How to Cook Perfect Rice Without a Rice Cooker: Stove, Oven, and Microwave Methods That Actually Work

How to Cook Perfect Rice Without a Rice Cooker: Stove, Oven, and Microwave Methods That Actually Work

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  1. 1. Why Everyone Should Learn to Cook Rice Properly
    1. 2. Rice-to-Water Ratio: The Key to Success
      1. 3. How to Cook Rice on the Stove (My Go-To Method)
        1. 4. How to Cook Rice in the Oven (Best for Big Batches)
          1. 5. How to Cook Rice in the Microwave (Fastest & Easiest)
            1. 6. Common Rice Cooking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
              1. 7. How Much Rice Should You Cook?
                1. 8. Final Thoughts: You’re Now a Rice Master!
                  Cooking rice sounds simple until you end up with a pot of mush, burnt bottoms, or sticky clumps that no one wants to eat. If that’s ever happened to you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news? I’m going to teach you how to cook perfect, fluffy rice every single time using just a regular pot, your oven, or even your microwave. No fancy tools, no rinsing, no colanders, and no stress.
                  This guide is everything you need to become a rice-cooking pro. Whether you're making dinner for yourself or feeding a crowd, you’ll get light, tender, and perfectly cooked rice without fail.
                  Let’s get cooking!

                  Why Everyone Should Learn to Cook Rice Properly

                  Rice is a staple in cuisines around the world. Whether it's paired with curries, stir fries, grilled meat, or made into fried rice the next day, rice is a blank canvas that absorbs the flavor of whatever you put with it. But the way you cook it matters.
                  A lot of recipes make things more complicated than they need to be. Rinse the rice three times. Use a colander. Soak for 30 minutes. That’s all unnecessary—if you understand the right water-to-rice ratio and basic cooking principles, you can make great rice with zero fuss.
                  This method works for:
                  • Long grain white rice
                  • Medium grain white rice
                  • Sushi rice (yes, short grain works too!)
                  For other types like jasmine, basmati, or brown rice, you’ll want to follow slightly different techniques, but we’ll touch on those later.
                  Why Everyone Should Learn to Cook Rice Properly

                  Rice-to-Water Ratio: The Key to Success

                  This is the magic formula:
                  • Stove or oven: 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water
                  • Microwave: 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water
                  That’s it. No rinsing. No adjustments. If you stick to this, your rice will be soft, fluffy, and never soggy or gummy.
                  And here’s the thing: if you rinse your rice anyway (say, if you bought it from a local market and it looks dusty), just reduce the water by 2 tablespoons per cup of rice. That small tweak keeps your ratios in balance.

                  How to Cook Rice on the Stove (My Go-To Method)

                  This is the method I use 99% of the time. It’s fast, easy, and delivers the most even cooking results.
                  Here’s how you do it:
                  1. Add 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of water to a saucepan. No rinsing necessary.
                  2. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat—but don’t slap the lid on yet.
                  3. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 13 minutes.
                  4. Turn off the heat, but leave the lid on. Let it rest for 10 minutes—don’t touch it!
                  5. Fluff the rice gently with a fork or spatula, and you’re done.
                  Why it works: The steam is trapped inside, finishing the cooking process and allowing the rice to absorb every last bit of moisture. That’s the secret to fluffy, never-gluey rice.
                  How to Cook Rice on the Stove (My Go-To Method)

                  How to Cook Rice in the Oven (Best for Big Batches)

                  Oven-baked rice might surprise you, but it’s hands-down the easiest way to cook a large amount of rice with almost zero effort. No hovering over the stove.
                  What to do:
                  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C fan).
                  2. In a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid (or cover tightly with foil), combine 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of boiling water.
                  3. Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
                  4. Let it rest for 10 minutes, still covered.
                  5. Fluff and serve!
                  Why boiling water? It helps speed up the process since the oven doesn’t have to waste time bringing the water up to temp.
                  Bonus tip: Some edges may get a little crispy, but the middle will be soft and fluffy. Honestly, that crispy edge is kind of delicious.

