How to Cook Rice
Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by Annie
Make a perfect pot of long grain rice every time on the stove top with this quick and easy 30 minute recipe. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this fool-proof method for stove top long grain white rice will complete your meal in no time.
2024 Update: Â This recipe was originally shared in March 2020. This post has been updated to include new photos, detailed directions, and additional dairy-free tips. I hope you enjoy this guide for making perfect long grain rice.
I have never been one to use a rice maker…
My mom has been making stovetop rice for my entire life. Not only does she make her rice on the stovetop, she makes it PERFECTLY every time! No muss, no fuss, always fluffy and soft. After college I spent many phone calls asking her how to make rice until I finally wrote it down. The key was the kind of rice she used. We always used Texmati.
I blame myself for what happened next in my life. I sent my husband to the store to get the groceries. For some reason I had assumed over the last 12 years together I had told him the key to perfect rice. I assumed he listened to the specific details about making The Moore Family rice… I assumed wrong.
With the grocery list in hand he read “rice” and interpreted that to mean the best deal possible. Not, “rice” the perfect every time Texmati rice we always use.
When he returned home with a 20 lb bag of long grain rice you can imagine the look on my face. Where was the cute little container with the blue twist top lid? Where will I store this monster bag? How do I even cook this rice? THIS. IS. NOT. TEXMATI.
As you can clearly see, the bag stayed and I learned to deal with it. Not without some really bad pots of rice first.
Undercooked? Yup.
Watery? Yup.
Burnt on the saucepan? You betcha!
AND THAT WAS WITH THE RECIPE ON THE BAG IT CAME IN!
Why We Love this Long Grain White Rice Recipe
After many failed attempts… MANY. We found the perfect way to make basic long grain rice on the stovetop every time.
This recipe is a pantry-staple side dish that pairs perfectly with just about everything we make in our home. Here are just a few reasons we love making this stove top method for rice.
- Ready in under 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Mostly hands off. Once the rice is in the pot with a covered lid your work is done.
- Great for meal prep. This simple recipe for long grain rice easily completes your meals making it perfect for making on your meal prep day and pulling out as needed throughout the week.
HOW TO COOK RICE PERFECTLY EVERY TIME
Disclaimer– I have not tested this method on every grain of rice under the sun and each grain may have different cooking times and water needs but if you have a basic, long grain rice… I GOT YOU.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Long grain rice– You know, the kind that comes in 20 pound bags…
- Water– From the tap will do just fine.
- Vegan butter– From the tub or from a stick.
- Salt– I like to use kosher salt to bring out the flavor of the rice.
Step-By-Step Directions for Long Grain Rice
- Measure water: Begin by measuring out 2 cups of water in a liquid measuring cup.
- Add to sauce pan: Next, pour the water into a small sauce pan.
- Bring water to boil over medium high heat.
- Add rice: Once boiling, pour in rice, salt, and vegan butter. Stir to mix.
- Boil: Then, return the water to a boil.
- Stir: Once it’s boiling, stir the rice TWICE.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover with lid.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat: After 15 minutes, remove from heat.
- Rest: Let the pot sit for 5 minutes covered.
- DO NOT REMOVE THE LID. DO NOT STIR THE POT.
- Fluff and serve: After 5 minutes stir the rice to fluff and serve!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Making perfect long-grain white rice at home takes just a few ingredients and some helpful kitchen tools.
- Liquid Measuring Cup– Get the perfect measure and pour every time with a spouted measuring cup.
- OXO Storage Container– Perfect for storing that large bag of rice you bought in bulk.
- Small Sauce Pan with Lid– Don’t forget to have a lidded pot to make this perfectly fluffy rice!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS METHOD
Why do you stir twice?
It’s a family tip. I have been raised stirring the pot only twice so I think I am a bit superstitious about it. I stir twice, it works every time, I don’t question the system. Cool?
Why do you leave the lid on after you remove it from heat?
It allows the rice to trap any additional moisture without releasing it through steam. Just helps keep it beautiful and fluffy and ready for everything you have to throw at it.
What to Serve with Long Grain Rice
There are many different and delicious ways you can enjoy this simple recipe. Add it to a burrito, eat it plain, or use it as a side to any delicious meat dish! Some of the dishes I like serve with this long grain rice include:
Storing and Reheating Long Grain Rice
Once you have finished cooking your rice, allow it to cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate: Place cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Store cooled rice in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Move to fridge to thaw overnight before use.
- Reheat: Place desired amount in a microwave safe container and heat for 30-second intervals until desired level of warmth.
More Rice Recipes to Make Next
Looking for more delicious rice recipes to make next? Here are some of our favorites!
If you tried this simple long grain rice recipe please let me know in the comments below!
You can also share a picture of it with me on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy so I can see all of your life after dairy adventures!
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Simple Long Grain Rice
Learn how to make a perfect pot of long grain rice every time with this simple rice recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Rice long-grain
- 1 teaspoon Salt optional
- 1 Tablespoon Vegan Butter optional
Instructions
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To begin, measure 2 cups of water. Pour into a medium saucepan. Bring the water to boil over medium high heat.
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Once boiling, stir in 1 cup rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 Tablespoon vegan butter. Return to a boil.
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Stir twice, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
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Once 15 minutes are up, leave the cover on the pot and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes.
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Fluff rice and enjoy.
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