CookAtlas

Ingredient guide

Rice

Rice feeds more people than any other grain. The two families that matter most at home are long-grain (basmati, jasmine, standard white rice — fluffy and separate) and short-grain (sushi, arborio — sticky and creamy). The right rice depends entirely on the dish.

Steamed rice bowl topped with sesame

Flavor & Texture

Neutral and slightly sweet, with aromatic varieties — jasmine and basmati — carrying delicate floral or nutty notes. Toasted rice develops a deeper, toasted flavor.

How to Choose

For stir-fries and sides, long-grain. For risotto, arborio or carnaroli. For sushi and rice bowls, short-grain. Brown rice keeps the bran and germ — chewier, nuttier, and more nutritious, with a longer cook time.

How to Store

Store dry rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place — it keeps for years. Cooked rice keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes well; reheat thoroughly.

How to Prepare

Rinse long-grain rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Use a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water for most white rice: boil, cover, simmer 15 minutes, then rest 10 minutes off the heat with the lid on. Fluff with a fork.

Ways to cook it

Cooking Methods

  • Boiling
  • Steaming
  • Pilaf (toasting in fat)
  • Risotto
  • Frying (day-old rice)

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Ingredient Substitutions

  • Quinoa
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Couscous
  • Barley

Put it to work

Popular Rice Recipes

Pairs well with

Related Ingredients

Good to know

Common Questions

Why is my rice sticky or mushy?

Usually too much water, or stirring during cooking. Use the 1:1.5 ratio, resist stirring, and rest covered off the heat before fluffing.

Should I rinse rice?

Yes, for most white rice — it washes away surface starch that makes rice gummy. Skip rinsing only for enriched or intentionally sticky rice.

Can I reheat rice safely?

Yes — cool it quickly and refrigerate within an hour, then reheat thoroughly to steaming hot. Never reheat rice more than once.