Perfect Basic Rice

Master the art of cooking the perfect basic rice with this easy, foolproof recipe. Requiring just three simple ingredients—long-grain white rice, water, and a pinch of salt—this step-by-step guide ensures perfectly fluffy, evenly cooked rice every time. A quick rinse before cooking removes excess starch, while the optional addition of butter adds a subtle richness to the dish. With only 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, this versatile recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, creating the ultimate foundation for countless meals. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or pairing it with bold sauces and hearty mains, this recipe is your go-to for simple, fail-safe rice.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice (long-grain)
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. If you are using butter, add it at this stage for extra flavor.

Step 3

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently.

Step 5

Cook the rice for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring. This allows the rice to absorb the water evenly and cook perfectly.

Step 6

After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice become fluffy.

Step 7

Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot as a side dish or use it as a base for your favorite recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(687.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	294

Total Fat 4.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10.3mg	0%
Sodium 1197.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 5.4g	0%

Vitamin D 2.3IU	0%
Calcium 49.8mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 71mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.8%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 78.7%