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How much is a serving of rice cooked. Serving Size of Rice: A Comprehensive Guide to Portions and Conversions

How much rice should you serve per person. What does a serving of rice look like. How much uncooked rice do you need for different serving sizes. How do various types of rice differ in cooking yield and time.

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Understanding Rice Serving Sizes: From Cup to Plate

Rice is a versatile staple in many cuisines worldwide, but determining the right serving size can be tricky. Let’s dive into the specifics of rice portions to help you plan your meals more effectively.

Standard Serving Sizes for Rice

The typical serving size of rice varies depending on whether it’s served as a main dish or a side:

  • As a main dish: 1 cup of cooked rice per person
  • As a side dish: 1/2 cup of cooked rice per person

These measurements provide a good starting point, but factors such as personal preference, accompanying dishes, and dietary needs can influence the ideal portion size.

Visualizing Rice Portions

To help you estimate serving sizes without measuring tools, consider these visual comparisons:

  • 1 cup of cooked rice ≈ the size of an adult’s fist
  • 1/2 cup of cooked rice ≈ the size of a cupcake wrapper

These visual cues can be particularly helpful when dining out or serving rice at informal gatherings.

The Nutritional Value of Rice: White vs. Brown

Rice is a primary source of carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities. However, not all rice varieties offer the same nutritional benefits.

White Rice: More Than Empty Calories

While white rice is often criticized for being a less nutritious option, it’s not devoid of benefits:

  • Often enriched with iron and B vitamins
  • Good source of quick-acting carbohydrates
  • Easy to digest

Is white rice unhealthy? Not necessarily. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, white rice can be a suitable carbohydrate source, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Brown Rice: A Nutrient-Dense Alternative

Brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, offering a more comprehensive nutritional profile:

  • Rich in dietary fiber
  • Contains vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6
  • Provides minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese
  • Contains antioxidants

For those seeking to maximize nutritional intake, brown rice is generally the healthier choice.

From Uncooked to Cooked: Rice Expansion Ratios

One of the challenges in preparing the right amount of rice is understanding how much it expands during cooking. Different rice varieties have varying expansion ratios.

Rice Expansion Chart

Type of Rice1 cup uncooked yields
Long grain white rice3 cups cooked
Medium-grain white rice3 cups cooked
Short grain rice3 cups cooked
Brown rice3-4 cups cooked
Wild rice3 cups cooked
Instant white rice2 cups cooked
Sticky rice3 cups cooked
Basmati rice3 cups cooked
Jasmine rice3 cups cooked

Understanding these ratios can help you avoid preparing too much or too little rice for your meals.

Cooking Times: Not All Rice is Created Equal

Just as expansion ratios vary, so do cooking times for different types of rice. Being aware of these differences can help you plan your meal preparation more efficiently.

Rice Cooking Time Comparison

  • Instant white rice: Approximately 5 minutes
  • Regular white rice: 10-20 minutes (depending on grain size)
  • Brown rice: About 45 minutes
  • Wild rice: Around 45 minutes

Why does cooking time matter? Longer cooking times often correlate with higher nutrient retention and more complex flavors, but they require more advanced meal planning.

Serving Size Guide: From Single Portions to Family Meals

Planning meals for different numbers of people requires adjusting the amount of uncooked rice accordingly. Here’s a handy guide to help you prepare the right amount of rice for various group sizes.

Uncooked Rice Measurements for Different Serving Sizes

Type of Rice (Uncooked)1 person2 people4 people6 people
Long grain white rice1/3 cup2/3 cup1 1/3 cups2 cups
Medium-grain white rice1/3 cup2/3 cup1 1/3 cups2 cups
Short grain rice1/3 cup2/3 cup1 1/3 cups2 cups
Brown rice1/4 cup1/2 cup1 cup1 1/2 cups
Wild rice1/3 cup2/3 cup1 1/3 cup2 cups

This guide assumes a serving size of 1 cup of cooked rice per person. Adjust accordingly if you’re serving rice as a side dish or if your guests have different appetites.

