Imagine a world where rice does not exist.
It’s a scary thought, isn’t it?
For most of us, rice is a staple in our diet.
I’s versatile, cheap, and easy to make, but what if you don’t know how to cook rice?
Let’s suppose you have two cups of rice and you want to cook it.
How much water should you use?
So, how much water for 2 cups of rice?
The ideal water ratio to rice is two parts water to one part rice.
This means that if you’re cooking two cups of rice, you’ll need four cups of water.
This, of course, depends on the type of rice you’re cooking.
Long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, requires more water than short-grain rice, like sushi or arborio.
The cooking time will also vary depending on the type of rice you’re using.
For white rice, it should take about 18 minutes to cook, while brown rice will take a bit longer at around 30 minutes.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook rice perfectly every time, with the perfect water to rice ratio.
We’ll also give tips on what to do if your rice is too dry or mushy.
How Much Water goes in Rice
The water to rice ratio is important because excess water will make the rice mushy, and too little water results in hard, dry rice.
The perfect ratio is two parts water to one part rice.
Therefore, if you’re cooking two cups of rice, you’ll need four cups of water.
However, the rice water ratio depends on the type of rice you’re cooking.
For example, basmati rice or jasmine rice needs less water than other types of rice, such as brown rice.
Basmati and jasmine rice only need one and a half parts water to one part rice.
So, if you’re cooking two cups of basmati or jasmine rice, you’ll only need three cups of water.
On the other hand, brown rice or wild rice needs more water than other types of rice.
Brown rice should be cooked with two and a half parts water to one part rice.
Therefore, if you’re cooking two cups of brown rice, you’ll need five cups of water.
The table below shows how the ratio of water to rice varies depending on the type of rice.
| Type of Rice | Rice (Cups) | Water (Cups) | Simmer Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 1 | 2 | 18-20 |
| Wild rice | 1 | 2 | 45-50 |
| Basmati rice | 1 | 1½ | 15-20 |
| Brown rice | 1 | 2½ | 40-50 |
| Parboiled rice | 1 | 2 | 20-25 |
| Short-grain white rice | 1 | 1¼ | 15 |
| Jasmine rice | 1 | 1¾ | 15-20 |
| Medium-grain white rice | 1 | 1½ | 15 |
| Sushi rice (Calrose) | 1 | 1⅓ | 18-20 |
How to Cook Rice
You can cook rice in varied ways, depending on your preference.
The most common method is to cook rice in a pot on the stove.
Another popular method is to cook rice in a rice cooker.
Cooking Rice on the Stovetop
In this example, we’ll show you how to cook rice on the stove.
The long-grain rice we’ll be using has a two-to-one water-to-rice ratio.
Prepare your rice by picking through and rinsing it several times.
Rinsing helps remove any dirt or debris clinging to the grains.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Butter
- Water
- Salt (optional).
Directions:
Step 1:
Rinse the rice several times to remove any dirt or debris.
It also softens the rice grains, making them cook evenly.
Strain the rice through a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2:
In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
You’ll need two cups of water for every cup of rice.
For this example, we’ll be cooking two cups of rice, so we’ll need four cups of water.
Add the butter to the pot.
Step 3:
Add the rice to the pot and stir it.
Make sure all of the grains are submerged in water.
Add salt, if desired.
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer for 18 minutes until the rice is tender and cooked through.
Step 4:
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for five minutes to absorb the remaining water.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then serve.
Fluffing helps separate the grains and gives the rice a light, fluffy texture.
How Do I Tell When Rice is Ready?
Perhaps the most important question is: how do you know when the rice is done?
Tasting it is the best way to tell.
After 18 minutes, remove the pot from heat and give the rice a taste.
If it’s tender and cooked through, it’s done.
If it’s still hard or crunchy, add more water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
What if my Rice is Too Dry?
If your rice turns out too dry, it likely means you didn’t add enough water.
The next time you make rice, use the correct water-to-rice ratio.
If you’re cooking two cups of rice, you’ll need four cups of water.
