How to cook rice in microwave. Think your microwave is only good for reheating leftovers? Think again. Here is the surprisingly simple way to cook perfect rice in the microwave. With a bowl, a little water, and a few clever techniques, you can make beautifully fluffy rice the easy way. Brilliant!
Why I Love This Microwave Rice Hack
For most of us, cooking rice means reaching for a saucepan, and heading to the stovetop. It’s a method we have used for years, and one that we know well. But, there’s another way to cook rice that’s remarkably simple and easy: the microwave. Yes, you can cook rice in the microwave. The humble microwave can do far more than reheating last night’s dinner or warm a mug of milk. I particularly love this method on busy weeknights when the stovetop is already occupied, perhaps with a large pot of curry simmering in one pan and vegetables cooking in another, and there is no room left for a saucepan. Or maybe you simply want a quick way to prep rice.
Well, you don’t need any special equipment to cook rice in the microwave. All you need is rice, water, microwave-safe bowl, and a fork for fluffing. As rice expands while cooking, choose a bowl that is significantly larger than the amount of rice and water you are using. The method works well for everyday white rice, including basmati, long grain, and jasmine rice. Brown rice is also a great choice, although it may require slightly different amount of water and cooking times.
The basic method of cooking is pretty straightforward. Start by measuring your rice. The amount of water will depend on the type of rice you are using, but a good starting point is about two parts water to one part rice. I highly recommend heating the water first, then adding the rice, and cooking it until tender. Once cooked, let the rice stand for several minutes. Do not skip this part. And perfectly cooked rice should be tender but not mushy.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice - Basmati, long grain, jasmine.
- Water - To cook rice.
How To Cook Rice In Microwave
Prep rice - Measure your rice. Then, rinse it well under running water.
Cook rice - Start with heating water, then add rice and microwave for about 4 minutes. To finish the cooking process, microwave again for another 7 minutes.
How To Cook Rice In Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, basmati, long grain or jasmine
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place rice in a large bowl, and cover with water. Rinse 2-3 times or until the water runs clear.
- Pour water into a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave, uncovered, on high for about 2 minutes.
- Add rinsed rice. Season with salt. Stir gently.
- Microwave, uncovered, on high for about 4 minutes. Stir gently.
- Microwave again, uncovered, on high for another 7 minutes or until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Video
Notes
- Bowl - Use generously sized microwave-safe container.
- Cooking times - Remember a 700 watt microwave may perform differently from a 1000 watt model. So, the cooking times are always a guide.
- Rice to water ratio - For most long grain white rice, use 1 cup rice to 2 cups water.
- Resting time - After cooking, let the rice rest for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish the cooking process.
- Fluff with a fork - Gently separate the grains instead of stirring vigorously to keep the rice fluffy.
- Storage - If you have leftover rice, cool and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Like this clever microwave hack? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube.
Amy says
This is such a game changer, I need to try this!
Sienna3 says
Less washing up = a win in my book.
cathy says
This would be perfect for meal prep, thank you!
Hunnybunny says
I'm definitely trying this