Factors Influencing Rice Serving Sizes

While standard serving sizes provide a good starting point, several factors can influence how much rice you should prepare for a meal.

Meal Composition

Consider the other components of your meal when determining rice portions:

  • Rice as the main dish: Larger portions may be appropriate
  • Rice as a side dish: Smaller portions are typically sufficient
  • Accompanying high-carb dishes: Reduce rice portions to balance the meal

Dietary Considerations

Individual dietary needs and goals can significantly impact appropriate rice serving sizes:

  • Weight management: Smaller portions may be preferred
  • Athletic performance: Larger portions might be necessary for energy
  • Diabetes management: Portion control is crucial for blood sugar regulation

Cultural Preferences

Rice consumption varies widely across cultures, influencing typical serving sizes:

  • Asian cuisines: Often feature larger rice portions
  • Western cuisines: May use rice more sparingly as a side dish
  • Mediterranean diets: Might include moderate rice portions balanced with other foods

Health Implications of Rice Consumption

Understanding the health impacts of rice can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and frequency of consumption.

Glycemic Index Considerations

The glycemic index (GI) of rice varies by type:

  • White rice: Generally has a higher GI, causing faster blood sugar spikes
  • Brown rice: Lower GI due to higher fiber content, leading to more gradual blood sugar changes
  • Basmati rice: Often has a lower GI compared to other white rice varieties

For individuals managing blood sugar levels, choosing lower GI rice varieties and controlling portion sizes is crucial.

Arsenic Concerns

Rice can contain trace amounts of arsenic, a naturally occurring element that can be harmful in large quantities:

  • Varies by rice origin and growing conditions
  • Brown rice typically contains more arsenic than white rice
  • Rinsing rice before cooking and using more water when cooking can reduce arsenic content

To mitigate potential risks, consider varying your grain consumption and preparing rice using methods that reduce arsenic retention.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Rice

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in your rice dishes goes beyond just measuring the right amount. Let’s explore some cooking techniques that can elevate your rice preparation.

The Absorption Method

This is the most common method for cooking rice:

  1. Rinse rice to remove excess starch
  2. Use the appropriate water-to-rice ratio (typically 2:1 for white rice, 2.5:1 for brown rice)
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until water is absorbed
  4. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork

This method works well for most rice varieties and produces consistently good results.

The Pasta Method

Some cooks prefer this method, especially for brown rice:

  1. Boil rice in a large pot of water, similar to cooking pasta
  2. Test for doneness and drain when rice reaches desired texture
  3. Return rice to pot, cover, and let steam for a few minutes

This method can result in fluffier rice and may reduce arsenic content more effectively than the absorption method.

Rice Cooker Convenience

Rice cookers offer a hands-off approach to perfect rice:

  • Consistent results with minimal effort
  • Often include settings for different rice varieties
  • Some models can keep rice warm for extended periods

While not essential, a rice cooker can be a valuable tool for frequent rice consumers.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rice

Despite our best efforts to cook the right amount, leftover rice is sometimes inevitable. Fortunately, there are many delicious ways to repurpose cooked rice.

Fried Rice

A classic way to use leftover rice:

  • Stir-fry cold rice with vegetables, protein, and seasonings
  • Add eggs for extra richness and nutrition
  • Experiment with different sauces and spices for variety

Rice Pudding

Transform savory rice into a sweet treat:

  • Simmer leftover rice with milk, sugar, and spices
  • Add dried fruits or nuts for texture
  • Serve warm or chilled for a comforting dessert

Stuffed Vegetables

Use rice as a filling for various vegetables:

  • Mix rice with herbs, spices, and possibly ground meat
  • Stuff into bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini
  • Bake until vegetables are tender and filling is heated through

These creative uses not only prevent food waste but can also result in exciting new dishes.

Rice in Global Cuisines: Serving Traditions

Rice plays a central role in many culinary traditions worldwide, with each culture having unique serving customs and preparation methods.

