How To Cook Perfect Rice On Your Stove

Rice is one of the most heavily used ingredients in dishes from Asia to South America, so it is inevitable that this versatile carbohydrate will be included in basic cooking recipes.

To make the perfect fluffed rice directly on your stovetop, Real Simple magazine gave a step-by-step demonstration:

Bring water to a boil: Don’t forget to add salt too! About 1 teaspoon should work just fine. You will need 1¾ cups of water for every cup of rice.

Pour in the rice and stir it once: This will prevent clumping and is best done with a wooden spoon. Do not over-stir, as this can make the rice sticky. Always keep the pan covered as well to prevent an overcooked or mushy mess.

Simmer for about 18 minutes: Make sure that the pot’s lid is secured tightly and turn down your heat to the lowest possible setting. After the time is up, remove the pot from the burner and allow the rice to steam for five more minutes. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

After you’ve mastered cooking tips like boiling rice, you can move onto more complex dishes like jambalaya or Indian spreads.