Soft, Fluffy, Perfect and FAST! Perfect microwave rice is in your reach in just minutes! Besides, this is microwave rice WITHOUT a rice cooker!
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast
- Easy
- Cheap
- Uses stuff you already have at home!
Here’s How It’s Done
STEP 1.
Wash the rice and then drain.
STEP 2.
Add the water and rice to the bowl.
STEP 3.
Add the butter, salt and pepper
STEP 4.
Cover with a saucer (or plastic wrap).
STEP 5.
Microwave for 9 minutes, allow to rest with the lid on for 3 minutes.
STEP 6.
Fluff with a fork
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How To Microwave Rice.
Wash rice by rinsing three times, drain. Place 1 Cup washed rice into microwave bowl with 2 Cups of water. Add 1 tbs butter, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Microwave rice, covered (saucer or plastic wrap) for 9 minutes, rest for 3 minutes, fluff rice with a fork.
If you are looking for a fast rice that's perfect every time, my instant minute rice recipe is easy too! Try this How to cook minute rice on the stove recipe (instant).
Can You Cook Rice In The Microwave?
Yes, I Got Rice Cooking In The Microwave (right now) ~ Thanks Travis Tritt for the rice cooking in the microwave song! The perfect microwave rice recipe is upon you!
What If I Don’t Have a Microwave Rice Cooker?
No problem, if you have a bowl, you have a microwave rice cooker!
How Do I Make Rice In The Microwave?
Simple, you cook rice in the microwave by:
- Adding water to the rice
- Microwaving according to the recipe below. It’s so EASY!
What Types of Rice Can I Microwave?
These are the types of rice that work best for this method:
- Jasmine Rice
- Basmati
- Long Grain White Rice
Cooking Rice in the Microwave vs Microwave Rice Pouches
As far as I can tell, there are two main differences:
- Microwave Rice Pouches are WAY MORE EXPENSIVE for the amount of rice you get.
- Microwave Rice Pouches will burn the heck out of your fingers if you aren’t careful. Just sayin.
Can I Microwave Rice In a Bowl?
Sure Can! Keep reading for the instructions.
Why Do I Need To Rinse Rice First?
Won’t I be washing away the nutrients?
Nope.
Rice is harvested in such a way that it is impossible to wash it before packaging (washing would lead to probably mold).
Therefore, the rice you purchase is dusty and needs a rinse.
How Do I Wash Rice?
One of these two ways…
- Place rice in a kitchen strainer and run water over until the water runs clear
- Place rice in a bowl and pour water over 2-3 times pouring the water off each time and swishing the rice around in the bowl with your fingers.
How Much Water Do I Add to Rice to Microwave it?
In general, you can
add water to 1 inch above the level of the rice in your microwave bowl.
OR
the amount of water is about a 1:2 ratio.
So, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, then you will use 2 cups of water.
How To Microwave Rice
- Place Jasmine, Basmati or a Long Grain White Rice in a kitchen strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. Drain Well. OR. Put rice in a bowl and pour water over it 2-3 times swishing it and pouring it off as you go.
- After the rice is washed, add enough water so that the water covers the rice by 1 inch. (if you want to measure your rice, then measure out the rice you want and add double the amount of water).
- Add salt, pepper and butter.
- Cover with a saucer or piece of plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 9 minutes, then let rest for 3 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
PRO TIP: Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor!
How Can I Add MORE Flavor to My Microwave Rice?
There are many great flavorings that you can add to rice…
- Tomato Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Butter
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Italian Seasonings
- Fish Sauce
- Eggs
- Any and All Veggies - Carrots and Peas are particularly pretty.
How To Reheat Rice in the Microwave
To reheat...,
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the rice,
- cover with a saucer or piece of plastic wrap.
- Use a toothpick and poke a few holes in the plastic wrap.
- Heat for 1-2 minutes (depending on how much rice you are reheating and how powerful your microwave is).
- Repeat in 30 second intervals until heated like you want.
Be careful removing from the microwave, it might be HOT!
