Rice and grains
How to Cook Basmati Rice the Proper Way
Basmati rice prepared the authentic way with detailed steps. Everyone wants perfectly cooked, restaurant-style rice — here’s a reliable method suitable for many dishes.
Perfect basmati rice with this recipe
Ingredients
Start here, then move straight into the method.
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- a knob of butter
- For more of Fatima’s Gulf kitchen recipes, see: Smoked Chicken with Rice
- To make Fatima’s Saudi kabsa, see: Saudi Kabsa
Method
Follow the cooking sequence without leaving the page.
- Step 1: Rinse the rice with cold water. This step is important to remove dirt and starch and to prevent the grains from sticking together during cooking.
- Step 2: Soak the rice so it won't require a long time during cooking and will cook evenly. Soak it in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.Timers: 20 min
- Step 3: Drain the rice well after soaking. Leave it in the colander for about 5 minutes to preserve the shape and texture of each grain after parboiling.Timers: 5 min
- Step 4: Put the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the rice. Stir gently, then add the water, salt, and lemon juice to enhance the rice's color so it becomes bright white.
- When the water boils, add a piece of butter and cover the pot. You can place a cloth specifically for rice under the lid.
- Leave the rice on very low heat for 17 minutes until it is cooked.Timers: 17 min
- Step 5: After the time has passed, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes without stirring so the grains do not stick together and to preserve the rice's texture.Timers: 10 min
- Finally, serve the basmati rice cooked the proper way. You can also make it with vermicelli if you prefer.
- Fatima Zahwi Ghamloush
- For more recipes from Fatima's Gulf kitchen, here's the link: Smoked chicken with rice
- To make Fatima's Saudi Kabsa as well, here's the link: Saudi Kabsa
Recipe tags
Rice and grainsGulfVegetarianGluten freeNut freeEgg free
Notes and serving ideas
- Smoked Chicken with Rice
- Saudi Kabsa
