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Learn how to cook basmati rice perfectly every single time in under 20 minutes. With just three simple ingredients, you’ll have the perfect side dish for any occasion.
If you’ve been following for a while, it may surprise you to know that I love plain basmati rice. Of course, I also love turning it into creative dishes, like coconut milk rice and curry fried rice, but in order to get creative, it’s important to learn the basics.
My recipe is deceptively simple, yet the results are anything but. The rice turns out light and fluffy, with a mild and delicate flavor that suits a wide range of dishes.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Foolproof. Everyone and their mother thinks they have a secret hack for making perfect basmati rice, but my advice is NOT to overthink it. Follow this recipe the same way every time, and you’ll always have perfect rice.
- Customizable. I don’t add much flavor to this recipe, so you can easily customize it for every meal.
- Inexpensive. I’m all about affordable weekly staples, and rice is about as cheap as it gets. This makes it a no-brainer to work into my weekly meal prep.
- Easy to scale. I’ll give you a simple water-to-rice ratio so you can make as much or as little rice as you need.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Thank you so much for this tutorial. Since following it, my rice turns out SO fluffy and soft- never gluggy. “ – Suzanne
Key Ingredients
- Basmati rice. A type of long-grain rice grown in India and Pakistan. If you can’t find basmati, this recipe also works with jasmine rice.
- Water. For cooking.
- Salt. To taste.
How to cook basmati rice
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Rinse the basmati rice in a strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Step 2- Boil. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add the salt.
Step 3- Add rice. Once the water is boiling, add the rice.
Step 4- Simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer rice for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Serving suggestions
Pair the long-grained basmati rice with any of these hearty main courses for the perfect balanced meal.
- Butter chicken– Succulent chicken pieces in a creamy golden sauce.
- Chicken masala– My favorite Indian dish, made even better than the restaurant version.
- Air fryer salmon– So simple and ready in under 6 minutes.
- Dahl– A hearty Indian stew that’s packed with protein and naturally vegan-friendly.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t skip the rinse. I know tossing the rice straight into the pot may be tempting, but trust me, it’s a crucial step. Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch from the grains, making them separate and fluffy as they cook.
- Toast the rice. If you really don’t feel like rinsing rice, another option is to toast it. I find this brings a more nutty flavor profile and slightly chewier texture. To toast rice, add olive oil to a pan over medium heat, add the rice, and stir frequently until the grains turn white. Add the water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until fluffy.
- Use stock or broth. When I want to make a less subtle, more intensely flavored rice dish, I’ll swap the water for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add aromatics. Toss in garlic cloves and roughly chopped onions to infuse a subtle aromatic flavor.
Storage instructions
To store: Allow the leftover basmati rice to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze: Store leftover cooled rice in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the rice to thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time.
To reheat: Add a splash of water or stock to the rice and microwave in 20-second intervals, stopping to stir between each until it’s reheated.
Frequently asked questions
The best method for cooking basmati rice is to rinse it under cold water to remove excess starch from the grains. Then, it should be added directly to boiling water and simmered until it absorbs all the liquid and easily fluffs with a fork.
Soaking basmati rice before cooking can help initiate the water absorption process and reduce cooking time, although it’s optional and does not significantly decrease the overall cooking time.
More rice recipes to try
If you tried this Basmati Rice recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
How To Cook Basmati Rice
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, bring the measured water to a boil, along with the salt. For every 1 cup of rice, use 2 cups of water and adjust the amount accordingly depending on the quantity of rice you are cooking.
- Once boiling, add the rice.
- Cover the bowl, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the pot for an additional 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published January 2024, updated and republished April 2025
