How To: Cook Rice

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Say good-bye to sticky rice, undercooked rice, or dry, overcooked rice: With the right technique, cooking rice perfectly is a snap.
What You Need
Measuring cup, water, saucepan with lid, salt, rice, wooden spoon, fork

Follow These Five Easy Steps

How To: Cook Rice Step 1
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1Boil water and add salt

Pour water (for every cup of rice, use 1 3/4 cups of water) into a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil. Mix 1 teaspoon salt into the water.

How To: Cook Rice Step 2
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2Pour in rice

Add it to the boiling water.

How To: Cook Rice Step 3
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3Stir once, or just enough to separate the rice

Use a wooden spoon to separate any clumps. Don’t over-stir: That can cause the rice to become sticky.

How To Cook Rice Step 4
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4Cover the pot and simmer

Be sure the lid fits tightly on the pot. Turn down the heat to its lowest setting. Let rice simmer for about 18 minutes, then remove from heat and allow the rice to steam in the pot for another 5 minutes.

How To: Cook Rice Step 5
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5Fluff rice with a fork

Just before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Tip: Don’t uncover the saucepan or stir the rice during cooking. If it’s done before you’re ready to serve it, place a folded towel over the saucepan, replace the lid, and set aside. The towel will absorb excess moisture and condensation, helping prevent overcooked and mushy rice.

How you would do it? Share your tips and techniques

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