Guide
How to Cook Rice Perfectly
Stovetop, Instant Pot, and rice cooker times for every type
Rice seems simple — until you end up with a mushy, sticky mess or hard, crunchy grains. The two variables that matter are the water ratio and the cook time, and they change for every type of rice. This guide covers every rice variety in Cook Lookup.
Universal Rice Rules
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
- Don't lift the lid during cooking. Steam is doing the work.
- After cooking, let rice rest (lid on) for 5–10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- For fluffier rice, toast it in oil or butter for 1–2 minutes before adding water.
- At altitude (5,000+ ft), add 2–4 extra minutes and slightly more water.
Cooking Times by Rice Type
White Rice
Long grain white rice
Rinse until water runs clear. 1:1.5 rice to water. Don't lift the lid.
Brown Rice
Long or short grain brown rice
Takes longer than white rice. 1:2 rice to water ratio. Nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
Wild Rice
True wild rice (not a blend)
Not actually rice — it's an aquatic grass. Done when kernels split open and curl. Nutty and chewy. Drains like pasta.