Asian Rice Traditions

In many Asian countries, rice is a staple at most meals:

  • Japan: Small portions of sticky rice served in individual bowls
  • China: Often served family-style from a large communal bowl
  • India: Various rice dishes, from plain basmati to elaborate biryanis

Middle Eastern Rice Customs

Rice dishes in the Middle East often feature aromatic spices and additions:

  • Persian cuisine: Tahdig, a crispy rice dish, is highly prized
  • Arabic countries: Rice often mixed with nuts, dried fruits, and spices

Latin American Rice Servings

Rice is a common side dish in many Latin American countries:

  • Mexico: Red rice (arroz rojo) often accompanies main dishes
  • Brazil: White rice and beans are dietary staples

Understanding these cultural traditions can provide inspiration for diverse and authentic rice-based meals.

Serving Size Of Rice – What Does It Look Like?

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Having a fridge full of leftover food can be annoying, with cooked rice being perhaps one of the most common leftovers.

It happens to all of us: you cook a cup of rice expecting to finish it in one sitting and it turns out that it was more than the entire family could eat! So, how much uncooked rice do you need for a single serving?

What is a serving size of rice and what does it look like? A serving size of cooked rice is 1/2 cup or 1 cup per person depending on if the rice is served as a main dish or side dish. A cup of cooked rice may be visualized to be the size of a fist while the 1/2 –cup serving of rice is the size of a cupcake wrapper.

This article is a comprehensive guide to the serving size of rice and how much uncooked rice you need to end up with the right amount of cooked rice per person.

Is Rice Healthy? 

Rice is one of the most popular and commonly eaten grains. It is a rich source of carbohydrates and can keep your energy levels high if you consume it alongside healthy fats and protein.

There are thousands of rice varieties and the nutritional value differs from type to type.

White rice that has the bran and germ removed is considered to be an empty source of carbs by many people. This is because the bran provides the fibers in rice and the germ provides the nutrients. 

So, what’s left behind? Is white rice bad for you? While white rice is not as nutritious as brown rice, it is usually enriched with such nutrients as iron and B vitamins.

You can certainly incorporate white rice in your diet as a good source of carbohydrates.

If you need a healthier option, we recommend you eat brown rice. Brown rice is a good source of dietary fiber.

It is also rich in a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B3, B6, B5, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, copper, iron, and zinc.  

What Is A Serving Size Of Rice And What Does It Look Like? 

The typical serving size of rice is 1/2 cup or 1 cup per person. While the amount served to each person may slightly differ depending on the particular rice variety you are cooking, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of cooked rice per serving is a safe choice. 

How much rice you will be serving per person also depends on what you are serving the rice with and if the rice is the main dish.

 f it is the main dish, such as Spanish rice, serving a cup of cooked rice per person is the right choice. But if you are serving plain rice as a side dish for cooked veggies and meat, 1/2 cup of rice per serving will do

With this said, what you are serving alongside rice matters too.

If the rest of the dishes on the table are high in carbs, such as potatoes or bread, then going with 1/2 per person is surely right. In certain cases, a cup per person as a side dish is fine too.  

Another thing to consider is who you are serving the rice to.

If you are serving rice as a side dish to a close friend of yours and know their eating preferences, then you can go ahead and serve them a cup of cooked rice instead of 1/2 cup.

Knowing how much rice to serve per person is important when putting together a balanced plate.

Additionally, it is always helpful to know how much of each food is typically eaten. This is one way to avoid overeating certain foods as preventing weight gain. 

But the tricky part about the serving size of rice is that uncooked rice yields 2 to 4 times more cooked rice. And the ratio is different for each type of rice. 

Uncooked-To-Cooked Rice Conversions 

In the table below you can see how much cooked rice a cup of uncooked rice yields depending on the variety. 

