Fluffy and Simple Basmati Rice Recipe | The Only Recipe You Need
There is definitely an art to making rice, but I have simplified the sometimes complex steps into just a few necessary steps to get the BEST simple basmati rice recipe.
Making basmati rice doesn’t have to be complicated. Although there are many methods to preparing a great pot of fluffy rice, this is the most simple basmati rice recipe method that doesn’t compromise on flavor or fluffiness!
Basmati rice is a long-grain white rice that is usually sourced from countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Basmati rice is desired due to its texture and the grain’s ability to separate after it’s been cooked.
If you’ve ever made basmati rice and it turned out to be sticky, then it was probably due to an improper rice to water ratio or it wasn’t properly rinsed.
I go over the tried and true steps below on how to make basmati rice to get you that sought-after pot of perfection!
This post is about how to make a simple basmati rice recipe.
Fluffy and Simple Basmati Rice Recipe
What are the keys on how to make basmati rice?
To make the perfect batch of basmati rice boils down to three things (no pun intended 😉 ):
- The rice to water ratio
- Properly rinsing the rice
- The cook time and heat setting
What is the rice to water ratio?
The rice to water ratio is 1:1.67 (or 1:1 2/3). Therefore, you need one and two-thirds times the amount of water as you do the rice to ensure the rice cooks through.
So, 1 cup of basmati rice would require 1 and 2/3 cups of water. Furthermore, 2 cups of basmati rice would require 3.3 cups or 3 1/3 cups of water.
It’s really just simple math here that anyone can do on a phone calculator 😉
Simply multiply 1.67 to the number of cups of rice you plan to use and that will let you know how much water to use!
How do I rinse basmati rice?
You can rinse basmati rice in a bowl or strainer. I prefer using a bowl because then I can see the progress as the murkiness of the water goes away.
It’s important to rinse the rice as it removes any dirt or debris, as well as removes the surface starch that may result in gummier or stickier rice.
How do I cook basmati rice?
Basmati rice is first boiled on medium-high, then simmered on medium-low/low, then steamed without heat.
If your stovetop is a standard stove, then simmer on medium-low. If it’s a strong stovetop, use the low setting.
I go over the exact steps below.
Can I cook basmati rice for too long?
Boiling, simmering and steaming are vital steps to cooking rice.
Sometimes, if the water is absorbed before the cooking time runs out, then a crust forms at the bottom of the pot. Do not worry about this! The heat is set at low so it shouldn’t burn the rice.
It may just form a crunchy layer that some people actually really enjoy. In fact, this layer is a delicacy in some regions and is served as its own dish.
What do I need to make this simple basmati rice recipe?
You will need the following:
- Basmati rice: I have found that the ones sourced from India, Pakistan or Afghanistan have the longest grains and best quality basmati rice.
- Salt: To bring out the flavor of the rice.
- Cumin: To add a very subtle flavor to the rice (optional).
- Olive oil or butter: To ensure the rice is not dry.
How do I make basmati rice?
The first step is to measure the amount of rice you plan to use and rinse it in a bowl or strainer. Like I said earlier, this will remove the surface starch and dirt and debris from the rice.
I usually use a big bowl, add water to the rice and move the rice around with my hand for a minute.
Then I use a strainer to drain and repeat the rinse cycle a few more times until the water runs almost clear. Be patient as this step may take a few minutes.
You can see here the murkiness of the water going away as I rinse.
Next, add the drained rinsed rice into a medium-sized pot and add the water, spices and oil.
Stir and set the heat on high with the lid off.
When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low/low and put the lid on. Let it simmer until all of the water is absorbed, about 30-40 minutes.
Once all of the water is absorbed, turn the heat off and let it just steam for another 15 minutes with the lid on.
Note: Ensure the lid stays on during the cooking and steaming process.
Once the cooking and steaming are complete, your rice will look like the picture above.
Next, all you have to do is fluff the rice with a fork or spoon and serve!
Note: Due to the nature of this cooking method, the rice at the bottom of the pan cooks longer in water and will tend to clump together as it cools. Be sure to fluff the rice while it is still hot to avoid clumpy rice from forming.
Rice is a great side dish that goes well with so many options.
Make it a meal and pair it with any of these delicious dishes:
- EASIEST BAKED LEMON CHICKEN RECIPE
- SIMPLE RED LENTIL CURRY RECIPE
- SAVORY BEEF AND PEPPERS DUTCH OVEN STEW RECIPE
- SATIFISYING CHICKEN TERIYAKI BOWL RECIPE
The possibilities are endless!
🖤 Let me know in the comments if you plan on making this or if you did. I love hearing from you!
🖤 Sharing is caring! Please pin or share this so others can enjoy the recipe too 😀
🖤 Thank you for visiting and happy cooking! 🙂
This post was about how to make the most fluffy and simple basmati rice recipe.
Fluffy and Simple Basmati Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain basmati rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a bowl or strainer until it runs almost clear. Drain (with a strainer or colander).I usually use a big bowl, add water to the rice and move the rice around with my hand for a minute. Then I strain the water and repeat the rinse cycle a few times until the water runs almost clear. Be patient as this step may take a few minutes.
- Put the rice, water, spices and oil in a medium-size pot. Stir and set the heat on high with the lid off.
- As soon as it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low/low and put the lid on. (Be sure to keep the lid on during the entire simmer and steaming phase).Let it simmer until all of the water is absorbed, about 30-40 minutes. Turn the heat off and let it just steam for another 15 minutes.
- Next, fluff with a fork or spoon and serve.
- Enjoy!
I tried this recipe with the addition of cumin and it smelled and tasted just like I was hoping it would. I appreciate all of the tips to making fluffy rice because now I can successfully make aromatic basmati rice in my home instead of having to order it at a restaurant. Much appreciated!
Hi Mariana, so glad to hear your success story! Thank you for sharing!