What if my Rice is Too Mushy?
Mushy rice arises from two things: you added too much water or didn’t cook the rice long enough.
If your rice is mushy, it’s best to start with the correct water-to-rice ratio.
Cook the rice for the recommended time or until it’s tender and cooked through.
Tips For Cooking Perfect Rice
Cover with a tight-fitting lid: This will help trap steam inside, cooking the rice evenly.
Don’t peek: Every time you lift the lid, steam escapes and can make your rice overcook or become dry.
Use a wooden spoon to fluff: A wooden spoon is gentle enough that it won’t break the grains.
Avoid overcooking the rice: A well-cooked grain of rice should be tender and cooked through but still retain a slight bite in the center.
Right-sized pot: Use a large enough pot so the rice can cook evenly without boiling over.
Simmer instead of boiling: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice is cooked.
Rest: Let the rice sit for five minutes after cooking to absorb the remaining water and allow the grains to settle.
How Can I Make Rice Taste Better?
Besides knowing how much water for a cup of rice, adding some flavors to your rice can make it more delicious.
Here are some tips:
- Add chicken or beef broth in place of water for extra flavor.
- Stir in sautéed onions, garlic, or other vegetables.
- Mix in a teaspoon of butter or olive oil.
- Stir in herbs or spices, such as curry powder, turmeric, or cumin.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds.
- Try using coconut milk instead of water for a richer flavor.
- For sweet rice, add in a little honey or brown sugar. You can also stir in dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.
How to Store Rice
Oftentimes, we make more rice in large batches than we need for one meal.
Luckily, rice is easy to store and can be reheated without losing its texture or flavor.
Leaving your rice at room temperature will only last a few hours before it goes bad.
The rice develops bacillus cereus bacteria, which can cause food poisoning.
To store rice, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
It will last for three to five days.
When you’re ready to eat it, reheat the rice on the stove or microwave until it’s steaming hot all the way through.
Do not reheat rice more than once.
If you have any leftover cooked rice, it’s best to freeze it within one to two hours of cooking.
Rice can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
When ready to eat, defrost the rice in the fridge overnight and reheat it until steaming hot.
How Much Water for 2 Cups of Rice FAQs
How many cups of cooked rice can I have from two cups?
The process of cooking rice typically yields about 50-60% of the original volume.
So, if you start with two cups of uncooked rice, you’ll end up with three to four cups of cooked rice.
Is it better to use more or less water when cooking rice?
It’s best to use the ratio listed on your rice package.
For white rice, the ratio is typically two parts water to one part rice.
For brown rice, the ratio is usually slightly higher at two and a half parts water to one part rice.
Can I cook rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook rice in the microwave.
Follow the package directions for cooking times and water ratios.
Microwave-safe containers with tight-fitting lids work best.
Why is my rice still hard after cooking?
If your rice is still hard after cooking, it could be because the pot wasn’t covered tightly or the heat wasn’t low enough.
Make sure to use a lid that fits snugly on the pot and simmer on low heat until fully cooked.
Conclusion
If you have been wondering how much water for 2 cups of rice, now you have a better idea.
The perfect ratio is two parts water to one part rice.
This will yield tender and cooked through rice that still has a slight bite in the center.
Use chicken or beef broth in place of water for extra flavor.
For sweet rice, add in a little honey or brown sugar.
You can also stir in dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries.
Store rice in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days or in the freezer for up to six months.
Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pan
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups steamed rice
- 1 cup kimchi chopped
- ¼ cup juice kimchi
- ¼ cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons gochujang
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil toasted
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds roasted
- 1 sheet seaweed roasted and shredded gim
Instructions
- Heat up a pan.
- Add the vegetable oil.
- Add the kimchi and stir fry for 1 minute.
- Add rice, kimchi juice, water, and gochujang.
- Stir all the ingredients together for about 7 minutes with a wooden spoon.
- Add sesame oil and remove from the heat.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onion, roasted gim, and sesame seeds.
- Serve right away
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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