How To Cook Rice Without a Rice Cooker

A plate of cooked white rice garnished with chopped chives, with fresh chives placed beside the rice on a white plate.

How To Cook Rice Without a Rice Cooker

Cooking white rice on the stove is simple once you know the right method. With a few easy steps, you can get fluffy, tender rice every time without needing a rice cooker.

Course Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine American, International

Keyword brown rice, cook, cook rice, cook white rice, cup of rice, cups of water, fluffy, fried rice, jasmine, make rice, rice cook, rice cooker, rice without, rinse the rice, white rice

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 81kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Wooden Spatula
1 Cooking Pot
1 Strainer
1 Oven
1 Bowl

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Salt
1½ Cups Water
1 Cup Rice
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons EVO Oil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Gather rice, water, oil, salt, and pepper, and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Rinse rice under cold water until mostly clear, then drain well.
Heat oil in a pot, add rice, and stir until lightly golden and fragrant.
Pour in water, add salt and pepper, stir once, then cover with a tight lid.
Bake covered for 17–20 minutes, rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Notes

Rinse the rice first: Rinsing removes excess starch and helps your rice cook fluffy instead of sticky. It also prevents clumping, which is perfect for fried rice or side dishes.
Measure water carefully: Using the right rice-to-water ratio ensures even cooking and avoids mushy or undercooked rice. A little adjustment can make a big difference depending on the rice type.
Let it rest after cooking: Cover the pot and let the rice sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and keeps it light and fluffy.
Use a tight-fitting lid: A good lid traps steam and heat, helping the rice cook evenly. Avoid lifting it too often, or you’ll lose heat and lengthen the cook time.

Nutrition