How Long to Cook Rice on Stove
The stovetop method is the most common way to cook rice. Learn exact cooking times for white rice, brown rice, jasmine, and more. Compare to other methods like the rice cooker or Instant Pot.
How long to cook rice on stove?
White rice takes 18 minutes on the stove. Brown rice takes 45 minutes. Jasmine and basmati rice take 15 minutes. Use low heat with a covered pot after the water boils.
Rice Cooking Times on Stove
This table shows how long each rice type takes on the stovetop. Times start after water boils and heat is reduced to low.
| Rice Type | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 18 minutes | 1:1.5 | Low heat, covered |
| Brown Rice | 45 minutes | 1:2.5 | Low heat, covered |
| Jasmine Rice | 15 minutes | 1:1.5 | Low heat, covered |
| Basmati Rice | 15 minutes | 1:1.5 | Low heat, covered |
| Wild Rice | 45-60 minutes | 1:3 | Low heat, covered |
| Long Grain Rice | 18 minutes | 1:1.75 | Low heat, covered |
| Sticky Rice | 20-25 minutes | 1:1.25 | Low heat, covered |
| Sushi Rice | 20 minutes | 1:1.2 | Low heat, covered |
| Mexican Rice | 20-25 minutes | 1:2 | Medium heat, then low |
| Minute Rice | 5 minutes | 1:1 | Boil, then rest |
How Long to Cook White Rice on Stove?
White rice takes 18 minutes to cook on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Bring water to boil, add rice, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
White rice cooks fastest because the bran and germ are removed. Long grain white rice stays fluffy. Short grain white rice is stickier. Both take the same time to cook.
How Long to Cook Brown Rice on Stove?
Brown rice takes 45 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 2.5 cups water. The bran layer on brown rice needs more time and water to soften. Keep heat low and do not lift the lid.
Long grain brown rice stays separate. Short grain brown rice is chewier. Soaking brown rice for 30 minutes can reduce cooking time by 10 minutes.
How Long to Cook Jasmine Rice on Stove?
Jasmine rice takes 15 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Jasmine rice is naturally fragrant and slightly sticky. Rinse well to remove extra starch before cooking.
Thai jasmine rice has a soft, slightly clingy texture. It pairs well with curries and stir-fries. Do not overcook or it becomes mushy.
How Long to Cook Basmati Rice on Stove?
Basmati rice takes 15 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Basmati grains are long and thin. They stay separate and fluffy when cooked right.
Soaking basmati for 30 minutes before cooking helps grains elongate. This is traditional for biryani and pilaf dishes. Rinsing is essential to remove the starchy coating.
How Long to Cook Wild Rice on Stove?
Wild rice takes 45-60 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 3 cups water. Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not true rice. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Wild rice is done when grains split open and curl. Some prefer it more tender at 60 minutes. Check at 45 minutes and continue if needed.
How Long to Cook Rice on Stove by Quantity?
Cooking time stays mostly the same regardless of quantity. Larger amounts may need 1-2 extra minutes. Water ratio stays constant. Use a larger pot for bigger batches.
| Rice Amount | Water Amount | Servings | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1.5 cups | 2-3 servings | 18 minutes |
| 1.5 cups | 2.25 cups | 3-4 servings | 18 minutes |
| 2 cups | 3 cups | 4-6 servings | 18-20 minutes |
| 3 cups | 4.5 cups | 6-8 servings | 20 minutes |
| 4 cups | 6 cups | 8-10 servings | 20-22 minutes |
| 5 cups | 7.5 cups | 10-12 servings | 22 minutes |
Other Rice Types on Stove
Mexican Rice (20-25 minutes)
Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove. Toast the rice in oil first until golden. Add tomato sauce, broth, and spices. Simmer covered until liquid is absorbed.
Sticky Rice (20-25 minutes)
Sticky rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove after soaking. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Use 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water. Steam or cook on very low heat.
Sushi Rice (20 minutes)
Sushi rice takes 20 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.2 cups water. After cooking, season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while still warm.
Minute Rice (5 minutes)
Minute rice takes 5 minutes on the stove. It is precooked and dehydrated. Boil equal parts rice and water, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Black Rice (30-35 minutes)
Black rice takes 30-35 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 2 cups water. Also called forbidden rice, it has a nutty flavor and turns purple when cooked.
Arborio Rice (20-25 minutes)
Arborio rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove for risotto. Add broth gradually while stirring. This releases starch and creates a creamy texture.
Stove vs Other Cooking Methods
The stovetop is versatile but not always the fastest. Here's how it compares to other methods:
- Instant Pot: Faster at 4 min + 10 min release. Best for batch cooking.
- Rice Cooker: Similar time (25-35 min) but completely hands-off.
- Microwave: Faster at 12-15 min. Good for small portions.
- Oven: Takes longer (45 min) but great for large batches.
- Slow Cooker: 2-3 hours. Best when cooking rice with other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
White rice takes 18 minutes on the stove after water boils. Brown rice takes 45 minutes. Jasmine and basmati rice take 15 minutes. Always keep the lid on and use low heat after boiling.
Two cups of white rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove. Use 3 cups of water. Bring to boil, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer. Larger amounts may need 1-2 extra minutes.
Cooking rice without a lid is not recommended. Steam is needed to cook the grains evenly. Without a lid, water evaporates too fast and rice cooks unevenly. Always use a tight-fitting lid.
Rice is done when all water is absorbed and you see small holes on the surface. Tilt the pot slightly - no water should pool. Grains should be tender but not mushy. Let rest 5 minutes before fluffing.
Yes, rinse rice 2-3 times until water runs clear. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents sticky, clumpy rice. This step takes 30 seconds but makes a big difference in texture.
Mushy rice means too much water or cooking too long. Use exact measurements. Do not lift the lid while cooking. Remove from heat as soon as water is absorbed. Let it rest before serving.
Related Rice Cooking Guides
All methods for white rice
Complete brown rice guide
Thai jasmine rice guide
Automatic cooking guide
Pressure cooker method
Quick 12-15 minute method
Hands-off baking method
High pressure cooking