master-cooks | Basic Stovetop Steamed White Rice Recipe

To prepare a basic stovetop steamed white rice, begin by rinsing one cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Once rinsed, transfer the rice to a medium saucepan. Add two cups of water to the rice, maintaining a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Optionally, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is important not to lift the lid during this time, as the trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice evenly. After 15 minutes, check if the water has been fully absorbed and the rice is tender. If necessary, allow it to cook for a few more minutes. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional five minutes to allow the rice to steam further. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and enhance its light, airy texture.

Gather the ingredients for basic stovetop steamed white rice

To prepare this recipe, you may not even need to visit the store. All that's required is long-grain white rice and water. "Some rice packages suggest adding oil and salt during cooking, but I’ve never found that to be necessary. I prefer to skip those extras, and I’ve never noticed any difference," Hahn explains.

"As for the water, using filtered water from your sink faucet or a reverse osmosis system is best. You can use tap water as long as it doesn’t have a strong chlorine flavor in your area," Hahn adds.

Step 1: Rinse the rice

Wash the rice with cold water for 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add water to a pot

Pour the water into a large pot and heat it until it boils.

Step 3: Add the rice

Place the rice into the pot.

Step 4: Reduce the heat and cook the rice

Lower the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Drain the rice in a colander

Strain the rice and place it back in the pot.

Step 6: Steam the rice

Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 15 minutes without any heat.

Step 7: Serve the rice

The rice is prepared and ready to be served.

How can I steam brown rice?

White and brown rice have varying cooking times due to the outer bran layer present in brown rice, which extends its cooking duration. The cooking process is quite similar to that of white rice, with a few adjustments. To begin with, when preparing brown rice, you'll need to use 8 cups of water instead of 6. This is primarily because brown rice requires a longer cooking time, leading to more water evaporation during the process. "I typically use 8 cups of filtered water when cooking brown rice," Hahn notes.

In this method, you will still rinse the rice and add it to a pot of boiling water. Cook it uncovered for 30 minutes before draining and returning it to the pot. The next step remains the same: simply cover the pot and let the rice steam for 15 minutes off the heat.

What pairs well with steamed white rice?

Steamed white rice pairs well with a variety of dishes. It complements any type of protein, whether it’s baked or grilled chicken, pan-seared steak, or steamed salmon. You can serve it as a side dish or place your protein on a bed of rice.

"I often use rice in stir-fries. At least once a week, I gather a mix of vegetables from my fridge, sauté them with Asian seasonings, and toss in some air-fried tofu. It’s a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, especially if you’ve prepped some rice in advance and can easily reheat it," shares Hahn.

If you’re a fan of Buddha bowls or grain bowls, rice is a fantastic addition. You can incorporate any protein, such as tofu or chicken, along with roasted vegetables, fresh ingredients like scallions and shredded carrots, and finish it off with a delicious sauce.

Basic Stovetop Steamed White Rice Recipe