🥣 How to cook rice perfectly: tips and cooking times

Why bet on cooking rice 🍚

Rice is a staple in every pantry: versatile , economical, and satisfying, it adapts to every style of meal. Mastering rice cooking transforms this simple grain into a sublime side dish or the star of a main course. Fluffy rice, loose grains, and a mild flavor—it's the promise of a successful meal, from a weeknight to a grand feast.

The real secret? The right water/rice ratio and timings adapted to each variety. No more sticky or dry rice, you'll wow everyone! And as a bonus: tailored nutrition , batch cooking tips, and plenty of creative possibilities.

Please note : discover the different varieties (round, long, basmati, Thai, wholegrain, wild, etc.) and their history on Wikipedia or choose a local organic rice (e.g.: Camargue PGI rice ).

Ingredients & switch portions

Base for 4 people (side dish or main course) — adjust according to your table:

Easy substitutions : basmati, Thai, wholegrain, black, red rice, quinoa, millet, mixed grains . Herbs: onion, garlic, spices (turmeric, curry, cumin), lemon, fresh herbs. For more ideas, check out Neary's recipes !

Smart Closet Mode

Calories & Nutrition

Preparation: perfect cooking step by step

1. Rinse the rice : Pour the rice into a fine sieve, rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear.
   
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2. Measure the water : put the rice in a saucepan, add 2 volumes of cold water (600 ml for 300 g).
   
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3. Covered cooking : Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover. Cook until completely absorbed (~12 min).
   
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4. Rest & seasoning : Turn off the heat, let stand for 5 minutes with the lid closed. Add salt, olive oil, and bay leaf. Fluff with a fork.
5. Enjoy : Serve hot as a side dish, in a tuna rice salad or veggie bowl 🥗.

Variations for all tastes 🔥

Express : Microwave cooking (rice + water + microwave lid, 10 min at maximum power). Pilaf : Fry the rice in a little oil before adding the water for a milder taste. Aromatic : Add cardamom, lemongrass, lemon zest, and spices. Wholegrain/basmati rice : Adjust the time (see above). Veggie power : Add vegetables (peas, peas, carrots, green beans). For inspiration: See all Neary recipes !

Conservation & batch cooking

3 days in the fridge, in an airtight container. Batch tip : cook a large quantity, use in salads, woks, fried rice, or sushi bowls. Freeze OK (in portions), reheat in a steamer or microwave. Anti-waste : rice-vegetable pancakes, gratin, rice pudding (test with a Ninja ice cream machine ).

Service ideas and pairings

• Rice salad : tuna, corn, eggs, tomatoes, recipe here .
• As an accompaniment to grilled meats ( barbecue ideas ), fish, marinated tofu.
• Asian-style fried rice: vegetables, eggs, soy sauce, ginger.
• Healthy bowl: roasted vegetables, avocado, chickpeas, yogurt sauce.
• Gourmet rice pudding, fresh fruit, cinnamon.
• In makis, poke bowl, or homemade sushi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foolproof cooking tips

• 1 volume of rice to 2 volumes of water , always cold.
• Rinse until water runs clear for non-sticky grains.
• Do not stir during cooking, keep the lid closed.
• Leave to stand for 5 minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork.
• Add salt and olive oil at the end of cooking for optimal flavor.
• For fragrant rice, slip a bay leaf or lemon zest into the water.

Smart budget & sources

Organic rice : ~2 €/kg loose (or Camargue PGI rice ) ≈ 0.30 €/cooked portion. For accessory ideas: batch cooking , air fryer , multifunction robots .