Learn how to cook basmati rice to perfection on the stove top every single time. Getting the rice water ratio right is crucial, so make no more mistakes, and enjoy the best rice ever, stress free. Fluffy, light, just the way basmati rice should be.
I love rice, cooked in every possible way, served with any kind of yummy food. And basmati rice is by far my favourite. Not only because it cooks a lot quicker than any other rice, but because its texture is just perfect. If you get it right, of course.
How to cook basmati rice on the stove, what is the ratio of rice to water when cooking, how to cook the perfect boiled rice, how to make the perfect fluffy rice? These are just a few questions we all want the answer to.
I was so frustrated trying to cook basmati rice the way it should be, fluffy, not sticky, and horribly mushy. Over the years I tried different water rice ratio, but I could not, for the life of me, find the perfect ratio.
Different people will tell you different things, but in the end I got it right. And it's so simple, you won't believe it's not cooked in the rice cooker. By all means, if you do have a rice cooker, use it, it's a very good investment, but if you don't, the good old pan with a lid is as good.
Basmati rice is great at soaking up flavours, and if you want a nice variation of it, how about my pilau rice? It's beautifully fragrant and as easy to make.
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Step-by-step photos and instructions
- First and foremost, make sure you rinse the rice very well. We want the water to run clean after rinsing, so do take your time to do it right. It might be time consuming, but it must be done.
If the rice is not rinsed well, the starch will make the rice sticky and mushy, trust me, it happened to me before.
What is the ratio of rice to water?
- Use the same measuring cup for rice and water. The rice to water ration is 1: 1 ¼. So, for every cup of rice, add one and a quarter cups of water.
Most people will say 2 cups of water, others will say more, while others will say less. I used my ratio time and time again, and the rice turned out perfectly.
!!! Please note that this rice to water ratio applies only to basmati rice, and no other type of rice!!!
This is plain, basmati rice that can be served as a side dish to any stir fry, meat, or any other dish. If you want to cook any other kind of rice, like risotto rice, long-grain rice, wild rice, etc, that will require a different ratio.
Most probably, a lot more water, and a different cooking technique. Also, very important, make sure you use a non-stick pan.
How do I cook the rice in a pan?
- Make sure you cover the pan with a lid while the rice is cooking.
Cooking the rice with the lid on means that the water is absorbed properly, making the rice light and fluffy.
- Cook the rice on a low heat.
Rice, like pasta, noodles, orzo, etc, must be cooked on a low heat. Otherwise the water is absorbed way to quickly, before the rice is cooked well.
- Once the rice is cooked, turn the heat off, remove from the stove top, and leave to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.
After that, remove the lid, and use a fork to fluff the rice up. And that's it, the rice is ready.
What to serve with fluffy basmati rice
I have lots of recipes, mostly Asian, but not only, that are perfect to be served with basmati rice.
A few of my favourite are:
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry with Basmati Rice
Best Homemade Chili With Beans
Healthy Chinese Chicken Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Easy Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
And so many others. From one cup of rice you can feed 3 people, the amount of rice per person should be more than enough.
Do let me know if you have any questions, and I will be very happy to answer them.
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How to Cook Basmati Rice to Pefection
Instructions
- Rinse the rice very well until the water runs clear.
- Add the rice to a non-stick pan, pour over one and a quarter cups of water, then add the pinch of salt.
- Place the lid on, and cook the rice on a low heat until all the water has been absorbed.
- Remove from the heat, and leave the lid on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice up.
- Serve hot or cold with your favourite dish.
Notes
- Use the same measuring cup for rice and water. The rice to water ration is 1: 1 ¼. So, for every cup of rice, add one and a quarter cups of water.
Beverly Miles
How do you know when the water is absorbed if you don't remove the lid? 10 minutes?
Daniela Apostol
To be honest l haven’t thought of that since all my pans have glass lids which allow me to see how much water is left, otherwise it’s ok to lift the lid off to check how much longer it needs to cook for.
Beth Anne
Can basmati rice be used in rice pudding recipes?
Daniela Apostol
Basmati rice doesn't have the necessary texture to produce a creamy pudding, I highly recommend the arborio rice, it brings the best results.