You have come to the right place to learn how to cook basmati rice. Perfect fluffy plain rice is so simple to make when you know the correct rice to water ratio. We give you the water to rice ratio in UK grams and mls as well as the US measurements in cups. Tell you how much basmati rice per person to use and the cooking time needed for this rice absorption method. It is so easy when you know-how, you will never fail again! We also tell you how to flavour rice with spices and how to store cooked rice.
Prep Time2mins
Active Time15mins
Rest time5mins
Total Time22mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Indian, Thai
Keyword: fluffy rice, Plain Basmati Rice, rice absorption method, rice to water ratio, Side Dish, UK rice, water to rice ratio
Wash the rice in a seive until the water runs clear.
400 grams Basmati Rice
Place basmati rice into a heavy bottomed stainless steel pan. Pour in the measured COLD water (see notes for correct rice to water measurements)
625 ml Cold Water
Optional - If desired, flavour the rice depending on what you are serving it with?Indian - Cardamon pods, tumeric or cinnamonChinese - Star anise or 5 spiceItalian - Dried herbs
Bring to the boil with the lid off, this will take about 7 minutes.
Once it reaches the boil, stir, then turn the temperature to the lowest setting.
Put lid on and simmer for 8 minutes. DO NOT remove lid at any point, the steam needs to build up.
After 8 minutes turn off the heat. DO NOT remove lid.Leave to sit off the heat for 5 minutes with the lid still on to allow remaining steam to cook and any remaining water to soak into the rice. This is part of the cooking time do not be tempted to lift the lid!!
Ok permission to remove lid now! Use a fork to fluff up the perfectly cooked rice!
The rice is ready to serve straight away. See blog post for storage and reheating advice.
Video
Notes
Basmati rice to water ratio
Here is the correct measurement for rice to water. UK gram rice:water ml measurement1 person - 100 grams rice - 250 ml water2 people - 200 grams rice - 375 ml water4 people - 400 grams rice - 625 ml water6 people - 600 grams rice - 875 ml waterUS cup rice : water measurement1 person - ½ cup rice - 1 cup2 people - 1 cup rice - 1 ½ cups water4 people - 2 cups rice - 2 ½ cups water6 people - 3 cups rice - 3 ½ cups water
How much does rice weigh once cooked?
100 grams (½ cup) of uncooked rice will make about 200 grams (1 cup) once cooked which is a large serving for 1 person.