In the Kitchen | Rice Cooking Tips & Recipes
What's the best way to store rice?
Kept in a cool dry place, white rice can be stored in a tightly covered container almost indefinitely. Whole grain brown rice stays fresh for six months, or up to a year when refrigerated.
Should I rinse rice?
Rinsing gets rid of dusty starches that may result in excess stickiness. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. If you want stickier rice, don't wash.
How much water should I use?
For most types of rice, you'll always use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water. Feel free to swap the water for chicken or vegetable broth for more flavor.
What types of dishes can I make with rice?
Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of whatever it's paired with. From savory dishes to sweet treats, rice shines in a variety of recipes.
While classics like fried rice and risotto are always crowd-pleasers, don't overlook the sweet side of rice with desserts like rice pudding and rice fritters.
Whether as a main course or a side dish, rice is the perfect addition to any meal!
Get inspired with our recipes!
Perfect Rice
Cook Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white long grain rice
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 pinch of salt
- In a medium sauce pan add water, rice, butter, and salt. Stir occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Keep covered for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Adjust time as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve!
Basic Risotto
Cook Time: 25 min | Servings:4
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped leeks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots
- 3/4 white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1 cup grated parmesan salt and pepper to taste
- Heat 4 cups chicken broth and 3 cups water in a saucepan.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped leeks and 1/2 cup chopped shallots and cook until tender, 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups arborio rice and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toast, stirring, 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup white wine and simmer until absorbed.
- Stir in enough warm broth to cover the rice; continue to cook, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed to keep the rice covered, until al dente or tender, 18 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper.
Toasted Garlic Rice
Cook Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
- 8 sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Sauté 8 sliced garlic cloves in 3 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until golden, 2 minutes; remove to a plate.
- Add 2 cups Basmati rice to the pan and toast, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 3 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir, then cover and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Let sit, covered, 5 minutes, then fluff and top with the garlic.
Pimento Cheese Rice
Cook Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
- 2 cups converted rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped pimientos
- Cayenne to taste (optional)
- Combine 2 cups converted rice, 3 cups water, 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir; cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Let sit, covered, 5 minutes, then stir in 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup salsa with chopped pimientos until smooth; season with cayenne.
Southwest Rice Peppers
Cook Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup canned chili beans
- 1 cup fire-roasted corn
- 1 bunch chopped scallions
- 4 halved bell peppers
- 3/4 cup grated pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- sour cream as desired for topping cilantro as desired for topping
- Combine 2 cups cooked white rice with 1 cup each canned chili beans and fire-roasted corn and 1 bunch chopped scallions.
- Stuff 4 halved small bell peppers with the rice mixture and top with ¾ cup grated pepper jack cheese; arrange in a baking dish and pour 1/2 cup water around the peppers.
- Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees F until tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake until browned, 10 minutes.
- Top with sour cream and cilantro.
Brown Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min | Servings: 2
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup cooked chestnuts chopped
- 2 small acorn squash
- olive oil
- salt to taste
- Combine 1 cup cooked brown rice with 1/2 cup each chopped celery, parsley, scallions and cooked chestnuts; season with salt.
- Halve and seed 2 small acorn squash; brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F until tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Stuff with the rice mixture and dot with butter.
- Continue baking until crisp, 20 minutes.