Simple Tips for Fluffy Rice Every Time
No more sticky, mushy, or burnt rice — just a few easy habits to fix it for good.
Easy, no-fuss tips to help you cook rice that comes out fluffy and separate every time, whether you're using a pot on the stove or a rice cooker.
If your rice always comes out sticky, mushy, or stuck to the bottom of the pot, you're not alone. The good news is that fixing it usually comes down to a few small habits.
Rinse the Rice First
Put your rice in a bowl or strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This washes off extra starch, which is the main reason rice turns out gummy.
Use the Right Amount of Water
For most white rice, the rule of thumb is one cup of rice to one and a half cups of water. Too much water makes it mushy, too little makes it dry and undercooked.
Don't Lift the Lid
Once your rice is simmering with the lid on, leave it alone. Every time you lift the lid, steam escapes, and that steam is what's cooking the rice evenly.
Let It Rest Before Serving
When the rice is done, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 to 10 minutes. This short rest lets the rice finish steaming and firms it up so it doesn't turn to mush when you fluff it.
Fluff, Don't Stir
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice from the bottom up, rather than stirring it around. Stirring mashes the grains together; fluffing keeps them light and separate.
Follow these five simple steps and you'll notice a real difference the very next time you make rice.