To make rice in a rice cooker, follow these steps:
- Measure the Rice
Use the measuring cup that comes with your rice cooker (usually about 3/4 cup per cup) to measure the amount of rice you want to cook. Each cup of dry rice typically yields about 2 servings
- Rinse the Rice (Optional but Recommended)
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky
- Add Rice and Water to the Cooker
Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add water according to the rice-to-water ratio. The standard ratio is 1:1 (one cup of rice to one cup of water) for most white rice varieties. Some rice cookers have water level markings inside the pot—fill water up to the line corresponding to the number of cups of rice added
- Add Salt (Optional)
You can add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of rice for flavor, then stir gently with a rice paddle
- Start Cooking
Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Use the appropriate setting if your cooker has options (e.g., "white rice," "quick cook," or "normal"). Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking to preserve steam and moisture
- Let It Rest
After the rice cooker signals that cooking is complete, let the rice sit with the lid closed for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows moisture to distribute evenly and improves texture
- Fluff and Serve
Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a rice paddle before serving
This method works well for long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain rice. Adjust water slightly if you prefer softer or firmer rice, but 1:1 is a good starting point for most white rice types
