Home > Side Dishes > How To Make White Rice How To Make White Rice January 24, 2022 | No Comments SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. Are you tired of mushy, overcooked white rice? Do you want to impress your friends and family with perfectly fluffy and delicious rice every time? Say goodbye to the stovetop method and hello to oven-baked white rice! When learning How To Make White Rice, baking it in the oven may sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer in the kitchen! Not only is it easy and hands off, but it also results in perfectly cooked rice every time. Plus, it frees up stovetop space for other dishes. In this post, we’ll show you how to make white rice in the oven, step by step, and the benefits of baking it. You’ll never go back to the stovetop method again! White rice is a good source of carbohydrates, easy to digest, gluten free, versatile, has a long shelf life, low cost, suitable for multiple dietary restrictions and a good source of essential minerals such as manganese and selenium. So let’s make the best white rice ever! QUICK TIP Check out our guide on How To Cook Brown Rice! Use The Oven, Not The Stovetop! Learn how to make white rice in the oven, a method that is not only easy and hands off, but also guarantees perfectly cooked rice every time. The benefits of baking rice instead of cooking it on the stovetop are numerous: The oven is more consistent in maintaining the temperature, so you don’t have to worry about the rice burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Baking rice in the oven frees up stovetop space for other dishes, making meal prep more efficient. The oven method is a set-it-and-forget-it technique, which means you can go about your business while your rice is cooking, without having to constantly check on it. Baking white rice in the oven is a great way to cook a large batch of rice at once. This is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Baking rice in the oven also makes it more flavorful; The rice absorbs the butter and salt in the baking dish along with the steam created by the boiling water. Lastly, baking rice in the oven is more forgiving and less prone to error than cooking it on the stovetop. You don’t have to worry about adjusting the heat or constantly stirring it. Say goodbye to soggy or undercooked rice and hello to fluffy and delicious rice with our step-by-step guide on how to make white rice in the oven. You will never go back to the stovetop method again! How To Make White Rice (Tips) Use the correct amount of water: When baking white rice, it’s important to use the correct amount of water. Too little water will result in dry, undercooked rice, while too much will make it mushy. Refer to the package instructions for the recommended water to rice ratio. Add boiling water: Adding boiling water to white rice helps to cook the rice quickly and evenly. When the water is boiling, it is at its hottest point and will quickly increase the temperature of the rice. This causes the starch granules in the rice to rapidly expand and cook. The high temperature also helps to break down the outer layer of the rice, which can make the rice more tender and easier to chew. Don’t skimp on the salt: Salt is important for seasoning the rice and bringing out its flavor. Be sure to use fine sea salt for the best results. Use butter: The butter adds a nice flavor to the rice and helps prevent sticking. Use two layers of foil: Be sure to use two layers of aluminum foil to tightly cover the baking dish and prevent steam from escaping. This will help to cook the rice evenly. Let it rest: Once the rice is done baking, let it rest. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier. Rushing the rest time can result in mushy rice! VARIATIONS Flavor Your White Rice! Make fried rice: Cook the rice according to recipe instructions, then stir-fry it with vegetables, meat, and/or eggs for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner (follow our favorite Fried Rice recipe!). Rice pilaf: Sauté onions and garlic in butter or oil, add the rice, and then cook according to recipe instructions. Mix through some frozen peas or corn and some fresh herbs (use our Quinoa Pilaf for inspiration!). Curry rice: Try our one-pan baked Curry Rice which combines garlic, ginger, and loads of curry-inspired spices. Mexican rice: Try our one-pan baked Mexican Rice Recipe; it combines diced tomatoes, roasted green chiles, garlic powder, and chili powder for a delicious and easy side dish. Lemon and herb rice: Try our one-pan baked Lemon Rice which combines rice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a fresh and fragrant side dish. Cilantro lime rice: Cook the rice then stir through lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro for a zesty and flavorful side dish. Add diced jalapeño peppers for some heat! Pesto Rice: Try our delicious rice recipe featuring smoky sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and flavorful pesto, all served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Saffron rice: Add saffron threads for a fragrant and flavorful side dish. STORAGE Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers Storing Leftover White Rice: Allow the rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Use within 3-4 days for best results. If you want to store the rice longer, it can be frozen for up to 6 months. Reheating Leftover White Rice: Stovetop method: Add the rice to a saucepan and add a splash of water or broth to help moisten it. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Microwave method: Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or broth to help moisten it. