Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice

If you’ve ever struggled to make light, fluffy rice that isn’t sticky or undercooked, Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice is the simple kitchen staple you need. This classic recipe creates tender, separate grains with a delicate texture and clean flavor that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. It’s beginner-friendly, requires only a few pantry ingredients, and comes together with minimal effort. From weeknight dinners to elegant family meals, this foolproof white rice recipe delivers reliable results every single time.

What Is Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice?

Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice is a classic stovetop rice recipe designed to produce soft, fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time. The grains stay separate without becoming mushy, while the gentle simmering method locks in moisture and texture.

The flavor is clean, mild, and buttery if you choose to add butter, making it an ideal side dish for curries, roasted meats, stir-fries, grilled vegetables, or comforting home-style meals. This recipe uses a simple absorption method, making it approachable even for first-time cooks.

With only a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish, this dependable recipe proves that perfectly cooked rice doesn’t need special equipment or complicated techniques.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh chives
• Extra butter for serving

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

How to Make Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice

• Rinse the rice: Place the rice into a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps create fluffy, separate grains.
• Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, salt, and butter if using. Stir gently once to distribute everything evenly.
• Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Avoid stirring repeatedly, as this can make the rice sticky.
• Cover and simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan tightly with a lid. Simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid during cooking.
• Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the grains evenly.
• Fluff and serve: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or an extra pat of butter if desired.

Helpful Tips

Why Is My White Rice Sticky?

Sticky rice usually happens when excess starch remains on the grains. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking helps remove that starch and creates a fluffier texture.

Should I Stir Rice While It Cooks?

No. Stirring during cooking releases starch and can make the rice gummy. Once the lid goes on, leave the rice undisturbed until it finishes cooking.

How Do I Prevent Burned Rice on the Bottom?

Use low heat during simmering and make sure your saucepan has a tight-fitting lid. Thin pans can create hot spots, so a heavy-bottomed saucepan works best.

Can I Add Flavor to White Rice?

Absolutely. You can replace water with chicken broth or vegetable stock, add garlic, bay leaves, or herbs, or stir in butter and fresh parsley after cooking.

What’s the Best Rice for This Recipe?

Long-grain white rice gives the fluffiest texture and separate grains. Jasmine rice also works beautifully if you prefer a slightly fragrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak
• Pair with curries and stews
• Use as a base for stir-fries
• Serve with roasted vegetables
• Top with fried eggs and soy sauce for a quick meal
• Use in rice bowls with fresh herbs and sauces

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Rice should be cooled and refrigerated promptly for food safety.

Refrigerator

Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze cooked rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Martha Stewart’s Perfect White Rice

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Simple, fluffy, perfectly cooked white rice with tender separate grains and classic buttery flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Directions

• Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
• Combine rice, water, salt, and butter in a medium saucepan.
• Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
• Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Fluff gently with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

• Always rinse rice before cooking for the fluffiest texture.
• Do not remove the lid while the rice cooks.
• Leftover rice keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.