Type of Rice (1 cup, uncooked) Cooked 
Long grain white rice3 cups
Medium-grain white rice 3 cups 
Short grain rice 3 cups 
Brown rice 3-4 cups 
Wild rice 3 cups 
Instant white rice 2 cups 
Sticky rice3 cups 
Basmati rice 3 cups 
Jasmine rice 3 cups 

Rice varieties differ not only in how much cooked rice they yield but also in how long they take to cook. For example, instant rice cooks the fastest. It takes instant white rice only 5 minutes to cook

Regular white rice may take 10-20 minutes to cook depending on the grain size. Brown rice and wild rice, on the other hand, may take around 45 minutes to cook

Serving Size Of Different Types Of Rice (Uncooked)

Here’s a table that tells how much uncooked rice you need to cook a serving of rice for 1 person, and 2, 4, and 6 people assuming 1 cup of cooked rice per person

Type of Rice (Uncooked) 1 person 2 people 4 people 6 people 
Long grain white rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups2 cups 
Medium-grain white rice1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups 2 cups 
Short grain rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups 2 cups 
Brown rice1/ 4 cup1/2 cup 1 cup 1 1/2 cups
Wild rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cup 2 cups
Instant white rice 1/2 cup1 cup 2 cups 3 cups 
Sticky rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups2 cups 
Basmati rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups 2 cups 
Jasmine rice 1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 1/3 cups 2 cups 

If you’ll be serving rice as a side dish, i. e. 1/2 cup cooked rice per person, here’s how much uncooked rice you will need for 1 person, and 2, 4, and 6 people. 

Type of Rice (Uncooked) 1 person 2 people 4 people 6 people 
Long-grain white rice 1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup 2/3 cup 1 cup 
Medium-grain1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup
Short-grain rice 1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup
Brown rice1/8 cup (2 tbsp)1/4 cup 1/2 cup 3/4 cup 
Wild rice 1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup
Instant rice 1/4 cup ½ cup 1 cup 1 1/2 cups 
Sticky rice 1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup
Basmati rice 1/6 cup (2. 5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup
Jasmine rice 1/6 cup (2.5 tbsp)1/3 cup2/3 cup1 cup

What Does A Serving Of Cooked Rice Look Like?

So, now you know how much uncooked rice you need for a serving of one person. However, you may not always measure your rice before cooking.

What if you have cooked a large pot of rice and suddenly have guests over? How much rice should you place on each plate?

Pulling out your measuring cup and measuring the cooked rice for each serving may not be a good and practical idea. The best thing you can do is to what a serving of cooked rice looks like. 

A 1-cup serving of cooked rice may be visualized as a size of a fist. 

A 1/2-cup serving of cooked rice, on the other hand, can be thought of as a size of a cupcake wrapper. 

What To Do With Leftover Rice?

Even if you know what is the perfect serving size of cooked rice per person, there are still chances that you may end up with leftover cooked rice.  

You can keep leftover rice in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. But what can you do with it?

You can, of course, reheat the rice and eat it with a sauce or some side dishes. But you can also get creative and do a lot more with your leftover rice. Here are a few ideas. 

  • Make a hearty casserole. Leftover rice is the perfect excuse to cook a delicious and cozy casserole dish with whatever you have in your fridge. Chicken, mushrooms, broccoli, ground beef – these are only a few of your options. 
  • Stuff some veggies. Vegetables stuffed with seasoned leftover rice make a perfect vegetarian dinner. You can also mix minced beef with rice and stuff some tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis for those who don’t have diet restrictions. 
  • Make rice frittata. If you have cooked too much rice for dinner, don’t worry about the leftovers. You can use them to make rice frittata for the next day’s breakfast.
  • The good old rice pudding. You can turn your leftover rice into a sweet treat by making sweet and creamy rice pudding and serving it with your favorite ingredients –raisins, fruits, seeds, nuts, etc. 

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How Much Rice Per Person? (+ Serving Chart!)

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Making rice and not sure how much to cook? Here’s how much rice per person broken down into a simple answer!

If you’re anything like me, predicting how many cups of rice you need per serving is always tricky. But it doesn’t have to be! It’s simple:

  • You need ¼ cup of uncooked rice per person if rice is a side dish
  • You need ½ cup of uncooked rice per person if rice is the main course

Cooked vs. Uncooked

All servings of rice are based on uncooked amounts. The amount of cooked rice can vary based on the type of rice, how much water is added, and how it is cooked. Follow the directions on the rice package you purchased as to how much water you add.

