Easy White Rice Recipes

Dinner is almost finished, and the only thing undecided is the quick side. These easy white rice recipes rely on one simple stovetop method, so once you learn it, you can make plain rice, cilantro-lime rice, or coconut rice without a second recipe.

Basic Fluffy White Rice

Long-grain rice such as jasmine or standard white long-grain gives the fluffiest, most reliable texture.

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups water
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt, optional
• 1 tsp butter or neutral oil, optional

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This keeps the grains from sticking together.
2. Combine the rice, water, salt, and butter if using in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time.
4. Take the pan off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.

🍚 Note: Don’t stir the rice while it simmers; stirring makes it sticky. Letting it rest is what gives those clean, separate grains.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

This version tastes like it came from a favorite taqueria, but it only takes two minutes.

• 1 batch Basic Fluffy White Rice
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped cilantro
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt, plus more to taste

1. Spoon the lime juice over the warm rice and toss gently with a fork.
2. Add the cilantro and salt, then fluff again. Serve warm.

Coconut Rice

Use canned coconut milk, not the refrigerated coconut drink, for a subtly rich side that pairs well with roasted chicken or Thai-style dishes.

• 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
• ³⁄₄ cup canned coconut milk, stirred well
• ³⁄₄ cup water
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar, optional

1. Rinse the rice and add it to a small saucepan with the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar if using.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 16–18 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff before serving.

Leftover rice keeps for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To swap in brown rice, use 2 cups of water and simmer for 35–40 minutes before the same 10-minute rest.

Once you learn the basic ratio, white rice really can feel easy. Choose a flavor twist to match your meal, and dinner simply falls into place.

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