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Say goodbye to the guesswork and hello to consistently delicious rice, ready in 20 minutes following my Microwave Rice recipe! Let me show you how to cook rice in the microwave so it's fluffy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.
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Microwave Rice
Let's be honest with each other for a minute… how often have you tried cooking rice on the stove, only to accidentally burn the bottom of the pan or way, way overcook it?
I've been there too. With rice, it's easy to step away and have everything go wrong... or use a different pan and think it will come out the same way, and it never does! At first, I was a little skeptical about microwaving rice, but oh, was I wrong! Every time you microwave rice, it turns out extra-fluffy and perfectly cooked.
You don't need an expensive rice cooker that takes up counter space, or to tediously hover over a pot of water waiting for it to boil. The only appliance you will need is a microwave.
Microwave Rice Recipe Ingredients
- white rice
- water
How to Cook Rice in Microwave
- Add rice to a bowl and fill with water to cover it. Using your hand, wash the rice in the bowl by moving it around in the water. Pour out the water once cloudy, and repeat 2-3 more times until the water is no longer cloudy.
- Add washed long-grain rice to a deep microwave-safe bowl or dish along with 2¼ cups of water.
- Cover with a lid. Microwave for 5 minutes on high power; then, microwave for 15 minutes on 50% power.
- Let rice rest (no peeking!) with the lid for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir the rice with a fork. If your rice needs additional time, microwave for 1 minute longer.
I love my stovetop method for rice but when I am in a pinch, this is always my go-to method.
Cooking Rice in Microwave Rice Tips
- Always refer to our rice-to-water ratio depending on which grain of rice you use.
- Use your favorite white rice for this recipe. Brown rice will not work as it takes longer to cook.
- Rinse the rice: Before cooking your rice, rinse the rice under water a few times to remove any excess starch. This will prevent your rice from clumping and ensure fluffier rice. A bowl or fine mesh strainer will work for rinsing rice.
- Use a microwave-safe dish: Choose a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to cook your rice.
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, allow your rice to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. Do not open the rice during this time! This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in fluffy rice.
- Fluff rice with a fork: Gently fluff your rice with a fork before serving to separate any clumping pieces.
- If you want to add flavor to the rice, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or salt to the cold water. You can also add butter at the very end.
Different Types of Rice
You can use any white rice: jasmine rice, basmati rice, long-grained rice, or short-grain rice. Have fun and explore different rice grains, even medium-grain sushi rice works well with this method.
What is the Rice to Water Ratio in Microwave Ovens
Always use an accurate measuring cup and use this ratio of water chart. The amount of water you will need will differ depending on the grain of rice used.
| Long Grain Rice | 2 cups of Rice | 3 cups of Water |
| Medium Grain Rice | 2 cups of Rice | 2 ⅔ cups of Water |
| Short Grain Rice | 2 cups of Rice | 2 ½ cups of Water |
Microwave Rice FAQs
You can easily cook uncooked rice in the microwave! It's quick and convenient alternative to cooking rice on the stove-top. To cook white rice in the microwave, first rinse it. Then, add it to a microwave-safe container with a lid before microwaving as instructed.
It takes approximately 20 minutes to cook white rice in the microwave, but depending on your model of microwave, it may take a minute or two longer. Microwave for 5 minutes on high power, then 15 minutes on 50% power. Allow your rice to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on before fluffing with a fork. If it needs more time, microwave it for 1 minute longer.
Easy Rice Recipes
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How to Cook Rice in the Microwave
Equipment
- Microwave-safe dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice long grain
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Add rice to a bowl and fill with water to cover it. Using your hand, wash the rice in the bowl by moving it around in the water. Pour out the water once cloudy, and repeat 2-3 more times until the water is no longer cloudy.2 cups rice
- Add washed rice to a deep microwave-safe bowl or dish along with 2¼ cups of water.3 cups water
- Cover with a lid. Microwave for 5 minutes on high power; then, microwave for 15 minutes on 50% power.
- Let rice rest (no peeking!) with the lid for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork. If your rice needs additional time, microwave for 1 minute longer.
Video
Notes
-
- Use your favorite white rice for this recipe. Depending on the size of grain, refer to our rice to water ratio chart.
-
- Rinse the rice: Before cooking your rice, rinse the rice under water a few times to remove any excess starch. This will prevent your rice from clumping and ensure fluffier rice. A bowl or fine mesh strainer will work for rinsing rice.
-
- Use a microwave-safe dish: Choose a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to cook your rice.
-
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, allow your rice to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. Do not open the rice during this time! This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in fluffy rice.
-
- Fluff rice with a fork: Gently fluff your rice with a fork before serving to separate any clumping pieces.
Nutrition
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