Nothing beats basmati rice when it comes to flavor! This aromatic long-grain rice variety has been a staple of Asian cooking for centuries, and it’s no mystery as to why. Nevertheless, you may be asking yourself: What’s the best method for cooking basmati? And what kinds of recipes are good to make with it? Luckily, Carolina® Rice has all the answers. So join us as we explore 5 easy ways to cook basmati rice and inspire you with a host of mouthwatering recipes guaranteed to produce spectacular meals.
Origins of Basmati Rice
The word “basmati” literally means “fragrant” in Sanskrit, which is a terrific way to describe its aromatic qualities. Basmati is a long-grain rice variety that’s famous for its fluffy yet consistent texture once cooked, making it a great choice for a wide variety of dishes. Some of the most prominent characteristics of basmati rice include:
- Long, slender grains that grow in length during the cooking process
- A unique nutty flavor that goes well with a number of popular rice dishes
- A light, fluffy texture, which distinguishes it from other rice varieties
- An enticing aroma that adds a gourmet touch to dishes
1: Cooking Basmati Rice on Stove
Firstly, let’s look at how you can prepare basmati rice with the traditional stovetop method. To begin with, you’re going to need Carolina® Basmati Rice, water, a pot with a tight-fitting lid, and a fork for fluffing.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to get rid of any excess starch. Boil water and add the rice. For basmati rice, the rice-to-water ratio is 1 ¾ cups of water per 1 cup of rice.
- Lower heat and simmer for roughly 20 minutes.
- Set aside to cool for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Now that we’ve brushed up on the finer points of the stovetop method, let’s dive into some recipes.
Basmati Rice Breakfast Meal
Maybe you’ve never given any thought to cooking rice for breakfast, but you will after you see this Breakfast Basmati Rice with Bananas recipe! An energy-boosting breakfast with a fruity twist, it’s perfect for when you’ve got a busy day ahead of you.
Fragrant Hawaiian Poke Bowl
For a simple yet tasty lunch with basmati, how about rustling up a poke bowl? Don’t fret if you don’t know any poke bowl recipes off the top of your head. This Poke Bowl with Avocado and Tuna is the perfect place to start. Loaded with nutritious ingredients like tuna, radish, avocado, and mango, it features a marvelous medley of ingredients. Best of all, you can rustle it up in just 20 minutes.
2: Using a Rice Cooker
Rice cookers are a convenient and efficient tool for preparing basmati rice, as they allow you to achieve consistent results with very little effort. It also helps to reduce the risk of overcooking or undercooking the rice. If you’d like to learn more about the rice cooker method, check out our guide on How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker.
Then, once you have the confidence to try using one for yourself, we’ve got just the recipe to get you started: Cilantro Lime and Saffron Basmati Rice recipe. Made with select herbs and fresh ingredients, this light and refreshing dish is a great opportunity to experience rice cooked in a rice cooker.
3: Using an Instant Pot
Much like the rice cooker, the Instant Pot is a handy kitchen appliance that offers a quick and easy way to cook basmati rice. This versatile device is popular for its efficiency and convenience, delivering perfect rice with minimal effort. If you’re the type of person who likes cooking rice recipes on a regular basis, you should certainly consider investing in one. Looking for the perfect recipe to cook with an Instant Pot? This Spicy Southwest Rice Salad is perfect. Made with peppers, corn, crumbly feta, black beans, and spicy salsa, it’s a hearty rice salad with a spicy kick.
4: Steaming Basmati Rice
Steaming basmati rice is a great way to make your rice come out fluffy and light. This method ensures that grains cook evenly while preserving their fragrant qualities as well as nutrients.
How to set up a steamer
For steaming basmati rice, you’ll need:
- A pot or large saucepan with a secure lid
- A special steaming basket or a heatproof plate
Start by filling the saucepan with water and boil before adding the rice. Steaming baskets allow steam to circulate freely around the rice, ensuring even cooking. Once you’re set up, follow these simple steps:
- Rinsing: Before steaming, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Preparing the Rice: Place the rinsed basmati rice in the steaming basket or on the heatproof plate. Spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Cover: Cover the basket or plate with a lid. This will trap steam and help the rice cook evenly.
- Steaming: The steaming process should take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Always keep an eye on the water level in the pot so that it doesn’t boil dry. If required, add more boiling water as the rice steams to maintain steam flow.
If this method appeals to you, then this Classic Chimichurri Rice recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s an easy-to-make basmati rice dish loaded with herbs and spices. Best of all, it tastes equally well as a vegetarian rice dish or when served with a portion of succulent chicken.
5: Basmati Rice in the Microwave
If you haven’t got access to any of the above equipment, cooking basmati rice in the microwave is also a viable option. Simply put the rice in a microwave-safe dish, add the water, and microwave on the high setting for 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium and microwave again for 20 minutes.
Microwaving rice is a handy option for when you’re craving salad and rice bowl dishes, as these dishes typically call for the rice to be prepared separately from the ingredients. Low-stress and convenient, this technique gives you the freedom to focus on the other aspects of your dish. Try this Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Rice Bowl recipe and see for yourself how the souvlaki-style chicken and classic Greek salad ingredients blend deliciously with basmati rice.
Elevate your Rice Meals with Basmati
Now that you’re up to speed on the various ways you can prepare basmati rice, it’s time to get cooking. At Carolina® Rice, our motto is #playwithyourfood. Have fun with flavors and ingredients. When it’s all said and done, nothing brings people together better than good food.
For more expert tips and recipe inspiration, be sure to drop by our kitchen to see what’s cooking.