The ¼ or ½ cup uncooked rice per person recommendation is only a starting point. We always make adjustments to this amount of rice based on a few other details:

  • Hungry eaters? Teenagers, for instance, are going to eat a lot more than this standard serving!
  • Low carb eaters? If anyone is known to be on a low carb diet or watching their weight, I’ll shave a bit off or make Cauliflower Rice as a second option.
  • Leftovers? If I am having friends or family over whom I know I can send leftovers home with, I’ll bump up my amount by ¼ to ½..

When is Rice a Side vs Main Dish?

Determining how much rice to make per person all comes down to whether the rice is a part of the side dish, or if it’s the main dish.

Examples of rice as a side dish

If rice is by itself as a side with no meat or vegetables over it, it is a side dish.

If rice is provided to spoon into tacos or fajitas, I portion it as a side dish.

For cuisine like “bowls” where there is an assortment of other carbs in the bowl, like our favorite Tempeh Vegan Burrito Bowl you can likely plan it with ¼ cup of uncooked rice or even less.

Examples of rice as a main dish

If rice is instrumental to the cuisine like chili con carne over rice, that is a main dish and a ½ cup or serving is appropriate.

Recipes where rice is a key ingredient like this Lemon Basil Risotto warrant a ½ cup of uncooked rice per person. As would this Sticky Orange Cauliflower  or Thai Coconut Curry which are both laid over a bed of rice.

Rice Measurement Chart

Use the quick reference charts below to quickly determine how much rice to put into your pot based on the number of servings you need. You may find measuring rice by weight instead of volume to be easier for large parties if you have a kitchen scale.

How much uncooked rice to use for side dishes

Servings Uncooked CupsWeight (g)Weight (oz)
11/446.51.6
21/2933.2
33/41404.8
411866.4
51 1/42328
61 1/22799.6
71 3/432511
8237213
92 1/441814
102 1/24651 lbs
2059302 lbs
5012.523255 lbs
10025465010 lbs

How much uncooked rice to use for main dishes

ServingsUncooked CupsWeight (g)Weight (oz)
11/2933. 2
211866.4
31 1/22799.6
4237213
52 1/24651 lbs
635581 lbs 3 oz
73 1/26511 lbs 6 oz
847441 lbs 10 oz
94 1/28371 lbs 13 oz
1059302 lbs
201018604 lbs
5025465010 lbs
10050930020 lbs

Cauliflower Rice

There has been an explosion of cauliflower rice recipes in the last few years as Americans see the advantage of replacing rice with cauliflower to reduce calories, reduce carbs, or to add vitamins and minerals lacking in rice. 

We won’t go into how to make cauliflower rice here, but you can check out our other posts on How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice or perhaps try Chipotle Cauliflower Rice. Cauliflower “rice” doesn’t expand like normal grain rice does, so we use different planning factors in how much to make. There is no set norm here, but we generally make 1 to 1 ½ cups of cooked cauliflower rice per person.

What To do with the leftover rice

Since rice is relatively inexpensive, we tend to make more than needed and reuse the rest later. Storing leftover rice is simple. Just cool it and put it in an airtight container like a ziplock style bag or Tupperware. In a bag try to squeeze as much air out as possible. In a container put a piece of plastic wrap over the rice and press it down to squeeze out air and moisture before putting the lid on.

In the refrigerator the rice should stay fresh for 2-3 days. In the freezer it can last a month.

To reheat just pour the rice into a bowl, add a couple tablespoons of water, and put it in the microwave.

To Recap

How much uncooked rice per person? ¼ cup for side dishes or ½ cup if rice is an integral part of the main course.

How many cups of rice for 2 people? ½ cup for a side dish and 1 cup for a main course.

How many cups of rice for 4 people? 1 cup for a side dish and 2 cup for a main course.

