How to Cook Rice in the Microwave (Jasmine, Basmati, White and Brown Rice)

You’ve probably asked someone if you can cook rice in the microwave right? The answer is yes, you can definitely cook rice in the microwave! In fact, it's a convenient and efficient method that takes a fraction of the time compared to cooking rice on the stovetop. Moreover, it requires no special equipment other than a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. You will actually find that cooking rice in the microwave also yields fluffy and delicious rice every time. 

You might be wondering: 

Does microwave rice taste the same as stovetop rice? YES

Does microwave rice come out as fluffy as stovetop or rice cooker rice? YES

How long to does it take to cook rice in microwave?

The cooking time for rice in the microwave varies depending on the type of rice, the quantity, and the power of your microwave. As a general rule, white rice usually takes around 20-25 minutes, while brown rice may take up to 40 minutes. Jasmine rice is quicker and may only take around 15-20 minutes. To ensure that the rice is fully cooked, check it periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Let’s now show you how to cook rice in the microwave with simple steps and minimal clean-up. We’ll start with white rice.

What to prepare before you cook rice in the microwave:

Your rice, water, and microwave-safe container with a tight lid. It’s advisable to wash the rice first before cooking it. Rinse it with cool water at least 3 times. This is so you can remove any dirt, dust, tiny insects, and additional starch that may be present. Extra starch especially, makes your rice sticky and gummy. Don’t worry, washing your rice does not remove the nutrients in the rice! 

Don’t let your rice soak; it needs to drain well so that is won’t throw off the water ratio as you cook, and it won’t also come out too soft or mushy. This meas it’s also important to get the rice to water ratio right when you’re now cooking your rice. Too much water gives you soggy rice, too little water equals dry rice.

Rice to Water Ratio for the Microwave

The rice to water ratio for cooking rice in the microwave is generally the same as cooking rice on the stovetop. As a general guideline: 

• White Rice – 1 cup rice: 1 ½  cups water (10-12 min)
• Jasmine Rice – 1 cup rice: 1 ¼  cups water (10-12 min)
• Basmati Rice – 1 cup rice: 1 ½  cups water (10-12min)
• Brown Rice – 1 cup rice: 2 cups water (18-20 min)

The exact ratio may vary depending on the type of rice and your personal preference. You may also need to adjust the amount of water slightly based on your microwave's power and your desired level of fluffiness.

Let’s get to it.

How to Cook White Rice in Microwave

Cooking white rice in the microwave is a straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients and steps. Here's how to do it:

Ingredients:

1 cup of white rice
1 1/2 cups of water
Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain the excess water.
• Add the rice and water to a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in a pinch of salt if desired.
• Cover the container with the lid and microwave on high for 10 minutes.
• Reduce the microwave power to 50% and microwave for another 10-15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
• Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

There you have it - perfectly cooked microwave rice that you can now serve for dinner or lunch with your tuna bowl, or a hearty chicken dish.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Microwave

Jasmine rice is a fragrant and delicate type of rice that requires a slightly different cooking method than white rice. Here's how to cook jasmine rice in the microwave:

Ingredients:

1 cup of jasmine rice
1 1/4 cups of water
Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Again, you need to rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer then drain the excess water.
• Add the rice and water to a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Add a pinch of salt (optional).
• Cover the container with the lid and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Reduce the microwave power to 50% and continue to cook the rice for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy and soft.
• Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Serve your jasmine rice with some lamb shanks or a juicy steak. 

Microwave Rice Cooker Instructions

• Measure the desired amount of rice and add it to the rice cooker. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Add the correct amount of water based on the rice to water ratio instructions. For example, for 1 cup of white rice, add 1 1/2 cups of water. For 1 cup of jasmine rice, add 1 3/4 cups of water.
• Close the lid securely and place the rice cooker in the microwave.
• Microwave the rice on high for 10-12 minutes for white rice or 12-14 minutes for jasmine rice.

Once the cooking time is up, leave the rice cooker in the microwave for a few minutes to allow the rice to steam and absorb any remaining water.  Carefully remove the rice cooker from the microwave and let it sit for a few more minutes before fluffing. Go on and serve it with some grilled turkey and vegetables. 

How to Cook Basmati Rice in Microwave

• Add the desired amount of rice to a microwave-safe bowl or container.
• Add water in a 1:1 ½  rice to water ratio
• Cover the bowl or container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
• Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Reduce the power to 50% and microwave for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Once done, let the rice sit for a few minutes before serving it up in a rice bowl with poached egg, slow roasted tomatoes and feta.

How to Cook Brown Rice in Microwave

As you learn how to cook brown rice in the microwave, you will discover that you’ll reduce the cooking time from 50 minutes (on the stovetop) to 30 minutes. What’s important to note is that when cooking brown rice, you must account for the additional layers of bran and germ that must be cooked through. This means cooking brown rice in the microwave requires a bit more time than cooking white rice or jasmine rice in the microwave. Brown rice should first be cooked at 100% power for 10 minutes while uncovered, cover it and cook  for an additional 20 minutes at 50% power.

How to Store Cooked Rice

If you have some left-over rice, you can store it in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, it does lose taste over time so it would be best to use it within the first 2 weeks of freezing it. 

What can you make with left-over rice?

Leftover rice can be transformed into scrumptious meals that are quick and easy to make. With a little creativity and some basic ingredients, you can turn leftover rice into a satisfying meal in no time.

Korean Special Fried rice

This is a classic dish that can be made with Basmati, Jasmine or White leftover rice. Simply heat a little oil in a wok or frying pan, add some vegetables - carrot, pumpkin, some ground beef, and stir-fry everything together with the rice.

Rice pudding

This sweet and creamy dessert can be made by simmering leftover rice with milk, sugar, and cinnamon until thick and creamy.

Rice salad

Leftover rice can be used as a base for a delicious and healthy salad. Mix up your brown rice with chopped asparagus, corn, tomatoes, and a simple dressing for a quick and easy meal.

Stuffed peppers (capsicums)

Halved peppers can be filled with a mixture of leftover rice, ground meat, vegetables, and cheese, and baked until tender.

Vegetarian and vegan sushi 

Here’s an easy vegan-friendly meal you can make with some left-over rice. Sushi may sound fancy, but it’s really easy to make.