How Long to Cook Other Rice Types
Beyond common white and brown rice, many specialty varieties exist with different cooking times and water ratios.
How long to cook specialty rice types?
Specialty rice cooking times vary: Red rice 40-45 min, Purple rice 30-35 min, Bomba rice 18-20 min, Calrose 18-20 min. Water ratios vary by type. Most whole grain varieties take longer than white rice.
Specialty Rice Cooking Times
This guide covers the most popular specialty rice types with exact cooking times and water ratios.
| Rice Type | Cook Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rice | 40-45 min | 2½ cups per 1 cup rice | Simmer covered |
| Purple Rice | 30-35 min | 1¾ cups per 1 cup rice | Similar to black rice |
| Bomba Rice (Paella) | 18-20 min | 3 cups per 1 cup rice | Do not stir |
| Calrose Rice | 18-20 min | 1¼ cups per 1 cup rice | Medium grain |
| Carolina Gold Rice | 15-18 min | 1½ cups per 1 cup rice | Rinse well |
| Ponni Rice | 15-18 min | 2 cups per 1 cup rice | South Indian rice |
| Parboiled Rice | 20-25 min | 2 cups per 1 cup rice | Firmer texture |
| Short Grain Rice | 18-20 min | 1¼ cups per 1 cup rice | Sticky when cooked |
| Medium Grain Rice | 18-20 min | 1½ cups per 1 cup rice | Slightly sticky |
| Whole Grain Rice | 45-50 min | 2½ cups per 1 cup rice | Any whole grain variety |
How to Cook Red Rice
Red rice is a whole grain with the red bran layer intact. Rinse 1 cup rice, add 2½ cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 40-45 minutes until tender.
Red rice has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It pairs well with hearty dishes and salads. The red color comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in berries.
How to Cook Bomba Rice for Paella
Bomba rice is the traditional paella rice from Spain. It absorbs liquid without releasing starch, staying firm and separate. Use 3 cups stock per 1 cup rice.
Spread rice evenly in a wide pan. Add hot stock and do not stir during cooking. Cook 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. The crispy bottom layer (socarrat) is prized in authentic paella.
How to Cook Calrose Rice
Calrose is a medium grain rice developed in California. It is slightly sticky when cooked, making it ideal for sushi, poke bowls, and Asian dishes. Use 1¼ cups water per 1 cup rice.
Rinse calrose rice well to remove excess starch. Cook covered for 18-20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Understanding Rice Grain Sizes
- Short grain - Almost round, very sticky (sushi rice, arborio)
- Medium grain - Slightly shorter than long, moderately sticky (calrose, bomba)
- Long grain - 4-5x longer than wide, stays separate (basmati, jasmine)
Tips for Cooking Specialty Rice
- Check package instructions - Some brands have specific recommendations
- Rinse whole grain varieties - Removes surface starch and debris
- Soak for faster cooking - Whole grain rice benefits from 30-60 minute soak
- Use appropriate liquid - Stock adds flavor to bomba and specialty rice
- Adjust for altitude - High altitude requires more water and longer cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
Red rice takes 40-45 minutes on the stove with 2½ cups water per 1 cup rice. It is a whole grain rice with the bran intact, similar to brown rice cooking times.
Bomba rice for paella takes 18-20 minutes. Use 3 cups liquid per 1 cup rice. Do not stir during cooking - the socarrat (crispy bottom) is desirable.
Calrose rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove. Use 1¼ cups water per 1 cup rice. This medium grain rice is slightly sticky and commonly used for sushi.
Carolina gold rice takes 15-18 minutes with 1½ cups water per 1 cup rice. This heritage rice has a distinctive nutty flavor. Rinse well before cooking.
Ponni rice takes 15-18 minutes with 2 cups water per 1 cup rice. This South Indian rice variety is popular for everyday meals and absorbs flavors well.
Short grain rice is stickiest (sushi rice), medium grain is slightly sticky (calrose), and long grain stays separate (basmati). Cooking times are similar but water ratios differ.