Rice to Water Ratio for Rice Dishes, Rice Recipes, and to Cook Rice

Rice to Water Ratio

Rice to Water ratio is quite straightforward to determine.  The basic rule for rice to water ratio when you cook rice for rice dishes and rice recipes is to use about 1 ½  to 1 ¾  cups of water per cup of rice.  Brown rice takes more water than white rice.  Older rice takes more water than fresh rice. Any type of rice can usually be cooked on the stovetop. Brown rice, white rice, long-grain and short grain rice are all great to use in rice recipes and rice dishes.

 White Rice to Water Ratio

Use 1 ½ to 2 cups of water per cup of long-grain white rice. The fresher the rice the less water is needed. White rice usually takes 25 to 30 minutes to cook. Bring water to boil. Decrease heat. Cook until preferred softness.

 Brown Rice to Water Ratio

Use 2 cups of water per cup of long-grain brown rice. Brown rice usually takes 40 to 50 minutes to cook and requires more water to cook than white rice. Bring water to boil. Decrease heat. Cook until preferred softness.

 Short-grain Rice to Water Ratio

Use 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups of water per cup of short-grain rice. Short grain rice usually cooks faster than long grain rice. Short-grain rice usually can be cooked in 20 minutes. Bring water to boil. Decrease heat. Cook until preferred softness. 

One cup of uncooked rice will make about 3 cooks of cooked rice. Rice can be seasoned with about any type of seasoning and served with any type of food. The more water you use to cook rice the softer the rice will be.  If you need your rice to be firm use less water.  Decrease heat after water boils when you cook rice to prevent the rice from burning. Use a lid to keep steam in and help cook rice.  If rice is not done before water is gone, add additional water and cook longer.

Adding seasoning to the water when you cook rice will give your rice a nice flavor to be used as a side dish. If you cook a lot of rice consider buying a rice cooker.