This Is How Much Water You Need To Cook Rice

Rice is an essential part of Southern cooking. From jambalaya to Savannah red rice to shrimp perloo, almost every region of the South has a favorite way of preparing this pantry staple. Each type of rice also has different needs, depending on whether you're cooking with long grain or short, brown rice or white. When you're cooking your rice, it's important to use the correct ratio of water so you don't end up with burnt, stuck-on bits in the pan or a mushy or soupy bowl of rice. Follow these helpful tips to ensure each pot of rice cooks up fluffy, tender, and delicious, no matter what type of grain you're cooking.

What Is The Correct Water-To-Rice Ratio?

The type of rice you are cooking, from chewy brown rice to short-grain white rice, plays a part in how much water you should use. The type of dish you are making also plays a role here—are you making a savory, tender pilaf or sticky white rice for sushi, for instance? We've provided a general guideline on how much liquid to include for each type of rice, but it's a good idea to check the package and your recipe as well.

These ratios are for cooking rice on the stovetop. If you need instructions on other cooking methods like the microwave or a rice cooker, read our article on How To Cook Rice.

How Much Water To Use For Long-Grain White Rice

Long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy with distinct grains. Varieties include Basmati and jasmine rice.

For tender grains of rice that easily separate, such as in a pilaf, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. You can also use another liquid like stock in this 2:1 ratio.

For slightly chewier, fluffy white rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice, or a 1.5:1 ratio.

How To Cook Long-Grain White Rice

1. Optional: For fluffier and less sticky grains, measure out the desired amount of rice into a sieve. Rinse the rice under cold water in the sink.
2. Combine the water and rice in a pot with a lid.
3. Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Once the water is simmering, cover the pot with its lid.
5. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping the pot covered. (No peeking!)
6. At the end of the cooking time, uncover the pot and taste a few grains for doneness.
7. When ready, remove the rice from the heat, cover the pot, and set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes.
8. The hot steam will help the rice dry out and turn fluffy instead of sticky. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

How Much Water To Use For Short-Grain White Rice

Short-grain rice cooks up tender and a bit sticky. Varieties include Japanese-style rice (also called sushi rice) and bomba rice, traditionally used in Spanish paellas. Another Mediterranean favorite, arborio rice, is used for risottos and cooked until creamy. Each type of dish requires a different ratio of water to rice.

• For sushi rice, use 1 1/4 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice (1.2:1) in your pot. This ratio may not work for a rice cooker, so check your manual or rice package if you are using this kitchen appliance.
• For bomba rice, the classic ratio is 2 1/2 cups of water or liquid for every cup of rice (2.5:1). This ratio may vary depending on other ingredients in the paella and how long the dish is cooked, so it's a good idea to have a recipe in hand.
• To make a risotto with arborio rice, use 3 cups of liquid for every cup of rice (3:1). The liquid is usually added gradually to the pot as it is absorbed.
  

How To Cook Short-Grain Sushi Rice

1. Rinse the dry rice two or three times in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch, if desired.
2. Transfer the grains to a pot with a lid and add the water.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping the pot covered.
4. At the end of the cooking time, uncover the pot and taste a few grains for doneness.
5. When ready, remove rice from the heat, cover the pot, and set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes.

How Much Water To Use For Brown Rice

Brown rice still has the bran on the rice grain, giving it a nutty flavor when cooked and making it more nutritious. Brown rice generally requires more water and takes longer to cook. However, brown rice can be long or short-grain, and you may need slightly less water for short-grain brown rice. Check the package to be certain.

Generally, you should use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of brown rice, or a 2:1 ratio.

How To Cook Brown Rice

1. Combine the water and rice in a pot with a lid.
2. Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Once the water is simmering, cover the pot with its lid.
4. Cook for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. (No peeking!)
5. At the end of the cooking time, uncover the pot and taste a few grains for doneness. They should be slightly chewy but still tender.
6. When ready, remove it from the heat, drain any excess water, recover the pot, and set it aside for about 10 minutes. The hot steam will help the rice dry out and turn fluffy instead of sticky.
7. Add a few more tablespoons of water if the rice isn't cooked, recover the pot, and continue cooking.
8. Check every five minutes until the rice is ready.