Favorite Basmati Rice Recipe

5 from 1 vote

No more mushy rice! The trick to the fluffiest, most flavorful basmati rice is a touch of olive oil, the perfect water:rice ratio, the no rinse method, and proper steaming. This is the ultimate guide to your best basmati rice yet (so good you'll just want to eat it plain!)

Prep Time2

Cook Time12

Total Time14

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Diet:

Servings:

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp cumin seeds optional
1 cup dry basmati rice NOT rinsed*
1.5 cups water cool tap water works well
diced parsley/cilantro optional topping

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, add your olive oil over medium/high heat. Add your rice and water and give it a stir. Break up any rice clumps.
*For Indian-inspired basmati rice, add your olive oil with cumin seeds. Cook and stir until fragrant and toasted (~ 1 minute). Then add your rice/water. I love this type of rice for curries!
Once it starts simmering (bubbles forming) cover the rice with a snug-fitting lid.
Reduce the heat to low/med and let it cook for 12-14 minutes - without lifting the lid!
Once the time is up, check make sure the water is fully absorbed and place the lid back on. If it still looks wet, consider cooking for another 1-2 minutes (cooktop heat can vary).
Once water is fully absorbed, remove from heat (still covered) and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes-10 minutes.
Use a wooden paddle or wooden spoon to give the rice a little fluff. Optional - top with some diced parsley or cilantro for a pretty garnish. Enjoy right away!

Notes

Should basmati rice be rinsed?

I have been making basmati rice for years, and in my experience rinsing basmati rice leads to mushier, soggy rice because it throws off the water:rice ratio. Therefore, I do not recommend rinsing prior to cooking.

For the best 5-star basmati rice:

Be patient and let the rice steam after cooking for up to 10 minutes with the cover on. This creates that fluffy texture we all love!
Simmer your rice with olive oil (or even coconut oil for a different flavor). This really boosts the flavor of the rice!
Measure your water and rice accurately for the perfect water to rice ratio that is essentially fool-proof.
Cooking a bigger batch? You will likely need to cook your rice for longer (14-16 minutes).

Nutrition