Microwave Rice Guide: Quick, Fluffy Rice in Minutes

No-fail microwave rice: light and fluffy every time. Read on to learn how to cook rice in the microwave. This is the easiest way to get perfect rice.

Perfect white rice every time

How many times have you cooked rice on the stove only to have it burn on the bottom or turn out overcooked and stodgy?

When I lived in South Africa there was one popular brand that always delivered — its slogan promised rice that “cooks perfectly – every time.” Back in the UK I missed that consistency and often ended up with a stodgy mess, so I stopped eating rice for a while.

Then I experimented with the microwave and discovered a simple method that produces perfectly cooked rice every time.

This quick microwave technique saves time and gives rice that is light and fluffy, with each grain separate. You don’t need to rinse the rice first unless you bought it loose from a market (see notes below).

For best results, use good-quality long-grain rice. Supermarket own-brand rice can be fine, but choose the better-quality option rather than the cheapest bag.

I have tested this recipe with Basmati rice, but it works well with any long-grain variety.

How to cook rice in the microwave

Equipment

You only need a microwave and a glass or ceramic bowl with a tight-fitting lid. A Pyrex bowl works well.

Ingredients

Full ingredient quantities and the printable recipe are given in the recipe section below.

To cook perfect rice use:

• Rice – any long-grain rice (Basmati recommended).
• Water – cold tap water. Do not use hot water, which changes cooking time.
• Salt – to taste. I use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon depending on preference.

Ratio: rice to water = 1 : 2 (for example 1 cup rice to 2 cups cold water). Use the same cup for both rice and water for consistent results.

One cup of dry rice yields about three cups cooked.

Steps

• Place the measured rice in your bowl, add the cold water and salt.
• Cover the bowl with the lid and microwave on full power for 8 minutes.
• Carefully remove the bowl and stir the rice; it should still be wet.
• Replace the lid and microwave on full power for a further 3 minutes.
• Stir with a fork — the rice should be light and fluffy with separate grains.

Storage and reheating

Freeze cooked rice in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 6 months. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat in a covered microwave-safe dish in 30-second bursts until piping hot.

You can also defrost in the microwave first if you’re short on time.

Store cooked rice in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

If your rice is pre-packaged from a supermarket, rinsing is not necessary.

If you bought loose rice from a market, rinse it for hygiene and to remove dust. If you rinse, reduce the cooking water by about 2 tablespoons because the rice will retain some moisture.

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Related recipes

You might also enjoy these other rice recipes:

It’s also easy to cook rice in the oven if you prefer that method.

• How to cook rice in the oven (see recipe index)

📋The recipe

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