How To Cook Rice On The Stove Recipe

I have been perfecting my white rice over time and now I love making Rice On The Stove. Every time I combine rinsed long grain rice, water, salt and a bit of olive oil, I yield fluffy, tender rice that never disappoints. It is a simple, satisfying side dish that pairs with any meal.

I’ve always been fascinated by how a simple dish of rice can completely transform a meal. I recently tried my hand at cooking rice on the stove and thought it was a game changer for making white rice that’s perfectly fluffy and tender every time.

I start with 1 cup of long grain white rice, making sure to rinse it well to remove extra starch for that light texture. Then I add 2 cups water, though if you like your rice a bit softer, adding a splash more water works wonders.

A 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter are all you need to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the pot. This recipe, one of my favorite rice side dishes, is a foolproof method that has quickly earned its place in my collection of rice on the stove recipes.

Trust me, this easy rice recipe will keep you coming back for more.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super simple to follow and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients so I can always count on it working even when I’m in a rush. I also love that it always turns out fluffy and tender which is exactly how I like my rice, it’s comforting and satisfying every time. And lastly, it’s really forgiving—if I ever use a bit too much or too little salt or water, it still tastes great and I can tweak it just to my liking.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice is a carbohydrate-rich base that fuels energy.
• Rinsing rice removes excess starch for a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Water hydrates rice, ensuring each grain cooks evenly and tenderly.
• Salt boosts flavor, balancing the dish with essential sodium.
• Olive oil adds richness and prevents rice from sticking.
• Butter offers a creamy alternative for extra richness if desired.
• These ingredients combine to create a simple, tasty, and nutritious meal.
• Using quality ingredients enhances every bite and cooking experience.
• Each component plays a vital role in flavor and texture development.
• Simple cooking transforms these basics into a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long grain white rice (rinse it well to remove extra starch)
• 2 cups water (if you like your rice a bit softer, you can add a splash more water)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if you prefer it saltier)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (this helps keep the rice from sticking to the pot)

How to Make this

1. Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice really well under cold water until the water runs pretty clear to get rid of extra starch.

2. In a medium pot, add 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.

3. Put the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil.

4. Once the water is boiling, add in the rinsed rice and stir it once gently to mix the ingredients.

5. Reduce the heat to low so it’s just simmering and cover the pot with a lid.

6. Let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes without peeking or stirring so it can cook evenly.

7. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered; let it sit for an extra 5 minutes.

8. Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice so it gets nice and airy.

9. Give it a quick taste and if you like it saltier, feel free to sprinkle a little extra salt.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly cooked, fluffy rice!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium pot with a tight lid
2. Measuring cup
3. Fine mesh strainer or colander
4. Wooden spoon (or any stirring spoon)
5. Fork for fluffing the rice
6. Stove for cooking

FAQ

How To Cook Rice On The Stove Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of long grain white rice, you could use jasmine rice or basmati for a different flavor, though they might cook a bit differently.
• You could swap water out with chicken broth or veggie broth to give the rice a richer taste.
• If you dont have regular salt, try using sea salt or kosher salt instead.
• You can use melted butter or coconut oil in place of olive oil to add a unique twist to the dish.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really rinse your rice well so that all the extra starch is gone, cause if you skip it, your rice can come out gummy and not so fluffy.
2. When your rice is simmering, try not to open the lid or stir it, even if you’re super curious, ‘cause that can mess up the steam and make it cook unevenly.
3. If you like your rice a bit softer or more moist, experiment with adding just a tiny bit more water next time, but careful dont add too much or it might turn mushy.
4. Adding olive oil or butter isnt just for flavor – it actually helps the rice from sticking to the pot, so even if you don’t feel like it, dont skip it!