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My Microwave Rice Recipe is the answer to perfectly cooked, fluffy rice when you're short on time! My method for cooking rice in the microwave is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side dish. It takes just 30 minutes total and the results speak for themselves!
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Rice in the Microwave
Growing up, my friends loved coming over for my mom's homemade Portuguese rice. They were always surprised at how tasty rice could be! It's a special memory for me and a favorite recipe of mine.
But I'm often busy and don't always have time to cook rice on the stove or even in the Instant Pot. That's when I turn to the microwave for a quick and simple side dish. It's so fast and easy!
Initially, I was hesitant about microwaving rice, but it won me over. The rice always comes out perfectly fluffy. All you have to do is put your rice in the microwave and let it do its thing! You'd be surprised how consistently excellent it is, making every meal better with so little effort.
Microwave White Rice Ingredients
- White Rice: You can use your favorite varieties of white rice, from long grain white rice, short grain white rice, and sushi rice, to basmati rice and jasmine rice. Microwave jasmine rice is especially delicious! See my Microwaving Rice FAQ below if you want to use brown rice.
- Water: As with any rice recipe, you will need cool water to cook rice in the microwave. You will also need it for rinsing the rice to remove excess starch.
How to Cook Rice in the Microwave
- Begin by placing the rice in a clean bowl. Fill the bowl with water and swish the rice around to rinse it. Carefully drain the water, making sure the rice stays in the bowl. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
- Transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Pour in 2¼ cups of cold water.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid to ensure even cooking. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes, then reduce the power to 50% and microwave for another 15 minutes.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the rice from the microwave. Let the rice sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. (Resist the urge to peek!)
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. If it's not quite done, microwave it for an additional minute. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with fresh vegetables or your favorite protein!
Microwaving Rice Tips
- Rinsing is key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Cover properly: Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a few holes poked into the vent. This allows steam to escape while keeping moisture in.
- Allow rice to rest: Let your rice sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in absorbing any remaining moisture, leading to fluffier rice.
- Fluff with a fork: After cooking, gently fluff the rice with a fork. This separates the grains without squashing them.
- Customize your rice: Enhance your rice by adding a bay leaf or a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest before cooking. You can also add a small amount of butter and stir it in after cooking.
- You can make perfect rice on the stove easily following my Fluffy Stovetop Rice recipe.
Storing and Reheating Microwave Rice
- Fridge: Allow the cooked rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the rice is hot and heated throughout.
What to Make with Leftover Rice
Microwaving Rice FAQ
Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time compared to white rice, so my recipe as written will not work for brown rice. However, you can still cook it in the microwave. Microwave 1 cup brown rice for 10 minutes at 100% power, then cover it with a microwave-safe lid and microwave for another 20 minutes at 50% power. Let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
I use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio when cooking in the microwave. This means 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice, which works well for most types of white rice.
You don't need a bulky, expensive rice cooker taking up space in your kitchen, nor do you have to watch a pot on the stove. A microwave is all you need for perfect rice every time! Try my microwave rice recipe and I guarantee you'll want to keep it on hand to use again!
Microwave Rice
Video
Equipment
- Microwave-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1½ cups white rice
- 2¼ cups water
Instructions
- Begin by placing the rice in a clean bowl. Fill the bowl with water and swish the rice around to rinse it. Carefully drain the water, making sure the rice stays in the bowl. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times until the water runs clear.1½ cups white rice
- Transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe dish.
- Pour in 2¼ cups of cold water.2¼ cups water
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid to ensure even cooking. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes, then reduce the power to 50% and microwave for another 15 minutes.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the rice from the microwave. Let the rice sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. (Resist the urge to peek!)
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. If it’s not quite done, microwave it for an additional minute. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with fresh vegetables or your favorite protein!
Notes
- Rinse rice well before cooking to remove starch and avoid clumps.
- Use a microwave-safe lid for even cooking.
- Let rice sit after cooking to absorb moisture for fluffier results.
- Fluff microwaved rice with a fork to separate grains.
- Enhance rice flavor with bay leaf, lemon peel, butter, or oil, and finish with salt.
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