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Fluffy Steamed White Rice

Fluffy steamed white rice served in a bowl with separate tender grains
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This fluffy steamed white rice cooks up light and tender with separate grains — never sticky or soggy. Using the correct rice-to-water ratio, rinsing the rice, and allowing it to steam after cooking ensures perfect results every time. This simple stovetop method is ideal for serving alongside saucy dishes, stir-fries, chicken, or family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½  cups water
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 TBSP butter or neutral oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30–60 seconds, gently stirring with your fingers, until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Stir in the rinsed rice and optional butter or oil.
  4. Once the water returns to a gentle boil, immediately reduce the heat to LOW and cover with the lid.
  5. Simmer the rice for 15 minutes, keeping the lid closed and avoiding stirring.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but leave the lid on. Allow the rice to rest and steam for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps the grains cook up light, fluffy, and separate instead of sticky. Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks so the trapped steam can finish cooking the grains evenly.
  • This fluffy steamed white rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many family meals.
  • Serve it alongside saucy dishes like Pineapple Chicken, comforting recipes from my Easy Dinner Recipes collection, or flavorful meals from the Mexican Recipes section.
  • Find more recipes like this one in my Side Dish Recipes collection.
  • If you enjoy making homemade staples from scratch, you may also like exploring more recipes in my Kitchen Basics collection where you’ll find pantry staples and foundational cooking techniques.
  • Leftover rice can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals, fried rice, or simple rice bowls later in the week.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/fluffy-steamed-white-rice/