How Do I Cook Rice?

Rice is a great source of energy and fiber. It is a staple ingredient all over the world such as in Asia, South America and in some parts of Africa. It is a versatile ingredient and can be used in savoury or sweet dishes. 

Storing raw rice 

  • In an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
  • If you want to avoid bugs, put it in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • To freeze rice, store in freezer bags and remove all air before sealing.
  • Read more here!

How to wash rice 

  • Wash your rice! 
  • Rice can be dusty and you can check for bugs. Otherwise your rice might get gluggy.

How to cook rice

Stovetop:

  • The ratio of rice and water in your pot is not a strict measurement.
  • Put your finger to touch the top of the rice, and the water should touch the line on your finger of your first knuckle.
  • For brown rice, you can soak your rice for 30mins - 1 hour. You can even mix different types of rice together!
  • Bring the rice to a full boil on a medium to high heat for 5 minutes, when the volume of the water meets the top of the rice, then turn the heat down low and put a lid on for 12 - 15mins to steam slowly.
  • After the time is up, turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 5 mins. Then turn the rice over with a spoon to fluff it up. Leave the rice for another 2 mins then enjoy!

Rice Cooker:

  • Combine equal amounts of washed rice with an equal amount of water.
  • This should be a 1:1 ratio! You can also use the finger method if you'd like.

Microwave:

  • Use a microwave safe bowl and a microwave safe lid with air holes, otherwise your lid will explode off.
  • The rice to water ratio should be 2:3, 2 parts rice and 3 parts water. 
  • Microwave on high for 5 mins, then 15 mins at 50% power. Then let the rice rest for 5 mins with the lid on. Enjoy!

Different varieties of rice 

3 types of rice: 

  • Long grain
  • Short grain 
  • Medium grain 

The best rice type depends on which dish you’re cooking or your rice preferences. 

Check out this site for more information!

RECIPES: Ingredients included in each recipe are oil, salt, pepper and potatoes! Extra ingredients are how many more ingredients are needed.

Stovetop Recipes

Cooking Rice on the Stovetop

It's a longer video but it's SUPER informative if you're not sure where to start!

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Garlic Fried Rice

Difficulty: 1/5 | Extra Ingredients: 1 | Time: 5 mins

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Kimchi Fried Rice

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra ingredients: 5-8 | Time: 10 mins

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Japanese Chicken Omurice

Difficulty: 3/5 | Extra Ingredients: 6-7 | Time: 30 mins

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Microwave Recipes

Cooking Rice in the Microwave

You don't need those instant packs anymore!

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Microwave "Fried" Rice

Difficulty: 1/5 | Extra Ingredients: 4 | Time: 10 mins

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Microwave Mushroom Risotto

Difficulty: 1/5 | Extra Ingredients: 7 | Time: 30 mins

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Microwave Jambalaya

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra Ingredients: 10 | Time: 10-30 mins

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Oven Recipes

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Difficulty: | Extra Ingredients: | Time:

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Baked Mexican Rice

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra Ingredients: 9 | Time: 40 mins | Needs blender

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Baked Rice Pudding

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra Ingredients: 7 | Time: 60 mins

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1 Pan Oven Baked Rice and Vegetables

Difficulty: 1/5 | Extra Ingredients: 10+ | Time: 60 mins

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Using up your old rice

Rice Pudding with Leftover Cooked Rice

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra Ingredients: 9 | Time: 30 mins

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Rice Fritters

Difficulty: 2/5 | Extra Ingredients: 6-8 | Time: 20 mins

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Easy Chicken & Rice Soup

Difficulty: 1/5 | Extra Ingredients: 8 | Time: 35 mins

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Leftover Rice Pakora

Difficulty: 3/5 | Extra Ingredients: 9 | Time: 20 mins

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If you have any recipes using rice that you would love to share, email foodhub.officer@arc.unsw.edu.au and we'll share it on our Facebook group UNSW Student Cooking & Eats and the Food Hub Community UNSW

Feel free to click the links to join them!