                  How to Cook Rice in the Microwave (Fastest & Easiest)

                  Need rice fast? Or don’t want to clean a pot? The microwave is a total lifesaver. While it might not be quite as perfect as the stove, it’s a solid option for busy nights—or when your stovetop is already full.
                  Do this:
                  1. In a round microwave-safe container (very important—round containers cook more evenly), combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of boiling water.
                  2. Make sure the container is at least 3–4 times taller than the water level, because it will bubble up a lot.
                  3. Microwave uncovered on high for 12 minutes.
                  4. Remove, cover with a plate or lid, and rest for 10 minutes.
                  5. Fluff and enjoy!
                  Pro tip: The microwave doesn’t heat evenly, but using boiling water and resting the rice afterward makes up for that.
                  No, You Don’t Have to Rinse Your Rice
                  You’ve probably been told to rinse rice to wash away extra starch and prevent it from being gummy. While rinsing does remove starch, you simply don’t need to do it—if you use the correct rice-to-water ratio.
                  Rinsing actually adds hidden moisture, which means most people accidentally end up adding too much water. That’s why so many stovetop rice recipes result in soft, gluey grains.
                  If you feel the need to rinse because you’re using unpackaged rice or it’s part of a specific recipe like biryani or coconut rice, go for it. But if you’re just making plain white rice? Skip the rinse, save time, and still get perfect results.

                  Common Rice Cooking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

                  Mistake #1: Using Too Much Water
                  Most recipes call for 2 cups of water per cup of rice. That’s too much unless you’re rinsing and draining the rice thoroughly.
                  Fix it: Use 1.5 cups water to 1 cup rice on the stove or oven, and 2 cups water if using a microwave. If you rinse the rice, reduce water by 2 tablespoons per cup.
                  Mistake #2: Lifting the Lid
                  Tempting, I know. But peeking releases steam and disrupts the cooking.
                  Fix it: Leave the lid alone until cooking and resting time is done.
                  Mistake #3: Cooking on High Heat
                  High heat will cause the rice to boil over or burn the bottom before the rice is cooked through.
                  Fix it: Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low for the remainder of the cooking time.
                  Mistake #4: Skipping the Resting Step
                  That 10-minute rest is crucial. It allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb all remaining moisture.
                  Fix it: Once cooking time is up, leave the lid on and let the rice rest for 10 minutes.
                  Still Not Happy With Your Rice? Here’s How to Adjust
                  • If your rice is too firm, add 2 tablespoons more water next time.
                  • If your rice is too soft, reduce water slightly or cook uncovered for the last minute.
                  • Unevenly cooked? Make sure you didn’t stir, peek, or use a pot that’s too large.
                  At high altitudes? Add 1 extra minute per 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level.
                  Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Cooked Rice
                  • Fridge: Cooked rice will last 4 days in an airtight container.
                  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months.
                  • Reheating: Place cold rice in a bowl, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of water per cup, cover, and microwave for 1 minute. It’ll be moist and steamy again.
                  • Cold rice use: Perfect for fried rice or adding to soups—no need to reheat!

                  How Much Rice Should You Cook?

                  One cup of uncooked rice makes about three cups of cooked rice, which serves:
                  • 3 people (regular portions)
                  • 4 people (smaller portions or when served with rich dishes)
                  No measuring cups? No problem. Just use the same container for both rice and water—1 part rice to 1.5 parts water.
                  Calories in Rice
                  One cup of cooked white rice has about 206 calories. It's a great base if you’re counting calories and want to build a balanced plate.
                  What to Serve with Rice
                  Rice is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use your perfectly cooked rice:
                  • With stir fries (like beef and broccoli or cashew chicken)
                  • Paired with curries (Indian, Thai, Japanese—take your pick!)
                  • As a base for fried rice (Chinese, Thai, Korean, or even kimchi fried rice)
                  • Alongside chili con carne, beef stroganoff, or saucy meat dishes
                  • As a base for a rice bowl (try Korean Bibimbap!)
                  • Tossed in a rice salad with herbs and vinaigrette
                  Honestly? Rice goes with almost everything. If it has sauce, it belongs with rice.
                  What to Serve with Rice

                  Final Thoughts: You’re Now a Rice Master!

                  That’s it—no rice cooker required. With this guide, you’ll never fear making rice again. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove, baking it in the oven, or zapping it in the microwave, you now have the knowledge to get it right every single time.
                  So go ahead. Make that stir fry. Try a curry. Prep a rice bowl. Because now, you’ve got the rice part totally handled.
                  Enjoy your perfectly fluffy rice—and all the delicious meals you’ll pair it with!
                  Learn more: White Rice

                  Tags: rice