The Recipe · No.836 · How to Cook Rice

How to Cook Rice, and Where to Source It

The whole trick is a lid you never lift and heat you never rush: 1 part rice to about 1½ parts water, a hard boil, then the lowest simmer with the lid on and no peeking. Every time you crack the lid you let the steam out that's cooking the top layer.

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Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep2 min
Cook18 min
Makes3 cups
CuisineBasics
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge Level Easy
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
Cook it with
One-pot
Suits
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Straight Answers
Can you make How to Cook Rice in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze How to Cook Rice? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make How to Cook Rice ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is How to Cook Rice gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is How to Cook Rice vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 3 cups
White rice
Long-grain for separate fluffy grains; rinse it until the water runs clear to wash off surface starch.
1 cup
Source it →
Water
About one and a half times the rice by volume. Local.
1½ cups
Local / market
Salt and butter
A pinch of salt, and a knob of butter if you want it richer. A good butter helps.
to taste
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. RinseRinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
  2. BoilAdd the rice, water, and salt to a pot and bring to a hard boil.
  3. Simmer coveredDrop to the lowest heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Rest and fluffOff the heat, leave it covered another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Saucepan · Strainer · Fork

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