How to Cook Basmati Rice

Long grain rice cooks perfectly using this quick and easy method! Here’s how to cook basmati rice (both brown and white).

Long grain basmati rice is perfect for serving with curry or grain bowls. But what’s the best way to cook it? Alex and I have stumbled on the perfect way: it’s called the pasta method for cooking rice. Wait, pasta? We’re cooking rice here, right? We promise: your basmati rice will come out perfectly. And brown rice cooks in almost half the time! Ready for all our secrets? Let’s go.

Got a pressure cooker? You can also make Instant Pot Basmati Rice.

How to cook basmati rice: a tutorial

The Pasta Method for cooking rice means cooking rice like you would pasta. That is: boiling a pot of water, then cooking the rice at a boil and draining it. Most standard methods of cooking rice you simmer the rice with water until it’s all absorbed. But this way, it’s easier to end up with crunchy or soggy rice. The Pasta Method makes long grain basmati rice come out light and fluffy every time! Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Rinse the rice.

Use a strainer to rinse the rice in cold water, then drain it. Is rinsing rice really required? Well, rinsing can remove surface starch on the grains, which can cause the rice to clump together or get gummy. (Full disclosure: we’ve also made this recipe without rinsing and it still works great! So if you’re feeling lazy…) Here’s more about Rinsing Rice.

Step 2: Boil water, then add rice. Boil 10 minutes (white) to 20 minutes (brown).

In a saucepan over high heat, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and stir. Then continue to boil uncovered, bubbling rapidly. You’ll cook for 9 to 12 minutes for white rice or 18 to 25 minutes for brown rice. At the earliest time, taste a grain of rice. If it is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Then pour the rice into the strainer.

Step 3: Allow the rice to steam.

Return the rice to the pot and cover it. Steam for 5 minutes, then uncover and fluff it with a fork. Add kosher salt and it’s ready to serve! That’s it: all you need to know about how to cook basmati rice!

Is brown basmati rice healthier than white rice?

Now, if you’re like us you might be wondering: is brown rice healthier than white? Is it better to make that for my meals: and is it worth the time investment? Great question! Calorie-wise, brown and white rice are very similar. Brown rice actually has more calories than white rice, about 216 calories per 1 cup vs. about 200 calories for white rice.

However, brown rice is packed with more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In the processing of rice, white rice has its hull, bran and germ removed: those are the parts with the most nutrients. Brown rice keeps these nutrients, since it only has the hull removed. It also has more fiber than white rice. So, if you have the time to cook it, brown rice is a great choice!

Want more? Go to Brown Rice vs White Rice or Basmati vs Jasmine Rice.

Recipes using basmati rice

Chances are if you’re making basmati rice, you already have an idea on how to serve it. But if you’re looking for rice recipes, here are some of our favorite ways to eat it:

• Chickpea Curry: This chickpea curry is a seriously easy weeknight dinner that’s full of big flavor.
• Quick Coconut Lentil Curry: This lentil curry is packed with protein and swirled with coconut milk.
• Coconut Cauliflower Curry: One of our top fan favorite recipes, this curry is loaded with cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
• Healthy Rice Bowls with Fried Egg: Rice isn’t just for curry! This rice bowl features colorful sauteed veggies and is topped with a fried egg.
• Need more? See 58 creative rice recipes.

This basmati rice recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

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