If you are looking to cook the perfect basmati rice, this recipe will show you how to cook basmati rice perfectly so that it is fluffy and delicious. From how to cook fluffy rice on the stovetop to the best water-to-rice ratio you need to use to make perfect rice every time.
About this stovetop basmati rice
If you ever wanted to know how to cook basmati rice that comes out fluffy and delicious then you are in the right place. It does not need to be complicated and it is actually quite easy when you follow the basic concept of using the right ratio of water to rice.
I will show you how to make the perfect pot of basmati rice and the correct ratio of water to rice to use so you end up with fluffy and delicious rice every time.
This basmati rice goes so well with so many dishes so it is a great recipe to know how to make. We love serving this rice with Cuban ropa vieja, Mexican shredded beef and so many other meals that we have listed below.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice. You can also use another long-grain rice. If the recipe you are using calls for short-grain rice you can still follow these steps to make rice.
- Water
- Butter
- Kosher salt
Notes about the ingredients
This recipe also calls for butter and not oil. You can use oil but it will stick more to the rice affecting how it cooks and in turn, producing a less fluffy final product.
How to cook fluffy basmati rice (step-by-step photos)
The steps to making this stovetop basmati rice are so simple. Here is what it looks like:
- Step 1: The first thing you want to do is melt your butter in the saucepan.
- Step 2: Next, measure out a full cup of rice.
- Step 3: Add the rice to the butter and stir it around to coat all the rice.
- Step 4: Now measure the correct ratio of water. For one cup of rice, the amount of water you would add is 1 ¾ cups. I will explain the ratio in more detail below.
- Step 6: Add the water to the rice and stir. Then measure out your salt and add that to the rice then bring to a boil. Once the rice is boiling, reduce the heat to low and place a lid on top until cooked through.
Tips
As I mentioned earlier, cooking the perfect fluffy rice is all about the perfect ratio of water to rice. This recipe for cooked basmati rice is for 1 cup of rice.
The perfect ratio of rice to water when making rice
All rice cooks at almost double the amount of water to rice ratio. Almost is the keyword! To achieve the perfect fluffy rice, you will want to use a little less than half of the water needed.
What to serve with basmati rice
- Chinese Chicken
- Weeknight Korean Beef
- Amazing Fajitas from Leftovers
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Blackened Chicken
- Southwest Chicken Bowl
- Black Beans Recipe (Cuban style black beans)
- Thai Chicken and Basil Stir Fry
Perfect Fluffy Basmati Rice
Equipment
- Medium pot with tight fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice or another long grain rice
- 1 ¾ cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt if using regular table salt, reduce amount by half
Instructions
- Melt butter in medium sauce pan over medium heat.1 tablespoon butter
- Add rice and mix well making sure to coat all the rice.1 cup basmati rice
- Add water and mix. Increase the heat to high to bring to a boil.1 ¾ cups water
- Once the water is boiling, add your salt, mix and place lid on top then reduce heat to low.1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cook on low for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes with the lid still on.
- After resting, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer hereTried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
sara says
It came out perfect! Thank you it was nice.
Melissa says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing 🙂