How to cook perfect basmati rice in under 20 minutes on the stovetop is something I mastered in the last [almost] two decades with my Indian husband. Whether you like the absorption method or the boiling one [pasta style!], below I explain how to cook white basmati rice perfectly every single time, using only water, rice, and salt.
Over the years, I have tried these two methods using different types of white basmati, from the most affordable supermarket own brands, to the more famous ones, like Tilda. By now, the timings and proportions are so accurate that they always work!
If you are a novice cooking white rice for the first time, I suggest using the boiling water method. This doesn't require precision in measurements, and cooking times can be adjusted easily.
My absorption method is also straightforward to follow, as it has exact measurements and cooking times, and it still uses only three ingredients for tender, light, and fluffy grains.
I use the same methods to cook jasmine rice, although with different times and proportions.
Whatever way you choose to make basmati rice, your kitchen will have the nutty and toasty scent that will make it a favorite for the whole family!
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Basmati Rice Overview
What is Basmati rice? It's a long-grain rice native to the Indian subcontinent and is prized for its unique aroma and slightly nutty flavor, often reminiscent of popcorn. Cultivated primarily in India and Pakistan, it's most commonly used in dishes like biryani, pilaf, and as a side for curries.
There are great alternatives if you run out of this delicacy, and we wrote a great article about basmati rice substitutes.
💎 Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe uses only rice, water, and salt, however, I will offer a few easy suggestions to add flavors to the rice, depending on the recipe it is being paired with.
- The water-to-rice ratio is spot on to cook basmati rice without any guesswork. If following the absorption method, this is 2:3, which equals 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of cold water.
- No fancy equipment like rice cooker or slow cooker are required to achieve perfectly cooked basmati rice!
- Neither of these recipes requires soaking so that you can enjoy your bowl of grains in under 20 minutes!
- For both methods, the rice is thoroughly rinsed with cold water until all the excess starch and rice dust has been removed. This way the rice grains separate perfectly while cooking, becoming light, and fluffy. Contrary to other recipes, like paella, risotto, or rice pudding, this recipe doesn't require the creaminess the starch offers.
- The rice is seasoned while it cooks, elevating the flavor thoroughly.
- Leftover basmati is perfect for fried rice recipes, like steak fried rice!
🛒 Ingredients
- White Basmati Rice: This recipe is written specifically for white basmati. Brown basmati rice has different cooking times and proportions.
- Salt: If possible, use regular fine salt for the absorption method, and if you have it, rock salt for the boiling one. You will need more salt for the boiling method as the water and most of the seasoning are drained.
Be sure to check out the recipe card for all the ingredients and instructions you'll need to make this dish. Don't miss out on any of the details!
♻️ Substitutions And Variations
- Stock Or Broth Instead Of Water: These can be used instead of water using the same proportions. However, adjust the amount of salt you use for seasoning. Beef, chicken, and vegetable broth tend to be particularly salty.
- Whole Spices: Feel free to add whole spices to the rice while cooking, pairing them with the main dish. A couple of cardamom pods work wonders when serving the rice with butter chicken, while cumin seeds are excellent with tagine or Punjabi Chole. Other great additions are a bay leaf, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
- Remove The Whole Spices: If cooking following the method of absorption, most of the whole spices will float to the top, so they will be easy to remove from the cooked rice before fluffing it if desired.
- Saffron or Turmeric: A pinch of either, and your basmati rice will turn a golden yellow. Depending on the recipe, you may choose one or the other. Don't add too much, as their aroma is quite strong and may become dominant.
- Butter or Oil: A teaspoon of butter or olive oil can be added at the same time as the rice for added flavor.
👩🏻🍳 Absorption Method: How To Cook Basmati Rice
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This can be done in a bowl, by adding plenty of water mixing the rice and draining it. The process needs to be repeated until the water remains clear, usually four or five times. The rinsing can also be done in a sieve under cold running water. [Picture 1]
- Add the drained rice to a heavy bottom pan and the measured cold water and salt for seasoning. Mix all the ingredients well together.
- Next, cover the pot with a well-fitting lid and put on. [Picture 2]
- Put the pot on the largest hob on a high flame.
- As soon as the water starts to boil, reduce the flame to low, keeping the water on a low simmer. Cook rice this way for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, switch off the heat, and let the rice sit with the lid on for 5 minutes. It is essential that from the moment the lid is put on, it is not removed until the end of the process, after resting.
