Portuguese rice is the only rice recipe I’ll make, and it’s fool-proof. Seriously, there’s no messing up making rice this way! Learn how to cook perfect rice every time with this easy rice recipe.

Total Time: 40 mins

How to cook perfect rice: perfect rice in a pan

Once you try making Portuguese rice, you’ll make it this way all the time! Learn how to cook perfect rice the Portuguese way, on the stove, without fail.

This easy rice recipe takes just 30 minutes to cook and has the most amazing flavor and texture! It’s the best rice recipe I have ever tried for perfect, fluffy rice every time.

How to cook perfect rice: rice in a pan with green onions

If you are Portuguese, rice is a staple in your home. I grew up enjoying Portuguese cuisine, and especially Portuguese rice, almost every night of the week.

All of my friends loved my mom’s Portuguese rice and would tell me how different it is from regular American rice! At the time, I didn’t “get it”. It was only after trying instant rice at a friend’s house that I really understood: Portuguese rice is the best rice in the world!

Now, this is the only rice recipe I’ll make, and it’s fool-proof. Seriously, there’s no messing up making rice this way. My kids and their friends love this easy rice recipe just like I did growing up, and there’s a good reason for that!

I’ll let you in on a little secret: you won’t even touch this rice for the full 30 minutes that it’s cooking.

In fact, do not stir it until it is cooked! Put the lid on, and do not look at it again! This is the best way to cook rice. I even use it to make Teriyaki Bowls with Pulled Pork!

Portuguese Rice Ingredients

2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
4 cups of water
1 small onion, whole
2 chicken bouillon cubes or 2 Tbsp. powdered chicken bouillon
1 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter

The key to the incredible flavor of this white rice recipe is the chicken bouillon and the onion. The flavors seep up into the rice as it cooks and makes every bite flavorful!

How to cook perfect rice: rice in a bowl with pulled pork and veggies on top

White Rice to Water Ratio – How much water for rice?

For perfect rice, use a 2-1 water for rice ratio. Therefore, for 2 cups of long grain rice, I use 4 cups of water.

How to Cook Perfect Rice: How to Cook Rice on the Stove

How to boil rice: bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add 1 small onion to the center of the pan.
Pour over 2 chicken bouillon and 1 tsp. salt.
Reduce heat to low and pour in the rice to surround the onion.
How to cook rice in a pot: Cover and do not touch (seriously, do not even think about touching it!) for approximately 30 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Remove and discard the onion.
Stir in 4 Tbsp. butter, serve, and enjoy your fluffy white rice recipe!

Stovetop rice really is that easy! There’s no need for a rice cooker or other appliance to make steamed rice. All you need to learn how to cook perfect rice every time is a pan and your stove!

Easy rice recipes like this one are perfect for topping with your favorite foods or serving as a side. I also love enjoying this rice as-is! It’s that delicious. Once you know how to make rice like Portuguese rice, you’ll want to use it for so many recipes!

How long does rice take to cook?

One of the biggest questions I get about my Portuguese rice is how long to cook rice on the stove. The good news is, cooking rice on stove is easy to do and really doesn’t take very long!

It will take just 30 minutes for your perfect stovetop rice to completely cook.

You can even make my perfect rice in the Instant Pot – try my Instant Pot White Rice recipe!

How long does cooked rice last?

You can keep cooked white rice in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. I recommend pairing it with other recipes if you find you made too much, but trust me – it’s so delicious, it won’t last that long!

How to Reheat Rice

To reheat your rice, add it to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or so.

I find adding a little extra liquid when reheating rice is important, so you can add either a little extra butter or just a bit of water. Cover the container with a paper towel when reheating.

Perfect fluffy rice in a pan - how to cook perfect rice

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