How to cook rice (all the ways)

A white ceramic bowl filled with cooked white rice sits on a wooden surface, showcasing the perfect results from a reliable rice cooking guide.

How to cook rice (all the ways)

A no stress guide for cooking long grain white rice, jasmine or basmati rice, and brown rice. Includes stovetop, Instant Pot, and microwave methods so you can use what you have and get fluffy rice every time.

Course Side

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 20

Total Time 22

Servings

Calories 194kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

Ingredients

1 cup long grain white rice
jasmine rice or basmati rice
brown rice
2 cups water

Optional

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Get prepped

Measure rice and water based on the rice type and method below. Rinse rice if you like, then drain well.

Long grain white rice

Stovetop: Combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups water, salt and butter, if using. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 18 to 20 minutes.
Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup rice, 1 cup water, salt and butter, if using. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then let naturally release for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups water, salt and butter, if using, in a microwave safe dish. Cook uncovered on high for 10 minutes, cover, then cook 10 minutes at 50 percent power.

Jasmine or basmati rice

Stovetop: Combine 1 cup rice, 1½ cups water, salt and butter, if using. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 to 18 minutes.
Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup rice, 1 cup water, salt and butter, if using. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then let naturally release for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Combine 1 cup rice, 1½ cups water, salt and butter, if using, in a microwave safe dish. Cook uncovered on high for 10 minutes, cover, then cook 10 minutes at 50 percent power.

Brown rice

Stovetop: Combine 1 cup rice, 2½ cups water, salt and butter, if using. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 40 to 45 minutes.
Instant Pot: Combine 1 cup rice, 1¼ cups water, salt and butter, if using. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, then let naturally release for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Combine 1 cup rice, 2½ cups water, salt and butter, if using, in a microwave safe dish. Cook uncovered on high for 20 minutes, cover, then cook 15 minutes at 50 percent power.

Rest and fluff

Let rice sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.

Notes

Nutrition calculated using long grain white rice, stove top method

Microwave wattage varies from kitchen to kitchen, so cook times may need a small adjustment. If your rice is not fully tender, add 1 to 2 minutes at 50 percent power and check again.

Nutrition