How Long to Cook White Rice
White rice is the most common rice type and cooks faster than brown rice. Learn exact cooking times for every method from stovetop to Instant Pot.
How long to cook white rice?
White rice takes 18 minutes on the stove with a 1:1.5 water ratio. In a rice cooker, it takes 25-35 minutes. In an Instant Pot, cook 4 minutes at high pressure plus 10 minutes natural release.
White Rice Cooking Times by Method
White rice cooks faster than brown rice because the bran layer is removed. Choose your method based on time and equipment available.
| Method | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | 18 minutes | 1:1.5 | Low heat, covered |
| Rice Cooker | 25-35 minutes | 1:1.5 | Auto shutoff |
| Instant Pot | 4 min + 10 min NPR | 1:1 | High pressure |
| Microwave | 12-15 minutes | 1:2 | Medium-high power |
| Slow Cooker | 2-3 hours (high) | 1:2 | Covered |
| Oven | 45-60 minutes | 1:2 | 350°F, covered |
| Steamer | 25-30 minutes | Soak first | Electric steamer |
How Long to Cook Long Grain White Rice?
Long grain white rice takes 18 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.75 cups water. Long grain rice stays fluffy with separate grains. Best for pilafs, side dishes, and fried rice.
Long grain rice is 4-5 times longer than it is wide. It has less starch than short grain, so it does not stick together. Popular varieties include regular long grain and Carolina rice.
How Long to Cook Short Grain White Rice?
Short grain white rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water. Short grain is stickier and clumps together. Best for sushi, rice balls, and desserts.
Short grain rice is almost round. It has more starch which makes it sticky. Sushi rice and Arborio are short grain varieties.
How Long to Cook White Rice by Quantity?
Cooking time stays mostly the same regardless of quantity. Water ratio stays constant. Use the right size pot for the amount you are cooking.
| Rice Amount | Water Amount | Yield | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1.5 cups | 3 cups cooked | 18 minutes |
| 2 cups | 3 cups | 6 cups cooked | 18-20 minutes |
| 3 cups | 4.5 cups | 9 cups cooked | 20 minutes |
How Long to Cook White Rice in a Pot?
White rice takes 18 minutes in a pot on the stove. Bring water to boil, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover with tight lid, and simmer 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. After 18 minutes, remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes covered. Fluff with fork before serving.
How Long to Cook White Rice in Soup?
White rice takes 18-20 minutes to cook in soup. Add uncooked rice when soup has 20 minutes left. Rice absorbs liquid and thickens soup. Use less rice than you think - it expands significantly.
For chicken soup, add 1/4 cup rice per serving. Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to bottom. Rice continues absorbing liquid even after cooking.
Tips for Perfect White Rice
- Rinse before cooking. Removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Use correct water ratio. Too much water makes mushy rice. Too little makes hard rice.
- Do not lift lid. Steam escapes and affects cooking. Trust the process.
- Let it rest. 5 minutes resting after cooking lets moisture distribute evenly.
- Fluff with fork. Gently separate grains. Do not stir or mash.
Frequently Asked Questions
White rice takes 18 minutes on the stove, 25-35 minutes in a rice cooker, and 4 minutes plus 10 minutes release in an Instant Pot. Time varies by method but white rice is always the fastest rice type to cook.
One cup of white rice takes 18 minutes on the stove with 1.5 cups water. It yields about 3 cups cooked rice, enough for 2-3 servings. Cooking time stays the same for 1-3 cups.
Two cups of white rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove with 3 cups water. Larger amounts may need 1-2 extra minutes. The rice to water ratio stays the same at 1:1.5.
Long grain white rice stays fluffy and separate. Short grain is stickier and clumps together. Both take the same time to cook. Long grain is best for pilafs, short grain for sushi.
White rice takes 18-20 minutes to cook in soup. Add rice when soup has 20 minutes left. Use slightly less liquid since soup already has broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Yes, rinse white rice 2-3 times until water runs clear. Rinsing removes surface starch and prevents gummy, sticky rice. This step takes 30 seconds and improves texture significantly.
Compare Rice Types
Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.