Cooking basmati rice requires using the right ratio of rice to water for proper absorption and fluffy, separated grains. The amount of water needed depends on the cooking method. With basic stove top methods, you typically use 1 3/4 to 2 cups water per 1 cup basmati rice.
Quick Guide
For quick reference, here are the basic water ratios for cooking 1 cup of basmati rice:
- Stovetop (Absorption Method): 1 3/4 to 2 cups water per 1 cup rice
- Rice Cooker: 1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup rice
- Microwave: 2 cups water per 1 cup rice
The absorption method on the stovetop requires the most water because some will evaporate during the simmering process. Rice cookers and microwaves are more sealed environments, so less water is needed.
Stovetop Absorption Method
The traditional stovetop absorption method calls for using 1 3/4 to 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of basmati rice. Here is a simple recipe:
- Rinse 1 cup basmati rice in a mesh strainer or colander until the water runs clear.
- Add the rinsed rice and 1 3/4 to 2 cups water to a pot. The general ratio is 1 cup rice : 1 3/4 to 2 cups water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips for the Stovetop Method:
- Use a pot with a tight fitting lid to prevent excess evaporation.
- Make sure the heat is low once it reaches a boil to prevent boiling over.
- Resist lifting the lid frequently, which releases steam and results in a longer cook time.
- The rice is done when the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Rice Cooker
A rice cooker makes cooking basmati rice quick and easy. The ratio of rice to water is slightly less since a rice cooker is an enclosed environment with minimal evaporation.
For a rice cooker, the standard ratio is:
- 1 1/2 cups water per 1 cup rice
Steps for using a Rice Cooker:
- Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice until the water runs clear.
- Add rice and 1 1/2 cups water to rice cooker inner pot.
- Press cook. Allow rice cooker to complete full cook cycle, usually around 15-20 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve.
Tips for Using a Rice Cooker:
- No need to pre-soak rice when using a rice cooker.
- Use the provided rice cooker cup to accurately measure water.
- Do not lift the lid during the cook cycle.
- Allow rice cooker to complete full cook cycle before opening.
- Let rice rest 5-10 minutes after cooking, then fluff with fork.
Microwave
While not as common, you can cook basmati rice in the microwave in a pinch. Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
Microwave Ratio:
- 2 cups water per 1 cup rice
Microwave Rice Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe dish, combine 1 cup rinsed basmati rice with 2 cups water.
- Cover dish tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Cook on High power for 10 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips for Microwave Rice:
- Use a microwave-safe dish with a fitted lid to prevent splatters.
- Cook time may vary based on wattage. Check rice at 10 minutes.
- Letting it stand after cooking allows the rice to finish absorbing water.
- Add an extra minute or two if rice needs more time.
How to Adjust Water for More or Less Rice
If you need to adjust the recipe to make more or less than 1 cup of raw rice, here are some tips for adjusting the water:
Making a Larger Batch
- Maintain the same rice to water ratio in the chart below for larger servings.
- For example: For 3 cups of rice use 5 1/4 to 6 cups water (Stovetop Method)
| Rice | Stovetop Water | Rice Cooker Water | Microwave Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 3/4 to 2 cups | 1 1/2 cups | 2 cups |
| 2 cups | 3 1/2 to 4 cups | 3 cups | 4 cups |
| 3 cups | 5 1/4 to 6 cups | 4 1/2 cups | 6 cups |
| 4 cups | 7 to 8 cups | 6 cups | 8 cups |
Making a Smaller Batch
- For 1/2 cup rice use a minimum of 1 cup water (Stovetop)
- Add just enough water to keep rice submerged during cooking.
Tips for Cooking Basmati Rice
Follow these tips for fluffy, restaurant-quality basmati rice every time:
- Rinse Basmati Rice – Rinsing removes excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Use the Proper Rice to Water Ratio – The ratio ensures proper hydration and absorption.
- Bring Water to a Boil – Boiling helps evenly hydrate rice before reducing heat.
- Simmer Low – Low, even heat allows rice to absorb water without sticking.
- Keep Pot Covered – Covered pots trap steam to ensure grains cook through.
- Avoid Stirring – Stirring breaks grains, making rice sticky.
- Allow to Rest – A 5-10 minute rest allows rice to fully absorb moisture.
Common Reasons Basmati Rice Turns Out Badly
If your basmati rice doesn’t turn out properly, here are some common reasons why and how to fix them next time:
Mushy or Overcooked Rice
- Using too much water in ratio to rice
- Simmering too long after evaporation
- Leaving rice on ‘Keep Warm’ too long
Fix: Use correct rice to water ratios, watch pot closely once water is absorbed, and don’t leave rice on ‘Keep Warm’ over 15 minutes.
Undercooked Rice
- Not enough water for full absorption
- Removing from heat too soon
Fix: Make sure to use minimum water ratio per cups of rice and allow to fully cook through on low until water absorbed.
Sticky Clumped Rice
- Cooking on high heat once liquid absorbed
- Over-stirring rice while cooking
- Using too much water
Fix: Cook over low once liquid is absorbed, avoid stirring rice, and use correct rice to water ratios.
Dry, Separated Rice
- Cooking with too little water
- Removing from heat before absorption finished
- Forgetting to rest after cooking
Fix: Increase amount of water, always cook until water fully absorbed, and let rice rest 5-10 minutes before fluffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should basmati rice be rinsed?
Yes, rinsing basmati rice is recommended. Rinsing removes excess starch from the surface of the grains which helps prevent the rice from getting sticky or gummy when cooked. It also results in fluffier rice with nicely separated grains.
Can you reuse cooking water for basmati rice?
It is not recommended to reuse cooking water when making basmati rice. The starches released into the water while cooking can make rice gummy or sticky. For the best results, use fresh clean water each time.
Is it OK to stir basmati rice while cooking?
You should avoid stirring basmati rice during the cooking process. Stirring basmati rice causes the grains to break down and become sticky or mushy. Instead, simply let it simmer gently until the water is absorbed.
Can you cook basmati rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, rice cookers are a popular way to cook basmati rice. Use a 1:1 1/2 rice to water ratio and allow the rice cooker to complete its full cook cycle for perfectly cooked fluffy basmati rice.
How long does basmati rice last in the fridge?
Cooked basmati rice will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer term storage, rice can be frozen for 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion
Cooking basmati rice requires using the right amount of water for the cooking method. For stovetop, use 1 3/4 to 2 cups water per 1 cup rice. Rice cookers and microwaves need slightly less due to being more sealed environments. Absorption method on the stovetop requires more water since some evaporates. Following the proper rice to water ratios, bringing water to a boil, then simmering over low heat until fully absorbed results in light, fluffy basmati rice every time.
