How to Cook Instant Rice

Co-authored by JoAnna Minneci

Last Updated: October 14, 2022

Rice can be a delicious side dish or key ingredient in casseroles, soups, and stews. Unfortunately, making a perfect pot of rice can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. If you're tired of waiting 20 minutes or more for a pot, instant rice is the ideal alternative. The rice is precooked, so you only have to cook it for a few minutes for perfect taste and texture. Instant rice is available in both white and brown varieties, and you can choose between stove-top or microwave preparation to make a tasty, warm bowl.

Ingredients

1 cup (200 g) white or brown instant rice, uncooked
1 cup (237 ml) water
Butter and salt (optional)

Makes 2 servings

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Instant White Rice on the Stove

1
Bring the water to a boil. Pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water into a medium pot, and place it on the stove over high heat. Allow the water to come to a full boil, which should take approximately 5 minutes.^{[1]
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- A 2-quart (1.9 l) pot is usually a good size for 1 cup (200 g) of rice.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken or vegetable stock for the water to give the rice added flavor. You can also add in a bay leaf or 2.
2
Stir in the rice. Once the rice has reached a boil, add 1 cup (200 g) instant white rice to the pot. Mix well to ensure that the rice is thoroughly moistened.
- If you like, you can also add a tablespoon (14 g) of butter or margarine and salt to taste to the pot when you mix in the rice.
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3
Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. When the rice is mixed with the boiling water, place the lid on the pot. Take it off the heat, and place it on a heatproof surface.
4
Let the rice sit for several minutes. Once it’s off the heat, allow the rice to steep in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. The rice should fully absorb the water, so it may take a couple of minutes longer.
- Don’t take the lid off the pot before the rice has sat for at least 5 minutes. You want to keep the steam trapped inside.
5
Uncover the pot and fluff the rice with a fork. When the rice has absorbed all of the water, take the lid off. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice to help it get the right texture.
6
Serve while the rice is still hot. When the rice is fluffy, carefully transfer it to a dish or bowl. Bring it to the table while it’s still warm and enjoy.
- You can also use the rice in any recipe that calls for cooked white rice.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing Instant Brown Rice

1
Bring the water to a boil. Add 1 cup (237 ml) of water to a medium sized pot. Heat the pot on the stove over high heat until it comes to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.^{[2]
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Research source}
- A 2-quart (1.9 l) pot usually works well for two servings of rice.
- You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water if you prefer.
2
Stir in the rice and bring the mixture back to a boil. When the water reaches a boil, add 1 cup (200 g) of instant brown rice. Mix it in well, and allow the mixture to cook until it returns to a boil, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.
- If you like, you can add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter or margarine and salt to taste when you mix in the rice to add some flavor.
3
Lower the heat and simmer the rice for several minutes. When the rice mixture is boiling again, reduce the heat to low. Place the lid on the pot, and allow the rice to simmer for 5 minutes.
4
Remove the rice from the heat and stir. Once the rice is finished simmering, take the pot off the stove. Stir the rice well with a spoon.
5
Cover the pot again and let the rice stand for several minutes. Place the lid back on the pot to trap the steam. Allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed.
6
Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy. When the water is absorbed, use a fork to stir through the rice and fluff it. Transfer the rice to a bowl, and serve it while it’s still warm.
- You can use the rice in any recipe that calls for cooked brown rice.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Microwaving Instant Rice

1
Combine the rice and water in a bowl. Add 1 cup (200 g) of instant white or brown rice to a large microwave-safe bowl. Pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water over the rice, and stir briefly to combine.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Rice expands while cooking so be sure to use a large bowl even if the uncooked rice and water don’t seem to fill it.
- You can substitute chicken or vegetable stock for the water if you prefer.
- You can also add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter or margarine and salt to taste to the water and rice for added flavor.
2
Cover the bowl and microwave the mixture for several minutes. Place a microwave-safe lid or piece of paper towel over the bowl, and heat it in the microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes, depending on the type of rice used.
- White instant rice usually requires 6 minutes of heating.
- Brown instant rice usually requires 7 minutes of heating.
3
Remove the rice from the microwave and let it to stand. When the rice is finished heating, take the bowl out of microwave. Leave the cover on the bowl, and allow it sit for 5 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
4
Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy. Once the water is absorbed, remove the cover from the bowl. Use a fork to lightly fluff the rice, and serve it while it’s still warm.
- You can use the rice in any recipe that calls for cooked rice.