How to Cook Perfect Rice without a Rice Cooker, by Pailin's Kitchen on YouTube. 7 min 59 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 59 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Measure your rice into a bowl. For long-grain rice, plan on about 1 part rice to 1.5 parts water by volume.
Rinse the rice in cool water two or three times, swishing it with your fingers, until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
Put the drained rice in a heavy pot and add the measured water. Add a pinch of salt if you like.
Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a full boil without stirring.
Once the water boils, turn the heat down to low and put the lid on tightly.
Cook on low for about 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, since steam is doing the work.
Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes so the rice finishes steaming.
Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve.
Tips and common mistakes
Rinsing removes surface starch, which is what makes rice gluey and clumpy.
Use a pot with a heavy base and a tight lid so the steam stays in and the bottom does not scorch.
If the rice is still crunchy after resting, add a splash of water and steam it covered on low for a few more minutes.
Do not stir the rice while it cooks, as stirring releases starch and makes it sticky.
Questions
How much water do I use for long-grain rice?
A common ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. Adjust slightly for your pot and the rice variety, and note the ratio on the package if it gives one.
Can I use this method for short-grain or sticky rice?
Short-grain rice usually needs a little less water, closer to a 1 to 1.2 ratio. Sticky rice is best soaked and steamed, so this stovetop boil method is not ideal for it.
Why did my rice burn on the bottom?
The heat was probably too high or the pot too thin. Keep it on low once boiling and use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
