How to Cook Rice

Rice feeds more people around the world than nearly any other food, yet many home cooks still search for “how to cook rice” because a history of inconsistent results can make the process feel like a bit of a mystery. What exactly went wrong? One batch turns out fluffy and separate, while the next becomes sticky or mushy. The truth is that different types of rice behave differently, and understanding why helps you make good rice every single time.

Rice is not one ingredient. Jasmine rice, sushi rice, arborio rice, basmati rice, black rice, and brown rice all contain different amounts of starch, absorb water differently, and serve different culinary purposes. Once you understand those differences, cooking rice becomes much easier.

While many recipes focus on cooking rice on the stovetop, I usually make rice in a rice cooker. It creates reliable results, frees up stove space, and removes much of the guesswork. I still use stovetop methods for dishes like risotto or congee, but for everyday rice, the rice cooker wins every time. After working for years at a Chinese restaurant, I simply can’t go back.

As a bonus, read to the end to get some pro tips on how to maximize the use of your rice cooker!

Why Rice Gets Sticky

Sticky rice gets a bad rap. One of the biggest misconceptions about rice is that sticky rice is “bad” rice. In reality, rice being sticky is usually what you want.

Rice contains two starches: amylose and amylopectin. Types of rice high in amylose cooks up fluffy and separate. Rice high in amylopectin becomes soft, sticky, and cohesive. (Note: amylopectin is also used to create gelatinous spreads!) This is why sushi rice clings together beautifully while basmati rice stays light and distinct.

The amount of stickiness you want depends entirely on the dish:

• Sushi needs sticky rice to help it retain its shape.
• Risotto relies on creamy starch release to create that decadent mouthfeel.
• Jasmine rice benefits from a soft cling that works well with sauces and curries.
• Basmati rice should remain fluffy and separate for dishes like biryani.

Many cultures intentionally value sticky rice because it improves texture, helps sauces cling to the grains, and makes rice easier to eat with chopsticks or by hand. No one wants to eat rice grain by grain!

Should You Rinse Rice?

Many recipes insist that you should always rinse rice, while others say rinsing removes nutrients. Some swear by it, and others say they don’t waste the time. The truth falls somewhere in the middle.

Rinsing removes excess surface starch, which can help reduce gumminess and prevent overly clumped rice. It also washes away dust or debris left from processing and packaging.

I personally rinse most rice thoroughly. Not only does it improve texture, but I also save the starchy rinse water for my hair. Rice water contains starches and trace nutrients that many people use as part of a hair care routine. (I’m not an authority on hair care, so take that with a grain of salt! It’s just my personal preference.)

However, rinsing is not always ideal. You may want to skip rinsing when making dishes that rely on released starch for their final texture. Examples include: risotto, rice pudding, and congee.

You should also know that some enriched white rice contains added vitamins and minerals. Heavy rinsing may wash some of those nutrients away.

Rice Cooker vs. Stovetop

Most search results for how to cook rice focus on stovetop methods, but rice cookers produce more consistent results and, in my opinion, is a bit more foolproof. There are tons of benefits to using a rice cooker, like maintaining consistent heat, auto-adjusting cooking time to your specific rice, reduced risk of scorching, freeing up a burner on the stove for something else, and it keeps rice warm when done cooking. Can the stovetop do all that on its own?

If you simply do not have the space or the desire to purchase another small appliance, cooking rice on the stovetop is an effective cooking method. However, for most varieties, I recommend using a rice cooker unless the dish specifically requires another cooking method.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a fragrant long-grain rice commonly associated with Thai cuisine. It has a floral aroma and a soft texture with a slight cling between grains.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Jasmine Rice

• Thai curries
• Stir fries
• Grilled meats
• Coconut chicken
• Fried rice

Rice Cooker Method

1. Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Add rice to the rice cooker.
3. Add 1 ¼ cups water.
4. Cook using the white rice setting.
5. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.

Note: jasmine rice should feel tender and lightly sticky, not dry or overly separate.

Give it a try with our turkey meatballs, miso soup, or steamed scallion buns.

How to Cook Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is known for its long grains and fluffy texture. It is very popular in Indian, Pakistani, Persian, and Middle Eastern cooking.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Basmati Rice

• Biryani
• Pilaf
• Curry dishes
• Kebabs
• Saffron rice

Rice Cooker Method

1. Rinse 1 cup basmati rice several times.
2. Soak the rice for 20–30 minutes if desired.
3. Add rice to the rice cooker.
4. Add 1 ¼ cups water.
5. Cook on the white rice setting.
6. Rest for 10 minutes before fluffing gently.

Note: soaking helps basmati rice elongate and stay separate during cooking.

Give it a try with our pumpkin dal, roti, or chicken shawarma.

How to Cook Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is a short-grain Japanese rice famous for its sticky texture.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Sushi Rice

• Sushi rolls
• Onigiri
• Poke bowls
• Donburi
• Rice balls

Rice Cooker Method

1. Rinse 1 cup sushi rice repeatedly until the water becomes almost clear.
2. Add rice to the rice cooker.
3. Add 1 ¼ cups water.
4. Cook using the sushi or white rice setting.
5. Let the rice steam for 10–15 minutes after cooking.