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the rice out in an even layer on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Note: When reheating the rice, it may become dry. To prevent this, you can add a splash of water, broth or butter to help moisten the rice before reheating it. How To Use Your Perfect White Rice! White rice can be used in a variety of dishes and can be served as a side dish, used as a base for salads, soups, and stews, or as an ingredient in casseroles, stir-fries, and fried rice. Here are a few ways you can use white rice: As a side dish: Cook the rice according to recipe instructions and serve it as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats, fish, or vegetables. Soups and stews: Add cooked white rice to soups and stews for added texture and to make the dish more filling. We love white rice in this Chicken Curry Rice Soup or Chicken and Rice Soup. Rice salads: Mix cooked white rice with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad. Or replace cooked quinoa with cooked and cooled white rice in one of our many quinoa salad recipes. Rice pudding: Mix cooked white rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon, and bake it in the oven for a comforting dessert. As a filling: Mix cooked white rice with ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings to make a filling for burritos, tacos, or stuffed peppers. As a base: White rice can be used as a base for many meals such as sushi, risotto, paella, and many more. As a snack: Crisp up leftover cooked rice in a pan with butter and seasonings for a quick and easy snack or breakfast dish. Add a poached or over-easy egg on top! These are a few ways you can use white rice, but the possibilities are endless. White rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and cuisines. How To Make White Rice FAQs1What is the ratio of water to rice when baking white rice?To make white rice, use the ratio of 2-2/3rds cups rice to 5-1/2 cups water. 2Can I add butter or oil to the rice before baking?Yes, butter or oil adds flavor and prevents the rice from sticking together. 3How long does it take to bake white rice?Bake rice for 20 minutes at 450 degrees F! 4Can I bake white rice in a covered or uncovered dish?Bake white rice in a covered dish. Cooking it covered will make the rice fluffier and keep it from drying out. This recipe doesn’t work properly without the foil! 5Can I add seasoning or other ingredients to the rice before baking?Yes, you can add seasoning, herbs, or other ingredients to the rice before baking to add flavor. 6Can I use brown rice instead of white rice when baking?Yes–but don’t use this recipe’s instructions. Brown rice requires a longer baking time, so try our foolproof How To Cook Brown Rice method! 7Can I bake white rice in a crockpot or slow cooker?We haven’t tested these ratios in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Best to stick to the oven for this particular recipe. 8How do I know when the rice is done baking?The rice is done baking when all of the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. You can also check by fluffing the rice with a fork and seeing if there’s any uncooked, hard rice. 9Is it necessary to rinse the rice before baking?Yes, thoroughly rinse the rice through in cool water before using. If not, the excess starch on the rice will make it gluey. QUICK TIP Here’s my all-time favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and what is featured in these photos. Recipes with cooked white rice: Red Beans And Rice with veggies Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs made in the pressure cooker Garam Masala Chicken made with rotisserie chicken Pineapple Steak with flank steak Ground Turkey Bowls with a flavorful sauce FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content. How To Make White Rice 5 from 1 vote - Review this recipe When learning How To Make White Rice, baking it in the oven may sound unconventional, but it's a game-changer in the kitchen! Not only is it easy and hands off, but it also results in perfectly cooked rice every time. Recipe barely adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook!Halve this recipe by using an 8x8-inch baking dish (bake time is the same!) SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe How To Make White Rice 5 from 1 vote - Review this recipe SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe When learning How To Make White Rice, baking it in the oven may sound unconventional, but it's a game-changer in the kitchen! Not only is it easy and hands off, but it also results in perfectly cooked rice every time. Recipe barely adapted from ATK's Meal Prep Cookbook!Halve this recipe by using an 8x8-inch baking dish (bake time is the same!) Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian Keyword how to cook white rice, How To Make White Rice Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Resting Time 10 minutes Total Time 40 minutes Servings 8 cups cooked rice Calories 250kcal Author Chelsea Lords Cost $3.12 Equipment9x13-inch baking dishCooking Spray Ingredients▢ 2-2/3 cups long-grain white rice, (or basmati) rinsed (Note 1)▢ 1-1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces (Note 2)▢ 5-1/2 cups boiling water (Note 3)US - Metric USMetric InstructionsPREP: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large kettle or pot (holding more than 6 cups) of water to a rolling boil.COMBINE: In the greased baking dish, add 2-2/3 cups of rinsed long-grain white rice or basmati rice, 1¼ teaspoons of fine sea salt and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cut into 2 pieces). Measure and pour 5½ cups of boiling water over the rice mixture and stir everything to combine. Spread the mixture in an even layer in the baking dish. COVER AND BAKE: Cover the dish tightly with two layers of aluminumfoil. Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. REST: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest (still covered with the foil) for 10-15 minutes. This will help the rice absorb the remaining moisture.Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy your homemade white rice! Recipe NotesNote 1: Rice: Basmati rice is the BEST with this recipe, but long-grain white rice also works nicely. Thoroughly rinse the rice in cool water before using; otherwise, the excess starch on the rice will make it gluey. Note 2: Butter: This adds a nice flavor to the rice and helps prevent sticking. You can also use other types of oil or butter, if desired. Note 3: Boiling water: Since some water will evaporate as it boils, boil more water than needed. Once the water has reached a boil, measure the amount of water remaining to get 5½ cups and add that amount to the rice. Don't skip boiling water-- otherwise the rice will take forever to cook through! Note 4: Resting: Once the rice is done baking, let it rest for a full 10-15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier. Rushing the rest time can result in mushy rice. Nutrition FactsServing: 1serving | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I love hearing from you when you've made one of my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @ChelseasMessyApron or leave me a comment below.
