Fluffy White Rice Recipe
Make perfectly fluffy white rice with this easy Costa Rican recipe. Get all the tips you need for rice that’s cooked just right every time and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Rice Cooker Optional
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 ¼ cups boiling water
Instructions
- Add plenty of water to a bowl of raw rice. Gently stir to wash away the starches. Drain and repeat 2–3 times, until the water runs clear.
- Warm up a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and oil; cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn. Meanwhile, bring plenty of water to a boil.
- Add the rice, hot water, salt, and bay leaves. Give it a quick stir, then cover with a lid.
- Cook for 10 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the rice has absorbed the liquid. Do not uncover the lid during cooking.
- Gently stir the rice, taste it, and season according to your liking.
- Add no more than ¼ cup of water, then cover again with the lid. Cook for 10 more minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Notes
Notes
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to avoid excess moisture.
- Freeze cooked rice in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen—add a splash of water and cover to keep it fluffy.
- When reheating, add a few drops of water and cover to help restore moisture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute part or all of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.