Dinner dilemmas become a thing of the past once you learn how to cook basmati rice on the stove! A key building block in a diverse number of delicious dishes, perfectly fluffy, aromatic basmati rice is an indispensable kitchen workhorse that can be used from morning until night, in appetizers, mains and desserts!
But what are the keys to making flawless basmati rice? How do you achieve superb flavor and texture every time? From starting with a quality product and knowing how long to cook basmati rice on the stove to learning the correct basmati rice-to-water ratio, certain tips and tricks can ensure you never have to face a rice-cooking catastrophe.
Ready to kiss your kitchen woes goodbye for good? Then, learning how to cook basmati rice is a great place to start!
Expert Tips for Cooking Basmati Rice on the Stove
Compared to other recipes, cooking rice is fairly simple. Right? Wrong! Despite a straightforward process and succinct ingredient list, cooking rice can be trickier than it looks. When learning how to make basmati rice on the stove, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:
Soaking and Rinsing
For basmati rice that is more separate and doesn’t have a gummy texture, it’s advisable to rinse the grains to remove excess starch before cooking. To do so, place the rice in a strainer over a large bowl. Swish the rice in several changes of cool water until the water runs almost clear.
Though most people don’t bother soaking basmati rice, others insist that it yields softer rice. If you want to try it out, simply soak the rinsed rice in cool water for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Rice-to-Water Ratio
To avoid rice that is too hard or too soft, it’s important to use the correct rice-to-water ratio. Perfect basmati rice relies on a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.5 (or 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups of water).
How Long to Cook Basmati Rice on the Stove
Some cooks like to toast their rice before they cook it. Though not necessary, this simple step can increase flavor and improve texture. To toast basmati rice, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Then, add the rice and stir to toast for one minute.
Then, continue to cook the rice by adding the water to the saucepan and bringing it to a simmer. Cover the saucepan, turn the heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the water has been absorbed.
To avoid allowing heat and steam to escape during cooking, it’s essential not to lift the lid of the pot to peek. There is no need to stir the rice during cooking. Once the rice is cooked, allow it to steam, with the lid on, for 10 minutes, before fluffing with a fork.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
If you’ve followed the recipe to a T but still aren’t happy with your basmati rice, here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Gummy rice – If your basmati rice is gummy and clumpy when cooked, it could have to do with the basmati rice-to-water ratio you’re using. Use a measuring cup to ensure you have exactly 1 cup of rice for every 1 1/2 cups of water. If you’ve soaked and rinsed your rice before cooking, make sure to shake off any excess water before proceeding.
- Hard rice – If your rice is still a little hard after cooking, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of boiling water to the pot and continue to cook until the rice is tender. You will also want to check that the heat wasn’t too high, as this can cause the water to evaporate too quickly without allowing the rice time to cook.
- Burnt rice – To avoid burnt rice at the bottom of your pan, it’s essential to turn the heat to low once the water has come to a simmer. Cooking rice over too high a heat can result in burnt grains.
Flavor Enhancements
If you want to infuse your basmati rice with more flavor, you can add a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water or replace the water with an equal amount of broth. You can also add a couple of cardamom pods or bay leaves to the water for subtle herbal notes.
In restaurants, melted butter or spiced ghee is often mixed into cooked basmati rice for a deliciously savory finish.
No-Fail Basmati Rice Recipe
Now that you know the tips and tricks to cooking perfect basmati rice on the stove, follow this step-by-step recipe for exceptional results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional)
Instructions
This recipe yields 3 cups of cooked rice which is enough for 3-4 people. If cooking for a different number of diners, consult this guide for instructions on how much rice to make.
- Rinse rice in several changes of cool water.
- Soak rice in cool water for 15-30 minutes.
- Place rice and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in salt, if using.
- Bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, cover, turn heat to low and cook for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, if water is not fully absorbed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork, and serve.
Storing & Reheating Basmati Rice
Freshly cooked basmati rice can be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Cooled rice can be reheated in a microwave or on the stove, and used in a number of delicious ways.
If you don’t plan on eating your leftover basmati rice within four days, it can also be frozen. Store leftover basmati rice in freezer-safe bags in the freezer for up to two months.
Serving Ideas
Basmati rice is a versatile ingredient loved across the globe. Grown predominantly in the Indian subcontinent, this fragrant, long-grain type of rice is a natural partner for a wealth of flavorful recipes, from curries and puddings to pilafs and more. Different from other types of rice, this variety is prized for its tender, separate grains, and nutty, aromatic scent and flavor. Load up on no measure, no mess Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice, and try it in these winning dishes.
Italian Spinach Rice Balls
Give ho-hum snacks a serious upgrade with happy hour nibbles that are cheesy, crispy and brimming with savory goodness! Made with Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice, these crunchy crowd-pleasers come together in minutes.
Mushroom Chicken Risotto
Garlic-scented, with a hint of white wine, every creamy, rich bite of this elegant dish will whisk you away to Italy. Think this devastatingly delicious dinner will demand hours of your time? Made with Success® boil-in-bag white or basmati rice, it comes together in a record 20 minutes.
Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl
Warm basmati rice acts as a fragrant bed for curry-spiked chicken and vegetables in this rich and saucy weeknight meal.
Chicken Consommé Recipe with Basmati Rice
A simple, soothing dish, this chicken consommé is filling and satisfying, thanks to shredded chicken and a hearty serving of fresh basmati rice.
Spicy Indian Basmati Rice and Shrimp
Made with quick-cooking shrimp and Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice, savory aromatics, spices and herbs, this recipe boasts plenty of bold flavor but won’t take all night to prepare.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken and Coconut Rice
Coconut, pineapple and a garlic-scented soy marinade invite you to escape to the tropics in this lively dish. Chicken and basmati rice has never tasted quite like this before!
Instant Pot Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Pudding
Thanks to a full pantry and the magic of an Instant Pot, you can be digging into this creamy, fruity treat in just 25 minutes. Switch up the fruit for a new experience every time.
Bourbon Raisin and Basmati Rice Pudding
Aromatic basmati rice pairs with orange juice, cinnamon, bourbon and more in this simple yet elegant, adults-only dessert. A showstopper sure to wow any guest, this winning recipe is a keeper.
Learning how to cook basmati rice on the stove is an integral part of cooking 101! A delicious, handy ingredient, basmati rice can round out any menu, bring savory snacks to life or satisfy sweet cravings — in minutes! Opt for Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice, and start experimenting with this delectable ingredient tonight.