Grains & Pasta
How Long to Cook White Rice
White rice takes 18–20 minutes after boiling on stovetop using the absorption method. Rice cooker takes 25–30 minutes. Instant Pot takes 3 minutes on high pressure.
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Bring to boil, reduce to simmer | 18–20 minutes (covered) |
| Instant Pot | High pressure | 3 minutes + 10 min natural release |
| Microwave | — | 12–15 minutes (covered) |
Stovetop: 1:1.5 ratio rice:water. Bring to boil, cover tightly, reduce to lowest heat, cook 18 min, rest 5 min without lifting lid.
Instant Pot: 1:1 ratio in Instant Pot. The fastest hands-off method. Perfect every time.
Microwave: 1:2 ratio in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce a small hole. Mix at 6 min.
Chef Tips
- 1Rinse rice until water runs clear — removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- 2The 'do not lift the lid' rule: every time you lift, you lose steam pressure that's cooking the rice.
- 3Rest 5 minutes after the heat goes off — the steam continues cooking the top layers.
- 4Fluff with a fork, not a spoon — fluffing separates the grains without mashing them.
- 5Slightly less water (1:1.25 ratio) gives better results for fried rice — drier and doesn't clump.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook white rice on stovetop?
Bring 1½ cups water per cup of rice to a boil. Add rice, cover, reduce to the lowest heat and cook 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
How long does rice take in Instant Pot?
3 minutes on high pressure with 1:1 water ratio, then 10 minutes natural release. Then quick release remaining steam. This is the fastest, most hands-off rice method with consistent results.
How much water for rice?
Standard ratio: 1 cup rice to 1½ cups water. Jasmine rice: 1:1.25. Brown rice: 1:2. Basmati: 1:1.5. Different varieties absorb water differently. Rinsed rice also needs slightly less water as it starts slightly wet.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much water, too high heat, or lifting the lid. Try 1:1.5 ratio (not 1:2). Keep the heat at the absolute lowest setting once simmering. Don't lift the lid during cooking. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.