Fluffy Perfect Rice Stovetop Recipe Easy Step-by-Step Guide Every Time
A foolproof stovetop method for perfectly fluffy, separate-grain long-grain white rice using simple ingredients and a precise water-to-rice ratio.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Universal
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (200 g)
- 1 3/4 cups water (415 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or neutral oil
- Optional: bay leaf or small piece of cinnamon stick (remove before serving)
- Optional: 1 garlic clove, peeled and lightly crushed
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear (about 2 minutes) to remove surface starch.
- Combine rinsed rice, water, salt, and butter or oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add optional bay leaf or garlic clove for aroma.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes). Stir gently once to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes to finish cooking with steam.
- Remove lid, discard bay leaf or garlic if used, and fluff rice gently with a fork or rice paddle.
- Serve immediately or keep warm covered with a clean kitchen towel and lid.
Notes
Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam. Do not stir rice after simmering starts to avoid mushiness. Letting rice rest off heat with lid on finishes cooking and improves fluffiness. Use low heat to prevent burning. Optional toasting of rinsed rice in butter for 2 minutes before adding water adds a nutty flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 205
- Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 0.6
- Protein: 4
Keywords: fluffy rice, stovetop rice, perfect rice, long-grain rice, easy rice recipe, rice side dish, simple rice