How to Make Rice

Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world's population and is one of the oldest cultivated grains.

In this lesson, we will help you understand the basic anatomy of rice and how it is processed. You will also know how to identify different varieties of rice and how to store rice properly.

In the next lesson, we will teach you the first basic method for cooking rice.

Pilaf is one of the four main methods for cooking rice. Though many grains are also cooked using this method, in this lesson, we are going to focus on using rice, which is generally the most common.

Pilaf is very popular in Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines. The pilaf method is similar to the steaming method; however, the rice or grain is first sautéed, often with aromatics, before any liquid is added. For this reason, pilafs are highly flavorful. Pilafs frequently contain added ingredients, such as fish or meats, to create a more substantial meal.

In this lesson, you will learn how to make a basic pilaf. You will also learn how to enhance and flavor a basic pilaf to create many flavorful side dishes. Finally, you will learn how to properly add proteins to a pilaf to create hearty and delicious, one-pot meals.

For many cultures, cooking rice is a sacred and daily ritual. And when it comes to cooking rice, everyone has their own personal preference.

There are generally four different methods for cooking rice: steaming, boiling, pilaf and risotto, all of which produce very different results. Different methods often require specific types of rice to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

In this lesson, we will teach you how to properly steam and boil rice and when to rinse or soak it. You will learn about the proper ratio of liquid to rice when using various steaming methods. You will also learn how to vary the flavor of plain rice. Finally, you will learn why resting is important and how to prepare rice for serving.

By following just a few simple techniques, you will soon master the art of making flavorful and tender rice.

This instructional cooking video on Introduction to Rice Basics, is part of the Rouxbe Cooking School.

This cooking video is taken from the lesson on
Rice Basics.

This instructional cooking video on Resting & Serving Rice, is part of the Rouxbe Cooking School.

This cooking video is taken from the lesson on
Cooking Rice | Steaming & Boiling Methods.

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. You don't have to own a rice cooker to know how to cook rice. Just by using a pot, you can easily make your favorite rice recipe.

As good as rice is on its own, adding fresh ingredients such as cilantro or green onions will take any rice recipe to new flavor heights.

Fluffy white rice is cooked with coconut milk and finished with green onions, cilantro and crispy fried onions.

Delicate basmati is infused with cardamom and cumin seeds to create this flavorful and aromatic rice.

This Spanish-inspired pilaf is made with chicken, chorizo, tomato, saffron and garlic.

Chicken, rice and exotic spices, such as Aleppo pepper, star anise and turmeric, come together perfectly in this easy, inexpensive and highly-flavorful, one-pot meal.

Fluffy white rice infused with coconut milk and pandan leaves is easy to prepare and is a lovely, fragrant alternative to plain rice.

This tasty Mexican rice dish is cooked with tomatoes and chicken stock.

Simple and delicious steamed rice makes the perfect canvas for a variety of flavorful dishes.

If rice is a regular part of your diet, a rice cooker is an essential kitchen tool. You will see just how easy it is to cook any rice recipe.