Still not sure how to make the perfect rice? I’ve prepared the perfect recipe for you to make fluffy, tender rice at home every time. You might be surprised at how easy it is. You will be able to use this rice as a perfect side dish and have a delicious dinner or lunch. All you need is the right rice recipe and a few life hacks. You will find all of them below.
Perfect Boiled Rice
With the right rice recipe, you can make fluffy, perfect white rice that can be used as a universal side dish. Serve it with your favorite meat or fish, pour gravy over it for a cozy meal, or combine it with other ingredients to create your own rice bowl. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make the perfect rice. You can use it right away, or cook more servings and store them in the refrigerator for future use.
What You’ll Need to Cook Rice
- Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a long-grain variety known for its fragrance and subtle nutty taste. An excellent choice for cooked rice dishes, it has a light and fluffy texture when cooked.
- Water: Water absorbs into the grains, making them swell and tender, and is essential for cooking rice. The right amount of water will ensure that the rice is cooked evenly and that the desired texture is achieved – neither too dry nor too mushy.
- Butter (82% fat): Butter helps prevent grains from sticking together and adds a rich, creamy flavor. It also enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle, luxurious richness to the rice.
- Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the rice, bringing out the natural flavors of the rice and ensuring that the dish doesn’t taste bland.
How to Make a Perfect Rice at Home?
- First, mix rice and water in a saucepan.
- Then, add salt.
- Place over medium heat, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Then, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Add the butter.
- Then, cover the rice and leave it to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir.
Chef Recipe Tips:
- Rice does not need to be washed if it is of good quality.
- You can substitute olive oil for butter.
The Origin of Boiled Rice
Cooked rice has been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years, and its origins are deeply rooted in ancient Asia. Archaeological evidence suggests that the cultivation of rice began in the basin of the Yangtze River in China as early as 10,000 years ago. From China, the practice of rice cultivation and cooking spread to other parts of Asia, including India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In rice boiling, as opposed to steaming, rice grains are cooked in a large quantity of water until they are tender. This method is valued for its simplicity and efficiency, as well as for its ability to produce fluffy and separate grains, making it a versatile base for a wide variety of dishes all over the world.
How to Store and Reheat Cooked Rice
Keep your cooked rice refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to 6 months.
Rice contains a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which thrives in a warm, moist environment. It’s important to properly store rice within 2 hours of cooking. Rice should be reheated to hot, not just warm.
To reheat cooked rice in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle a little water on top. Drape a damp paper towel over the rice before heating it to make sure it doesn’t dry out. You can also reheat it in a saucepan. Add a generous amount of water to the rice and heat it over a low heat with the lid on, stirring frequently to fluff it up. 
What to Serve With White Rice
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A healthy and flavorful side dish is a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas in a savory sauce.
- Curry: Both Indian and Thai curry are rich and flavorful and complement the mellow taste of white rice.
- Grilled chicken/fish: Grilled or broiled chicken/fish, flavored with herbs and spices, is a high-protein addition to a white rice meal.
- Beans and legumes: Often cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, dishes like black beans, lentils, or chickpeas are a hearty and nutritious combination.
- Beef or chicken stir-fry: Quickly-cooked strips of beef or chicken with vegetables in a spicy sauce add texture and flavor to rice.
- Teriyaki: Sweet and savory, teriyaki chicken, beef, or tofu is a popular option that pairs well with white rice’s subtle flavor.
- Stews and braises: Hearty stews like beef bourguignon or chicken adobo, with their deep flavorful stocks, are perfect for soaking in white rice.
Mix rice and water in a saucepan.
Add salt.
Place over medium heat, cover, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Add the butter.
Cover and leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir.
