How to Cook Rice – instant pot, on stove, in microwave (3 Methods)

In this post, we will show you how to cook rice in 3 easy methods: in an instant pot, on the stove, and in the microwave.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all three are simple and straightforward. By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to cook rice perfectly every time, no matter which method you choose!

Note*: the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time provided in this post are specific to white rice (both short and long grains). If you use other types of rice grains, you may need to modify the cooking process based on your personal experience.

Preparation: Wash and soak the rice

Washing rice is an essential step that helps to remove excess starch, dirt, and potential bugs. That is why it’s important to always wash the rice first, no matter which method of cooking you prefer.

First, measure the amount of rice you need and put it in a pot. 1 cup of uncooked rice typically makes about 3 cups of cooked rice, which is enough to serve 2 people.

Next, add enough cold water to cover the rice and gently swirl the grains with your hands. Slowly tilt the pot to drain the water and repeat this process at least 3 times or until the water runs clear.

When time permits, it is recommended to soak the washed rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. By doing so, the rice grains can absorb more water, resulting in a fluffier texture when cooked.

It’s okay to skip this step if you cook rice in an instant pot or on stovetop. However, if you plan on cooking rice in a microwave, it is highly recommended to soak the rice before cooking, since it can help to reduce the cooking time by softening the grains.

How to cook rice in instant pot

Equipment:

• Instant Pot
• Rice spoon

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white rice (short or long grain) – yields 6 cups of cooked rice (3 servings)
• 2.2 cups of cold water

Instructions:

1. Add 2 cups of washed rice to an instant pot.

2. Pour cold water into the instant pot until it reaches the “2 cups” line marked on the inner wall. If your instant pot does not have a water level line, add 2.2 cups of cold water to the rice. (Instant pot rice-to-water ratio is usually 1 : 1.1)

3. When time permits, soak the washed rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

4. Close the lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position.

5. Select the “Rice” mode and let the instant pot run its program.

6. Once the cooking process has completed, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully open the pressure release valve to release any remaining pressure.

7. After cooking, the top layer of rice may be drier while the bottom layer may be stickier. To evenly distribute the texture, use a rice spoon to fluff the cooked rice until it is well blended. Serve hot.

How to cook rice on stovetop

Equipment:

• Saucepot
• Stove
• Measuring cups
• Rice spoon

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white rice (short or long grain) – yields 6 cups of cooked rice (3 servings)
• 2.5 cups of cold water

Instructions:

1. Add 2 cups of washed rice to a medium saucepot. (It produces 6 cups / 4 servings of cooked rice.)

2. Pour 2.5 cups of cold water to the rice. (Stovetop rice-to-water ratio is usually 1 : 1.25).

3. When time permits, soak the washed rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

4. Cover the saucepot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil, quickly reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. (The cooking time may vary depending on the amount of rice and the stove’s temperature. At the end of the cooking stage, you should be able to notice that there is no more steam escaping from the hold on the lid.)

5. When time permits, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 10 more minutes. Use a rice spoon to fluff the cooked rice until it is well blended. Serve hot.

How to cook rice in microwave

Equipment:

• Microwave
• 1 Microwaveable bowl
• 2 Microwaveable plates
• Oven mittens

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of white rice (short or long grain) – yields 1½ cups of cooked rice (1 serving)
• 1 cup of cold water

Instructions:

1. Add ½ cup of washed rice to a microwaveable bowl. (It produces 1½ cups / 1 serving of cooked rice.) It is recommended to not cook more than ½ cup of rice using the microwave method introduced here.

2. Pour 1 cup of cold water to the rice. (Microwave rice-to-water ratio is usually 1 : 2).

3. Soak the washed rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

4. Place the bowl on a large plate, then cover the bowl with a smaller plate. Place them in the microwave, microwave the rice on 100% power for 5 minutes.

5. Once the cooking time has completed, let the rice sit in the microwave for 2 minutes to steam.

6. Using oven mitts or gloves, carefully take out the bowl and plates from the microwave. Take off the smaller plate on the top and place the bowl on it. Pour any water that may have collected in the bottom plate over the rice. Use a spoon to stir the rice thoroughly.

7. Reassemble the bowl and plates, microwave the rice at 100% power for 4 more minutes. After the cooking time is up, allow the rice to sit undisturbed in the microwave for 2 minutes to allow it to steam.

8. Using oven mitts or gloves, carefully take out the bowl and plates from the microwave. Serve hot. (Keep in mind that the bowl and plates may still be quite hot, so it’s a good idea to wait for a few minutes before enjoying the rice.)

How to store cooked rice

1. Let the cooked rice cool to room temperature.

2. Wrap the cooked rice in single serving portions using microwave-safe plastic food wrap.

3. Place the wrapped rice into a freezer-safe container or a ziploc bag. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag before sealing it.

4. Place the bag of rice in the freezer. Frozen rice can be stored for up to 6 months.

5. When ready to use, microwave the rice wrapped in plastic food wrap on 100% power for 30 seconds to thaw. Then, take off the plastic wrap and reheat or fry the rice according to your preference.

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