- After the rice has rested, remove the lid. [Picture 3]
- Fluff it with a fork or a wooden spoon. [Picture 4]
- You now have perfect cooked rice, ready to be served!
👩🏻🍳 Boiling Method: How To Cook Basmati Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This can be done in a bowl, by adding plenty of water, mixing the rice and draining it. The process needs to be repeated until the water remains clear, usually four or five times. The rinsing can also be done in a sieve under cold running water. [Picture 1]
- Bring plenty of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
- Once the water boils, salt it generously. [Picture 2]
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your personal preference. [Picture 3]
- Once the rice is cooked, drain it and allow it to rest in the sieve or colander for 3-5 minutes to ensure all the water is eliminated. [Picture 4]
- Once rested, move the rice to a bowl and fluff it with a fork. The cooked basmati rice is ready to be served!
🙋♀️ People Also Ask [FAQs]
WHen using the absorption method to make basmati rice, the ratio is 2:3 rice to water, or 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. It is crucial that the two ingredients are measured correctly for the correct outcome of the recipe.
Yes, for fluffy fragrant rice you must rinse your basmati before cooking. The excess starch and rice dust may make the rice sticky, gummy, and mushy.
Using these two methods doesn't require you to soak the rice. This is the perfect basmati rice recipe in under 20 minutes! Recipes like pilaf or pulao rice usually use this added step.
Basmati rice can be stored in an airtight container the fridge for up to four days, or frozen for up to three months.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Freshness: Before cooking, check that your rice is fresh and the grains are intact and aromatic. While this recipe works for all white basmati, good quality basmati rice can really make a difference.
- Lid: Do not remove the lid when cooking by absorption. This creates pressure in the pan so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom or together, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Lemon Juice: Try adding a teaspoon or two of lemon juice to your rice while cooking it if following the boiling method. This will help inhibit any remaining starch that hasn't been rinsed out properly, making the rice appear whiter and preventing the grains from sticking together.
- Use The Leftovers: Cold cooked rice is perfect for making fried rice, which only requires a few ingredients and 5 minutes to be ready. Try this quick crispy chicken fried rice if you have little time.
- Aged Basmati Rice vs New Basmati Rice [also called new crop or young rice]: Aged basmati, aged 1-2 years, develops nuttier flavor, longer grains, and is pricier, while new basmati is fresher with a milder taste and shorter grains, and is also more affordable. When selecting your preferred one, think of the dish you are pairing it.
🍴 You May Be Interested To Learn
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🍽️ Recipe
How To Cook Basmati Rice Perfectly (2 ways)
Ingredients
- 2 cups White Basmati Rice
- 3 cups Water
- Salt to season
Instructions
Absorption Method
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This can be done in a bowl, by adding plenty of cold water mixing the rice and draining it; the process needs to berepeated until the water remains clear, usually four or five times. The rinsing can also be done in a sieve under cold running water.
- Add the drained rice to a heavy bottom pan and the measured cold water and salt for seasoning. Mix all the ingredients well together.
- Next, cover the pot with a well-fitting lid and put on. The lid shouldn't be removed from now until after the rice has rested.
- Put the pot on the largest hob on a high flame.
- As soon as the water starts to boil, reduce the flame to low, keeping the water on a low simmer. Cook rice this way for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, switch off the heat, and leave the rice to rest with the lid on for 5 minutes.
- After the rice has rested, remove the lid and fluff it up gently with a fork.
- You now have perfect cooked rice, ready to be served!
Boiling Method
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This can be done in a bowl, by adding plenty of water mixing the rice and draining it; the process needs to berepeated until the water remains clear, usually four or five times. The rinsing can also be done in a sieve under cold running water.
- Bring plenty of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. In this method, you will require about 4-5 cups of water for every cup of rice; you don't need to be precise, as you will boil the rice the same way you would pasta.
- Once the water boils, salt it generously.
- Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and allow it to cook for 10-12 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your personal preference.
- After 10 minutes, taste the rice for consistency and seasoning. Continue cooking or add salt if required.
- Once the rice is cooked to your taste, drain it and allow it to rest in the sieve or colander for 3-5 minutes to ensure all the water is eliminated.
- Once rested, move the rice to a bowl and fluff it with a fork. The cooked basmati rice is ready to be served!
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