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This Basmati Rice Recipe makes the perfect rice every time. The rice cooks fluffy, light and with the best texture. Serve as a delicious side dish to many of your favorite recipes.
![Basmati Rice on a blue plate with a serving spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-22.jpg)
Rice is my go-to side dish with many of our main dish recipes. It is budget friendly and with these simple steps it comes out perfectly every time.
You can easily add your favorite spice to change the flavor and taste. It is easy to cook basmati rice in the saucepan on the stovetop. If you loved our Rice Bowl Recipes, Stick of Butter Rice, Jasmine Rice Recipe and Crock Pot Rice then you are going to love these rice recipe.
Table of Contents
What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati Rice and white look very similar but are different. Basmati Rice is mainly grown and harvested in India and Pakistan. It has a nutty flavor and pair perfectly with Indian Food.
We have served it with Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala and Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe and everyone loved it.
Ingredients
![Ingredients - Uncooked Rice, salt, butter, and water](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-1.jpg)
- Uncooked Basmati Rice – We usually use the long grain rice
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
Feel free to change the flavor of the perfect basmati rice recipe. Here are some delicious additions or variations.
- Minced Garlic Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Onions
How to Make Basmati Rice
![Rinsing uncooked rice in a strainer over a bowl with small bowls of salt, butter and water](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-2.jpg)
Step 1 – Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer with cold water until the water starts to run clear to remove any excess starch from the rice.
![Large pot with rice covered with water and butter](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-3.jpg)
Step 2 – Place the rinsed rice, water, butter and salt in a medium sized pan.
![Large pot covered with a lid](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-4.jpg)
Step 3 – Heat over high heat until mixture is boiling. Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and reduce the heat down to medium low to simmer the mixture. Cook for 12-15 minutes until most of the water is absorbed into the rice. This is called the absorption method.
![Fluffy basmati rice in a large pot](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-6.jpg)
Step 4 – Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Doubling the Recipe – If you are making more batches of the rice make sure that you use a large pot so that rice doesn’t get gummy and you may have to increase the cooking time. Watch closely and the rice is done once the water has been absorbed.
- Lid – When cooking the rice it is important to use a tight fitting lid. This helps to lock in the moisture to create the best rice.
- Boil Mixture – Before topping the large pot with a lid, bring the mixture to a boil. This helps to create the right temperature to make fluffy rice.
- Cooking Rice – It is important when cooking rice, that you do not lift the lid. Follow these steps as written as we have timed it just right for the best rice.
- Rest Rice – After cooking the rice, we recommend allow the rice to rest as it absorbs the water.
![Basmati Rice with a serving on a spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-20.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
Making rice is staple side dish recipe that we enjoy with many meals. It is the perfect side dish for Greek Chicken Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled Teriyaki Steak or Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops.
I even love to serve with Crockpot Beef Tips with a side of Air Fryer Broccoli for a complete meal idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The perfect ratio is 1 cup of uncooked basmati rice to 1 ½ cup of water.
Many types of rice have a high glycemic index, but basmati rice is much lower. Depending on your diet restrictions basmati rice maybe a better choice than white rice.
Yes, we recommend rinsing the uncooked basmati rice before cooking. This removes any dirt and excess starch before cooking.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. We like to place in individual container with our leftover meats and vegetables for the perfect lunch.
Yes, you can freeze leftover rice for up to 3-6 months in the freezer. If you double the recipe, store in small servings so it is quick to thaw for an easy side dish. Learn How to Freeze Rice with these simple tips.
![Basmati Rice in a large pot with a serving on a wooden spoon](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-9.jpg)
More Rice Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
Microwave Brown Rice
Easy Side Dishes
How to make Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Best One Pot
Easy Dirty Rice Recipe
We love to hear from you. If you make this Basmati Rice Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
![](https://www.eatingonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BasmatiRiceLR-25-1.jpg)
Basmati Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Uncooked Basmati Rice
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer with cold water until the water starts to run clear to remove any excess starch from the rice.
- Place the rinsed rice, water, butter and salt in a medium sized pan.
- Heat over high heat until mixture is boiling.
- Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and reduce the heat down to medium low to simmer the mixture.
- Do not take the lid off on the pan and cook for 12-15 minutes until most of the water is absorbed into the rice.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
When I made Basmati Rice, it turned out delicious and the perfect texture!