Note: for sushi, the cooked rice is seasoned (with sugar, salt, and rice vinegar) while gently folding the grains.

How to Cook Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is an Italian short-grain rice used primarily for risotto. It contains a high amount of amylopectin starch, which produces the creamy texture risotto is known for. Unlike most rice varieties, in our opinion, arborio rice works best on the stovetop.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Arborio Rice

• Risotto
• Arancini
• Creamy rice soups
• Rice pudding

Stovetop Method

1. Heat butter or olive oil in a pan.
2. Add 1 cup arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
3. Add warm broth gradually, about ½ cup at a time.
4. Stir frequently as the rice absorbs liquid.
5. Continue adding broth until the rice becomes creamy and tender.

Note: risotto has a slowly flowing texture, not stiff like mashed potatoes.

How to Cook Brown Rice

Brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, giving it more fiber, nutrients, and a nuttier flavor than white rice. Because the outer bran layer remains intact, brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water. Because of the health benefits, this is the go-to rice in our kitchen when a specific rice is not required.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Brown Rice

• Grain bowls
• Meal prep
• Stir fries
• Burrito bowls
• Vegetable-heavy dishes

Rice Cooker Method

1. Rinse 1 cup brown rice.
2. Add rice to the rice cooker.
3. Add 2 cups water.
4. Use the brown rice setting if available.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.

Note: there are special varieties of brown rice that cook more quickly, such as medium-grain brown rice. This is a great everyday choice, as it has the same health benefits as longer-grain brown rice, but cooks as quickly as white rice. If using this type of rice, cook it like sushi rice by using 1 ¼ cup water per cup of rice, and using the white rice setting on your rice cooker.

Make a Mediterranean bowl with our turkey meatballs, falafel, hummus, and tzatziki.

Black Rice: The Rice More People Should Try

Black rice is one of the most interesting varieties to keep in your pantry. Sometimes called “forbidden rice,” it develops a deep purple color when cooked and has a slightly nutty flavor.

Historically, black rice was considered valuable in ancient China and was once reserved for nobility. Today, it appears in both savory and sweet dishes across several Asian cuisines.

What makes black rice especially interesting nutritionally is its anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are antioxidant pigments also found in blueberries, blackberries, and purple cabbage. These compounds help give black rice its dramatic dark color. Black rice also has all the health benefits of brown rice, containing fiber, iron, and vitamin E.

Best Dishes Using and/or To Serve With Black Rice

• Grain bowls
• Coconut rice pudding
• Buddha bowls
• Seafood dishes
• Mixed rice blends

Rice Cooker Method

1. Rinse 1 cup black rice thoroughly.
2. Add rice to the rice cooker.
3. Add 1 ¾ cups water.
4. Cook using the brown rice setting.
5. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: black rice keeps a slightly chewy texture even when fully cooked.

Pro tips: How to Maximize Rice Cooker Use

In our kitchen, the rice cooker is never put away, because it gets used daily. While we do eat a lot of rice, that’s not the only way we use it. Many rice cookers come with an insert with holes in the bottom to allow steam through. Take advantage of that basket. We regularly use that basket for everything from steaming buns, to “boiling” eggs, to steaming veggies for side dishes, to cooking dumplings. Many rice cookers have settings especially for this use. Basically, anything you can make in a steamer basket can be made in a rice cooker!

You can also steam foods while cooking your rice! You can even make a whole meal this way by putting rice in the bottom with water, inserting the steamer basket, and adding veggies, dumplings, and/or a small bowl of whisked egg. The options really are endless.

When you are using the rice cooker for its intended purpose, don’t feel the need to restrict yourself to plain rice. For a more flavorful finished product, you can replace the water in which the rice steams with broth, whey, or even coconut milk. In addition to changing the cooking liquid, you can add spices in while the rice is cooking. Our favorites include lemon rice (with lemon zest and juice, as well as turmeric), Mediterranean rice (with saffron, dill, mint, cilantro, and parsley), and Mexican red rice (with tomato and Knorr de pollo). Play around with it!

Rice is not the only grain or grain-like product you can cook in a rice cooker. We’ve also used ours successfully to cook quinoa, oatmeal, lentils, and couscous.

A rice cooker can also be used to make yogurt, pudding, and even cake! Though, we haven’t gotten around to trying these yet.

In conclusion…

Learning how to cook rice becomes much easier once you stop treating every rice variety the same way. Different rice types contain different starch levels, textures, and cooking needs. Some should stay fluffy, while others should become creamy or sticky.

A rice cooker simplifies the process dramatically for everyday cooking, especially if rice appears regularly in your meals. Once you understand the role of starch, rinsing, and water ratios, you can confidently cook rice for everything from sushi night to curry bowls to risotto.