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How to cook rice to make it perfect

Likbez

Food

December 14, 2020

We tell you how to cook cereals in a saucepan, frying pan, slow cooker and microwave.

How to cook rice

If you want to cook fluffy rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking. So you get rid of starch, which is responsible for stickiness. Rinse the rice about five times or more until the water runs clear. It is most convenient to perform this procedure using a fine sieve.

Stills: Tasty / YouTube

Some dishes, such as risotto, require glutinous rice. In this case, it is not worth rinsing. Or you can limit yourself to one rinse to wash off all the excess.

To make rice cook faster, you can soak it for 30-60 minutes. Then the cooking time will be reduced by almost half. However, it is better to reduce the amount of water that is used for cooking.

How much water to use for cooking rice

It is generally believed that twice as much water is needed to cook this cereal. But this is an approximate proportion. It is better to measure the volume of liquid based on the type of rice:

  • for long grain – 1: 1.5–2;
  • for medium grain – 1: 2–2.5;
  • for round grain – 1: 2.5–3;
  • for steamed – 1 : 2;
  • for brown – 1 : 2.5-3;
  • for wild – 1: 3.5.

Be sure to read the instructions on the packaging. The manufacturer knows exactly what processing the rice has undergone, and suggests the optimal amount of water for cereals.

Use a measuring cup to measure out rice and water – it’s much more convenient. The standard serving for one is 65 ml of dry grains.

What to add to rice

You definitely need salt. ¹⁄₂ teaspoon is enough for 1 cup of grains. Although it is better to adjust the amount according to your preferences.

Rice is good because its taste can always be changed a little. For example, using the following spices:

  • saffron;
  • curry;
  • cardamom;
  • zira;
  • cumin;
  • cinnamon;
  • carnation.

Spices are added to the water during cooking or to an already prepared dish.

Rice can also be supplemented with herbs, citrus zest, or boiled not in water, but in meat or chicken broth.

How long to cook rice

It depends on the cooking method and type of rice. Therefore, the cooking time can vary from 20 to 60 minutes. Below you will find all the details.

How to cook rice in a pot

It is better to use a pan with a thick bottom: it distributes the temperature evenly.

First, bring salted water to a boil, and then pour the cereal into it. Stir the rice once so that the grains do not stick to the bottom. Then wait until the dish begins to boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and cover the pan with a lid.

Footage: Downshiftology / YouTube

Do not lift the lid while cooking – otherwise the rice will cook longer. If you want the grits to be crumbly, do not stir it (except the first time). Otherwise, the grains will break and release starch.

The average cooking time after repeated boiling, depending on the type of rice is:

  • for white – 20 minutes;
  • for steamed – 30 minutes;
  • for brown – 40 minutes;
  • for wild – 40-60 minutes.

When the rice is done, take it off the heat and let it stand covered for 10-15 minutes. If there is water left in the finished porridge, drain it or cover the pan with a dry towel: it will absorb excess moisture.

Footage: Downshiftology / YouTube

How to cook rice in a pan

Use a pan with a diameter of 24 cm, high sides and a lid.

Rice is cooked in it in almost the same way as in a saucepan, with the exception of one nuance: the grains must first be quickly fried in vegetable oil. Do this for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so that the grains are covered with oil, then the rice will be crumbly. Then it must be poured with boiling water and cooked in the same way as in the method above.

How to cook rice in the multicooker

Place the rice in the multicooker bowl. Add water and your desired spices. Close the lid and set the mode to Cereals, Rice, Pilaf or Buckwheat. Approximate cooking time for rice is:

  • for white – 30 minutes;
  • for steamed – 30-40 minutes;
  • for brown – 50 minutes;
  • for wild – 50-60 minutes.

Pictures: AmyLearnsToCook / YouTube

How to Microwave Rice

Pour the rice into a microwave safe container. It is desirable that the cereal does not occupy more than ¹⁄₃ of the volume of the dish. Add water and spices.

Cook white and parboiled rice for 15-20 minutes at full power. Then mix, cover with a lid and leave in a closed microwave oven for 5-10 minutes.

