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By HowLongToCookRice.com Editorial Team

How Long to Cook Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice known for its high starch content. This creates the creamy texture in risotto.

Quick Answer

How long to cook arborio rice?

Arborio rice takes 18-20 minutes for risotto with gradual broth addition, or 20-25 minutes when cooked like regular rice. Use 3:1 broth ratio for risotto, 2:1 water ratio for absorption method.

18-20 minutes (risotto)
3:1 broth

Arborio Rice Cooking Times

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice known for its high starch content. This creates the creamy texture in risotto. You can cook it traditionally or like regular rice.

Arborio rice cooking times by method
MethodCooking TimeWater RatioNotes
Risotto (Stove)18-20 min3:1 brothAdd liquid gradually, stir constantly
Like Regular Rice20-25 min1:2Absorption method, covered
Instant Pot6 min + NPR1:2.5Use risotto or manual setting
Rice Cooker30-35 min1:2Porridge setting works best
In Soup20-25 minAdd to soupThickens soup, add near end

How Long to Cook Arborio Rice for Risotto?

Arborio rice takes 18-20 minutes for risotto. The traditional method requires attention but creates the creamiest result.

Classic Risotto Method:

  1. Toast 1 cup arborio rice in butter 2 minutes
  2. Add 0.5 cup white wine, stir until absorbed
  3. Add warm broth one ladle at a time
  4. Stir constantly, wait for absorption before adding more
  5. Continue for 18-20 minutes until creamy
  6. Rice should be al dente (slightly firm center)
  7. Finish with butter and parmesan off heat

How Long to Cook Arborio Rice Like Regular Rice?

Arborio rice takes 20-25 minutes when cooked using the absorption method, like regular rice.

  • Use 1:2 rice to water ratio
  • Bring to boil, stir once
  • Cover and reduce to low
  • Simmer 20-25 minutes
  • Result is softer and creamier than long grain rice

How Long to Cook Arborio Rice in Soup?

Arborio rice takes 20-25 minutes in soup and will thicken the broth naturally.

  • Add rice to simmering soup
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
  • Rice releases starch, thickening soup
  • Add near end of cooking if you want rice intact

Frequently Asked Questions

Arborio rice takes 18-20 minutes to cook for risotto. Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. The rice is done when creamy but still slightly firm in the center (al dente).

Arborio rice takes 20-25 minutes when cooked like regular rice. Use 1:2 rice to water ratio. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer on low. It will be softer and creamier than regular rice.

Risotto rice takes 18-20 minutes total. Toast rice in butter 2 minutes, add wine, then add warm broth gradually while stirring. Total active cooking time is about 20 minutes.

Arborio rice takes 20-25 minutes in soup. Add it to simmering soup and cook until tender. The starch will thicken your soup naturally. Add rice near the end of soup cooking.

Arborio rice takes 6 minutes in an Instant Pot on high pressure with natural release. Use 1:2.5 liquid ratio. Sauté onions and toast rice first for best risotto results.

Yes, arborio rice takes 30-35 minutes in a rice cooker. Use the porridge setting if available. The result will be creamier than traditional risotto but still delicious.

Compare Rice Types

Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.

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