How To Cook Fluffy Rice On Stove (Beginner-Friendly Guide!)

Cooking rice might seem simple, but if you’ve ever ended up with mushy, undercooked, or burnt rice, you know it’s trickier than it looks! Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for foolproof tips, this guide will walk you through everything—from picking the right rice to storing leftovers—so you can make perfect rice every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

• Oil: A little oil helps toast the rice, adding flavor and keeping the grains from sticking together. You can use any neutral oil, like canola, vegetable, or even butter, for extra taste.
• Rice: This is the star of the dish! You can use different types like white, brown, jasmine, or basmati, but white rice is the easiest to start with.
• Seasoning: This is your chance to add flavor! A bit of salt is all you really need, but you can also toss in things like garlic, onion, or a bay leaf if you want to get fancy.
• Vinegar: My family’s secret ingredient! Just a splash of vinegar added to the water makes the rice extra fluffy and helps keep the grains separate. Don’t worry—it won’t taste sour at all. It’s a little trick my mom always used, and now I do too!

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

There are many types of rice, and each one cooks a little differently. Here’s a quick guide:

• White Rice (Short, Medium, or Long Grain) – Soft, fluffy, and slightly sticky. The most common rice for everyday meals.
• Jasmine Rice – Fragrant, slightly sticky, and tender.
• Basmati Rice – Long, separate grains with a light, fluffy texture.
• Brown Rice – Nutty, chewy texture with more fiber. Takes longer to cook.
• Wild Rice – Not technically rice, but it has a firm, chewy texture and requires more water and time to cook.

💡 Best choice for beginners? White rice! It’s the easiest to cook and most forgiving.

How Much Rice Do I Need To Cook (Basic Rule)

½ cup (90–100 g) of uncooked rice per person
→ This yields about 1½ cups of cooked rice, which is a typical serving size.

Quick Reference Chart

People	Uncooked Rice	Cooked Rice Yield
2	1 cup (180–200 g)	3 cups
4	2 cups (360–400 g)	6 cups
6	3 cups (540–600 g)	9 cups
8	4 cups (720–800 g)	12 cups

Do I Need to Wash the Rice?

Yes! Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing it from turning sticky or gummy. Here’s how:

1. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or a bowl.
2. Rinse under cold water, swishing with your fingers.
3. Repeat until the water runs mostly clear (about 2-3 rinses).
4. Drain well before cooking.

💡 Pro Tip: Skipping this step won’t ruin the rice, but it might turn out stickier than expected!

How Much Water Do I Need? (Rice-to-Water Ratio)

The key to perfect rice is the right amount of water. Here’s a simple guide:

Type of Rice	Water per 1 Cup Rice	Cooking Time
White Rice	1 1/2 cups – 360 ml – 12 oz	13–15 min
Jasmine/Basmati	1 1/4 cups – 300 ml – 10 oz	12–15 min
Brown Rice	2 ½ cups – 600 ml – 20 oz	40–45 min
Wild Rice	3 cups – 720 ml – 24 oz	45–50 min

Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Rinse The Rice

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water is no longer cloudy. I recommend capturing some of the rinse water in a bowl to check whether it is starchy. Keep rinsing and checking until the water runs clear. Shake and lightly press with hands to drain.

Step 2 – Toast The Rice

In a medium cooking pot, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add rice, stir with a wooden spoon so that the rice toasts, about 2 – 3 minutes, or until the rice is opaque and well-coated with the olive oil.

Step 3 – Bring To A Boil

Add water, salt, garlic powder, and vinegar; mix to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook uncovered until the entire surface of the water is bubbling, about 2 minutes.

Step 4 – Cook

Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 13 minutes (time for white rice). Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for 5 minutes.

Step 5 – Fluff

After 5 minutes, remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve!

How to Make Rice More Flavorful

• Cook with broth instead of water (chicken, veggie, or beef broth).
• Add aromatics (bay leaf, garlic, onion, or a cinnamon stick for basmati).

How to Store Leftover Rice

• Let the rice cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Spread on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.

💡 Pro Tip: Refrigerate rice within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

How to Reheat Rice (Without Drying It Out!)

Microwave:

• Add 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice.
• Cover with a damp paper towel.
• Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Stovetop:

• Add rice to a pan with a splash of water.
• Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally.

💡 Want extra flavor? Reheat with a little butter or broth instead of water!

What to Do With Leftover Rice? (Easy Meal Ideas!)

Got extra rice? Here are fun ways to use it:

• Fried Rice – Stir-fry with veggies, soy sauce, and protein.
• Rice Bowls – Add beans, veggies, and meat for an easy meal.
• Soup Filler – Add to soups for extra texture.
• Casseroles – Leftover rice is casserole gold! Try my Cheesy Enchilada Rice and Beans Casserole.
• Burritos – It’s one of my favorite ways to turn yesterday’s side dish into today’s fun, flavorful meal.

💡 Pro Tip: Leftover rice makes the best fried rice because it’s drier and doesn’t clump!

More Rice Recipes You’ll Love!

• Instant Pot Fluffy Rice
• Super Easy Baked Brown Rice
• Fluffy & Easy Vermicelli Rice (Arroz con Fideos)
• Easy Mexican Rice
• Browse more recipes…

Recipe Card