How to Cook Rice

2025-09-26T00:00:00Z 2025-09-26T00:00:00Z meals-made-easy technique rice side-dish beginner

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Meals Made Easy by Tayler DiGiacomo

How to Cook Rice (Three Ways)

A common side dish throughout this meal plan. Here's how to cook each type:

Plain Jasmine or White Rice

Ratio: 1 cup rice : 1½ cups water Time: 20 minutes

  1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear (removes excess starch).
  2. Combine rice and water in a saucepan. Add ½ tsp salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let rest (covered) for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Coconut Rice

Follow the Coconut Rice recipe — replace part of the water with coconut milk.

Spanish Rice

Follow the Spanish Rice recipe — sauté rice in butter with tomato and spices before adding liquid.

Tips for Perfect Rice Every Time

  • Rinse first — removes starch that makes rice gummy
  • Don't peek — lifting the lid lets steam escape and disrupts cooking
  • Let it rest — the residual steam finishes the cooking
  • Leftover rice — keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days and is perfect for fried rice