How to Cook Rice (Perfect Every Time)

Learn how to cook rice with simple steps — and discover what to cook with it for your family.

Prep

2 min

Cook

15–20 min

Serves

2–4

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Rice

Best way to cook rice  ·  Cooking time 15–20 min  ·  Tips for perfect results

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

  2. Add rice and water to a pot using a 1:2 ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups water). Add a pinch of salt.

  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.

  4. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid.

  5. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rice

This is where most people get it wrong.

  • Do not stir the rice while it is cooking — this releases starch and makes it sticky.
  • The resting period after cooking is essential for fluffy, separated grains.
  • For extra flavour, cook rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

How long to cook rice

15–20 min after boiling / heating

Best way to cook rice

Boil / Simmer method

Common mistakes when cooking rice

See pro tips above

Cooking is easy. Deciding what to cook is not.

Every family knows this moment:

“What should we eat tonight?”

That's the real problem. Not cooking — deciding. FamilyPlate solves this by planning your full week for you, based on your family's tastes, dietary needs, and favourite cuisines.

What to cook with rice (family meal ideas)

Here are easy, family-approved meals you can make with rice tonight:

🍚

Chicken Rice Bowl

Seasoned chicken thighs over fluffy rice with steamed broccoli and teriyaki sauce.

Ready in 20 min  ·  Kid-friendly

🥢

Vegetable Fried Rice

Quick weeknight favourite using leftover rice, eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce.

Ready in 15 min  ·  Quick

🐟

Salmon with Lemon Rice

Pan-seared salmon fillet alongside lemon-herb rice — ready in under 25 minutes.

Ready in 25 min  ·  High protein

🥘

Beef and Rice Casserole

Hearty one-pot dinner with ground beef, tomatoes, and rice baked together.

Ready in 35 min  ·  Family favourite

🥥

Coconut Rice with Vegetables

Creamy coconut rice paired with stir-fried vegetables — a vegetarian crowd-pleaser.

Ready in 20 min  ·  Vegetarian

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