How to Cook Basmati Rice

If you want to know How to Cook Basmati Rice on a stove so it turns out light, fluffy and flavorful every time, you’re going to want to make this recipe. Cooking basmati rice couldn’t be easier. You will only need a few simple ingredients and in 30 minutes you will have made restaurant quality basmati rice.

 This recipe for basmati rice is foolproof! We love to serve it with grilled chicken and fish, kebabs, lentils, curry dishes and as a base for chicken and vegetable bowls.

Basmati Rice Recipe Ingredients

• White Basmati Rice
• Water
• Butter
• Salt
• Unsalted Butter

Find printable recipe with the measurements below.

How To Make Basmati Rice

1. Cook Rice. Add the water, rice, salt and butter to a saucepan and stir. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and place a tightly fitted lid on the saucepan. Cook for 12 minutes without stirring or removing the lid. After 12 minutes, take a quick peak and if it looks like the liquid has been absorbed, turn the heat off and remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside
2. Rest Rice. Leave the lid on the saucepan and let the basmati rice rest for 12-15 minutes before fluffing with a fork. 

Tips For Making The Best Basmati Rice

• Don’t rinse the rice first, unless you buy it in bulk.
• Don’t remove the lid while the rice cooks.
• Don’t stir the rice while the rice cooks.
• Let the rice rest for 12-15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Set a timer for 12 minutes so you don’t overcook the rice. Take a quick peak under the lid and if the water has been absorbed by the rice remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to rest. The rice will continue to steam cook and absorb any remaining water so it will be nice and fluffy. 

Basmati Rice Water Ratio

Use a simple ratio of 1 cup rice to 1-1/2 cups water.

Do I have To Rinse Basmati Rice Before Cooking It?

It’s not necessary to rinse basmati rice before cooking it. If you buy rice in bulk, then you may want to rinse it first to get rid of any dust and debris. Just pour the rice in a fine mesh colander and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. Gently shake the colander side-to-side over the sink to remove excess water from the rice and pat the bottom of the colander dry with a paper towel. You want to eliminate as much water from the rice as you can. If you do rinse your rice first, we suggest reducing the water ratio by 2 tablespoons (in that case you will use 1-1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water to 1 cup basmati rice)

How To Store Leftover Basmati Rice

1. Store leftover basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If properly stored, the rice should last 3 to 4 days.
2. To reheat, add leftover basmati rice and 1-2 tablespoons of water to a skillet and warm the rice over low heat. If the rice starts to stick to the skillet, just add a little more water.

More Side Dish Recipes

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• Boursin Mashed Potatoes
• Peas and Carrots
• How to Make Quinoa Taste Good
• Homemade Spanish Rice

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Yield: 6 Servings

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 32 minutes

If you want to know How to Cook Basmati Rice on a stove so it turns out light, fluffy and flavorful every time, you're going to want to make this recipe. Cooking basmati rice couldn't be easier. You will only need a few simple ingredients and in 30 minutes you will have made restaurant quality basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white basmati rice
• 1-1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Add the water, rice, salt and butter to a saucepan and stir. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and place a tightly fitted lid on the saucepan. Cook for 12 minutes without stirring or removing the lid. After 12 minutes, take a quick peak and if it looks like the liquid has been absorbed, turn the heat off and remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside
2. Leave the lid on the saucepan and let the basmati rice rest for 12-15 minutes before fluffing with a fork. 

Notes

Tips For Making The Best Basmati Rice

• Don't rinse the rice first, unless you buy it in bulk.
• Don't remove the lid while the rice cooks.
• Don't stir the rice while the rice cooks.
• Let the rice rest for 12-15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Set a timer for 12 minutes so you don't overcook the rice. Take a quick peak under the lid and if the water has been absorbed by the rice remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to rest. The rice will continue to steam cook and absorb any remaining water so it will be nice and fluffy. 

Rinsing Basmati Rice Before Cooking

It's not necessary to rinse basmati rice before cooking it. If you want to rinse it first, then pour the rice in a fine mesh colander and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. Gently shake the colander side-to-side over the sink to remove excess water from the rice and pat the bottom of the colander dry with a paper towel. You want to eliminate as much water from the rice as you can. If you do rinse your rice first, we suggest reducing the water ratio by 2 tablespoons, so you will use 1-1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water (instead of 1-1/2 cups water) to 1 cup basmati rice.

How To Store Leftover Basmati Rice

1. Store leftover basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If properly stored, the rice should last 3 to 4 days.
2. To reheat, add leftover basmati rice and 1-2 tablespoons of water to a skillet and warm the rice over low heat. If the rice starts to stick to the skillet, just add a little more water.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 182mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations. See full disclaimer on About page.