1.5 volumes water for white rice, 2 volumes for brown rice, 1.2-1.3 for round/sushi rice.
4. How do you cook basmati rice without it sticking?
Wash, soak for 20-30 minutes, cook by absorption, let rest.
5. Best method for brown rice
Soak for 1-2 hours, then cook by absorption or pressure cooking, and let rest.
6. Can you cook rice in the microwave?
Yes, in a suitable bowl, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes with a little water.
7. How do you cook sushi rice?
Wash until clear, soak for 20 minutes, cook by absorption.
8. Difference between boiling and absorption cooking?
In water → plenty of water, draining required. Absorption → just enough water, grains separate.
9. Cooking time for wild rice?
Soak for 2-6 hours, cook for 40-50 minutes in water or 20 minutes in a pressure cooker.
10. Should the rice be stirred while cooking?
Never during absorption or steaming. Stir after cooking to aerate.
11. Can rice be flavored while cooking?
Yes, bay leaves, thyme, cardamom or a drizzle of oil/butter.
12. How to prevent rice from sticking?
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan, respect the water/rice ratio, and let it rest.
13. Are all types of rice cooked in the same way?
No, each type has its own specific characteristics (basmati, jasmine, round, complete, wild).
14. Can you reheat cooked rice?
Yes, steamed or microwaved with a little water.
15. What utensils make cooking easier?
Thick-bottomed saucepan, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer basket, stainless steel salad bowl for washing.
Recommended products:
- Practical stainless steel salad bowl for washing rice
- 5L Electric Multi-Cooker
- stainless steel colander