Brown and wild rice cook for 5 minutes at full power first. Then stir, set the power to medium and cook for another 20-25 minutes. Leave covered in a closed microwave for 10-15 minutes.

If the beans remain firm, continue cooking, checking every 1-2 minutes and adding water if necessary.

Bonus: how to make sushi rice

  1. Special Japanese rice is used to make sushi. You can replace it with the usual round-grain.
  2. Rinse grits 5-7 times before cooking. It is better to throw out the floating grains.
  3. Pour washed rice with cold water in a ratio of 1 : 1.5. A piece of nori seaweed can be added to the pot for flavor, but must be removed before boiling.
  4. Rice is cooked under the lid: before boiling – over medium heat, after – at a minimum for about 15 minutes. After you need to remove the cereal from the stove and let it stand for another 15 minutes.
  5. Cooked rice needs to be seasoned with a special dressing. To prepare it, pour 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar into a separate saucepan, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt and heat the mixture over medium heat until the bulk ingredients are completely dissolved.
  6. Transfer the rice to a wide bowl, pour over the sauce and stir gently with a wooden spatula. After that, cool and start cooking sushi.

This article was first published in January 2017. In September 2020, we updated the text.

See also 👩‍🍳🥣👌

  • Rice porridge with meatballs
  • Rice burger with shrimp tempura
  • Lecho with rice for the winter
  • Tomatoes stuffed with rice and vegetables
  • Soup with chanterelles and rice

How long to cook rice, step by step recipe with photo

Polina Lupanova

Rice is a very tasty and popular cereal. It is prepared in many variants and recipes. Precisely because rice has a very pleasant structure and a delicate soft taste, it is friendly with various ingredients. Let’s find out how long it takes to cook rice. In the article, we will indicate the cooking time of the product in a saucepan, in a slow cooker and steamed in a double boiler.

The average time to cook rice varies from 12 to 20 minutes. It depends on the method of preparation and on the type (grade) of the product.

The most common cooking method is cooking in a saucepan. In this way, rice is cooked for 20 minutes. Cook it over medium heat with a lid on. It is optimal to use a pan with a thick bottom and walls. We use cold water: in a ratio of 1: 2, that is, for 1 glass of rice we take 2 glasses of water.

The fastest way to cook rice is “in bags” – cereals are sold in portions packed in small perforated bags. This rice will be ready in 15 minutes.

In order to cook rice in a slow cooker, we use the same proportions. By setting the “Rice” or “Buckwheat” mode, the cooking time will be set automatically and the product will be cooked until the signal is ready. Do not forget to check if the rice has enough water during cooking.

Cooking rice in a steamer will require us to pre-scald and soak the rice. Pour it raw with boiling water and leave for half an hour. After we shift the cereal to the “tray” of the double boiler, add water and set the timer for 30 minutes.

  • You should know that to prepare four full servings of boiled rice, we need literally 250 grams of cereal. For this amount of rice, we use 1/2 liter of water.

  • All rice should be sorted and washed well before cooking.

  • Rinse the grits under cold running water. Drain the water several times until it becomes clear.

  • Place the prepared rice in a heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Rice should be cooked on low or medium heat with a lid on.

  • Transfer the cooked rice to a separate dish and season with the right amount of butter.


There are a sufficient number of varieties of rice, by and large, the rules for preparing this cereal are standard – we wash the rice in cold water, cook over low heat under a lid, and make sure that the rice has enough liquid.

During the cooking process, you can add water and slightly extend the cooking time. Often on packages with rice, especially with exotic varieties, so to speak, manufacturers indicate the time and method of preparation, so follow the instructions.

It is worth considering the fact that the energy and nutritional value of cooked boiled rice is indicated as an average and may vary slightly.

We hope that this article was interesting for you and will be useful, making your cooking more comfortable. Leave questions and feedback on the topic in the comments below the text. Follow us on social networks and stay up to date with interesting recipes and culinary innovations from Nyamburg.