Name: How to Microwave Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Basmati Rice; 2 Cups Water; Salt

Ingredients

1 Cup Basmati Rice
2 Cups Water
Salt

Quick Summary

To microwave white rice, place 1 cup of rice in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups of water. Cover then microwave on high at 900w for 12-15 minutes. Leave for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Method

Step 1: Rinse Rice

Place 1 cup of basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2: Soak

For fluffier rice, soak the rinsed rice in fresh water for about 15-30 minutes. Then drain. This step is optional as it does take some extra time but if you want the best rice you’ve ever had then soaking it is a must!

Step 3: Microwave

Combine the rinsed and drained rice with 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. For instant flavour, add a pinch of salt. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Ensure there’s a small vent for steam to escape.

Water and rice in a glass bowl covered with cling film

Microwave on high for about 12-15 minutes. The timing can vary slightly based on your microwave and the amount of rice you’re cooking.

These timings are based on a 900w microwave. You’ll need to check the rice after 12 minutes if you’re using a higher-wattage microwave and will need to wait at least 15 minutes if you’re using a lower-wattage one.

Step 4: Wait

After microwaving, let the rice sit covered for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking in its steam.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve while still steaming hot.

Microwaved basmati rice on a black plate

Tweaks

Add Spices It’s easy to add plenty of flavour to the rice by adding some spices as it cooks. A cinnamon stick, a few cardamon pods, a handful of cloves or a bay leaf will all add plenty of flavour with little effort.
Cook in Stock Instead of using water to cook the rice, use stock! It will instantly add flavour to the rice without needing any extra effort on your part.

Substitutes

Use Brown Rice Swap the white rice out for brown rice for a more nutritious side. You will need an extra half a cup of water and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time.
Use Risotto Rice Risotto rice can be cooked in a similar way but you will need to use 2.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice and you’ll want to cook it for around 20 minutes.

Storage

In the Fridge To store cooked basmati rice in the fridge, let it cool to room temperature first, then put it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before eating.

In the Freezer To freeze cooked basmati rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen, adding some water to avoid drying out.

Other Types

How to Microwave Brown Rice

Mix 1 cup of brown rice with 2 1/4 cups of water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover then microwave on high for a total of 30 minutes. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

How to Microwave Jasmine Rice

Combine 1 cup of jasmine rice with 1 1/2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.

How to Microwave Wild Rice

Mix 1 cup of wild rice with 3 cups of water in a microwaveable dish. Microwave on high for 35 minutes. Allow it to stand for a few minutes before checking the texture and serving.

How to Microwave Arborio Rice

In a microwave-safe dish, blend 1 cup of Arborio rice with 2 1/2 cups of water. Cover and microwave on high for 25 minutes. Let it stand for a few minutes before stirring and serving.

FAQs

How Do You Reheat Rice in the Microwave?

Spread the rice out on a microwave-safe dish to break up any clumps. Sprinkle a bit of water over it to add moisture. Cover the dish then microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until it’s heated through. Always check the temperature to make sure it’s hot throughout before consuming.

What is the Ratio of Water to Rice in the Microwave?

The ratio of water to rice differs depending on the type of rice. For white basmati rice you will want to use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.

How Do You Add Flavour to Microwave Rice?

Adding flavour to microwave rice couldn’t be easier. Firstly, you can cook it in stock to instantly infuse it with flavour. Cooking it with herbs and spices will also help. Once cooked, garnish it with sesame seeds, fresh coriander or sliced spring onions for more flavour.

Tips

Add Lemon Juice A quick squeeze of lemon juice in the water can prevent the rice grains from clumping together and becoming sticky – unless that’s what you’re going for, of course!

Add Oil or Butter Add a small amount of oil or a knob of butter to the rice before cooking. This not only adds flavour but also contributes to a non-sticky texture. It coats the grains lightly, ensuring they don’t clump.

Undercook for Other Dishes If you plan to use the rice as a base for fried rice or another dish where it will be cooked again, slightly undercook it in the microwave. It should be just tender, not fully soft. This way, it won’t turn mushy when you cook it further.

Avoid Fluffing with Spoons Always use a fork, not a spoon, to fluff your cooked rice. This helps in separating the grains without squashing them, maintaining the integrity of each grain.