***Just be forewarned that if the rice sat out too long to begin with (more than 2 hours), you need to throw it away as it can harbor bacteria - but this is the same with all foods***
Is It Safe To Reheat Rice In The Microwave?
Yes, it is safe! Just use care and follow the instructions I give above.
How Long Is Rice Good For?
- A bag of rice from the grocery store should have an expiration date on it (rice lasts a long time, actually).
- Once cooked, your rice is good if kept refrigerated for about 5 days.
- Do not let rice sit out for more than 2 hours.
What Can I Serve With Microwave Rice?
Rice is Lovely with this Oven Baked Chicken or Pinto Beans or even Beanie Weenies!
Tips and Tricks for Microwave Rice
Tips and Tricks for Microwave Rice- Wash the rice well and then drain it well before adding the water that you will cook the rice in.
- Think about the ultimate flavor that you want for your dish and add some of the flavors while it is cooking if you can.
- You can make rice for just one person or two people, no problem! Just microwave the amount you want to eat. It puffs up to about twice the size.
- Consider eating sweet rice (that's how my husband from Virginia eats it), with sugar on top.
If You Enjoyed This Microwave Recipe, You Might Also Enjoy One of These Other Microwave Recipes….
How to Microwave Corn on the Cob
Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Or ANY of our Easy Comfort Foods!
Other Rice Recipes at Loaves and Dishes…
Restaurant Style Chicken Fried Rice
15 Minute Beef and Rice Corn Burrito
2 Ingredient Fast Holiday Rice
Zesty Chicken and Rice
YA’LL HELP ME OUT, OK?
Please leave me a comment and 5 STAR ( 🌟 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 ) review, I ALWAYS love to hear from you and your comments MAKE MY DAY! (Plus, it helps me out by letting everyone know that this is the place to find good recipes!)
Microwave Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Jasmine Basmati or Long Grain White Rice
- 2 Cups of Water plus extra for washing
- 1 Tbs Butter
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Place Jasmine, Basmati or a Long Grain White Rice in a kitchen strainer and rinse until the water runs clear. Drain Well. OPut rice in a bowl and pour water over it 2-3 times swishing it and pouring it off as you go.
- After the rice is washed, add enough water so that the water covers the rice by 1 inch. (if you want to measure your rice, then measure out the rice you want and add double the amount of water).
- Add salt, pepper and butter.
- Cover with a saucer or piece of plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 9 minutes, then let rest for 3 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
Notes
- To make your rice WITHOUT measuring the water, simply fill the bowl to one inch above the rice with water.
- Add more flavor to your rice by using chicken stock or chicken broth instead of water.
- You can add a lot more flavor to your rice by adding some garlic powder, onion powder, season all salt, tomato puree or a chicken bouillon cube.
Nutrition
Melissa says
I didn't have enough rice to drag out the IP nor the rice maker so I thought "Hm, what would Wendi do?" So here I found a new method to try and what a great time saver! This was almost perfect and my issue was likely user error. HOWEVER. I will continue to use this method when I only need a bit of rice - like a half cup cooked for stuffed peppers for example.
My rice was a bit dry after 9 minutes so I added 2 tbls water and nuked for another one minute and the 3 minute rest as directed - it was a nice toothsome texture.
Thank you Wendi - this was great!
Wendi Spraker says
Well that is just the sweetest thing. I'm glad you found what you needed!
Eva says
Do you think this methos wuld work with parboiles /converted rice ie Uncle Ben's?
Wendi Spraker says
Hi Eva, You can Microwave Uncle Bens rice. Do this: Add some butter to the rice and the appropriate amount of water (per package). Cover with lid or plastic wrap.Cook on High for the number of minutes explained on the back of the package. Reduce microwave heat to half power and cook for another 12-17 minutes stirring occasionally. Allow to stand for 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork.
Holly says
Why is cooking Uncle Ben's Rice different than your original recipe?
Wendi Spraker says
aggregate rating test message
Eva says
Thanks i will give it a try.