Fluffy, aromatic, and perfectly cooked, basmati rice on the stovetop is easier than you think. A fragrant staple for everyday meals, it pairs beautifully with curries, stir-fries, and grain bowls alike.
Easy to make basmati rice on the stovetop.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this basmati rice recipe makes fluffy and fragrant basmati rice. Use this basmati rice recipe as a base for curries, grilled meats, or other rice dishes, like fried rice.
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Learn how to cook rice on the stovetop with ease.
This stovetop basmati rice method produces fluffy, separate grains using a simple boiling and steaming process. It is a reliable everyday technique that works well for curries, stir-fries, and rice bowls.
With simple techniques and the right water ratio, it becomes the perfect base for both simple weeknight dinners and special meals. Its versatility makes it a kitchen essential.
Basmati rice is a soft and fluffy rice when cooked correctly.
Basmati rice is great to have as a side dish for many different dishes like curries, or even as part of a main meal when you use it in fried rice.
What is basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a type of long grain rice.
Traditionally, basmati rice is produced in India and Pakistan.
When cooked correctly, the grains of basmati rice separate, and the rice is soft, fluffy, and has a light fragrant aroma.
There are many different ways you could cook basmati rice.
You could cook basmati rice on the stovetop, in the microwave, in a rice cooker, and even in a pressure cooker.
Do you need to rinse the rice?
In certain recipes, you do not need to rinse your rice before. In this recipe for jasmine rice on the stovetop, it is recommended to rinse the rice before use.
The reason rice is rinsed before cooking is to remove some of the starch of the rice.
Generally, if you don't rinse your rice will be more starchy, clump together, and stickier.
Rinsing the rice also cleans the rice.
How to rinse rice
One of the easiest ways to rinse rice is by placing the rice in a strainer.
Run cold or room temperature water over the uncooked rice and gently shake the strainer.
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. At the beginning of straining the rice, the water will look cloudy.
You do not want to rinse the rice in hot water.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a one pot rice recipe.
- Ready in about 30 minutes!
- Great to use for fried rice or other rice dishes.
- Only 2 ingredients.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $1.20, or $0.30 a serve
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Basmati rice
- Water
Instructions
This recipe for basmati rice on the stovetop makes about 4 cups (720 grams, 25.39 ounces) of cooked rice.
Step One: Rinse the basmati rice in room temperature water until the water runs clear.
Place the rice in a strainer and run the rice under cold or room temperature water.
It could take about 3 to 4 rinses before the water runs clear. Completely drain off all water and place in a medium sized saucepan.
Step Two: Place water in saucepan. Make sure the rice sits flat along the bottom. Place saucepan over medium to high heat and bring to boil.
Once at a boil, stir the rice, and reduce heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.
Step Three: Once cooked, turn off heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Use basmati rice to make fried rice, or to accompany stir fries, curries, grilled fish, or with sautéed vegetables.
Storage
Store any leftover basmati rice in an air tight container for 1 to 2 days.
To reheat, place rice in a microwave safe container and reheat in the microwave.
If you find your rice has become slightly dry, you could add a splash of water before microwaving the rice.
Alternatively, you could use leftover basmati rice to make fried rice.
FAQ
No, you do not need to soak basmati rice before cooking for this recipe.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
How To Cook Basmati Rice On The Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams, 15.58 ounces) basmati rice
- 2 ¼ cups (560 grams, 19.75 ounces) water
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in room temperature water until the water runs clear. (see note 1). Completely drain off all water and place in a medium sized saucepan.
- Place water in saucepan. Make sure the rice sits flat along the bottom. Place saucepan over medium to high heat and bring to boil. Once at a boil, stir the rice, and reduce heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.
- Once cooked, turn off heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then fluff the rice.
Notes
- Place the rice in a strainer and run the rice under cold or room temperature water. It could take about 3 to 4 rinses before the water runs clear.
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