Rice to Water Ratio in Rice Cooker (Jasmine, Basmati, White Long Grain, Brown Rice and More)

Cooking rice in a rice cooker produces the best fluffy rice! Whether you’re cooking jasmine, basmati, white long grain, or brown rice, we’ll show you the best rice to water ratio for the most delicious rice!

We’ll share some tips on how to make perfectly cooked rice every time. After experiencing the convenience of a rice cooker, you’ll wonder how you managed without it for all those years! 

Cooking rice in a rice cooker produces the best fluffy rice! Whether you’re cooking jasmine, basmati, white long grain, or brown rice, we’ll show you the best rice to water ratio for the most delicious rice!

How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker

  1. Place the rice into a pot and rinse with cold water. You can also do this in a bowl, changing the water until it’s clear. 
  2. Place the rinsed and drained rice into the rice cooker.
  3. Add enough water for the amount of rice you’re using. If you have 1 cup of rice, add enough water to reach the 1st water line in the rice cooker. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  4. Check the setting of the rice cooker to match the type of rice you’re using, and set it to start. Different types of rice require varying amounts of cooking time. 
  1. When the rice is finished, the rice cooker will beep. Let the rice remain in the cooker, undisturbed for 10 minutes. This will ensure that the rice is perfectly tender. 
  2. Remove the rice from the cooker and fluff with a fork. Enjoy! 
Cooked Sushi Rice

Rice to Water Ratio in a Rice Cooker

Best Ratio for Long Grain White Rice

Use 1 ¼  cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. 

This ratio is suitable for basmati or jasmine rice. Follow these guidelines for rice that’s perfectly tender and fluffy. It’s important to always use a measuring cup for the water and the rice. 

If you don’t have one available, you can use the Chinese rule of thumb: After placing the rice in the cooker, add enough water to cover. Place your index finger on the rice so it’s barely touching. Add more water until it reaches the first knuckle of your finger. This method works for 4 servings of rice. Cook the rice until done.  

Sushi Rice

Best Ratio for Sushi Rice

For sushi, you want the rice to be sticky. Instead of using slightly more water, you’ll use an equal amount of water and rice. So, for every 1 cup of water, use 1 cup of rice. 

Best Ratio for Brown Rice

Because brown rice takes longer to cook, you’ll need more water for it to become tender. For every 1 cup of brown rice, you’ll need 2 1/4 cups of water.

Brown Rice

Tips for Cooking Fluffy Rice in a Rice Cooker

The key to perfectly cooked rice made in a rice cooker is to resist the temptation to immediately lift the lid after the rice has finished cooking. Let the rice remain in the cooker, undisturbed for 10 minutes. This will allow the moisture to be absorbed into the rice, resulting in perfectly tender rice. 

Why is My Rice Sticky?

There are a couple of reasons why rice comes out sticky: 

  • Always rinse rice before cooking. This will remove some of the excess starch that can cause it to be sticky. 
  • Too much water may have been used. Follow the directions from the manufacturer for perfectly cooked rice. 

What Else Can I Make in the Rice Cooker?

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for options. In addition to different kinds of rice like brown, wild, or basmati rice, you may be able to make oatmeal, quinoa, or other dishes in the rice cooker. 

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Cooking rice in a rice cooker produces the best fluffy rice! Whether you’re cooking jasmine, basmati, white long grain, or brown rice, we’ll show you the best rice to water ratio for the most delicious rice!

Best Rice to Water Ratio (How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker)

By: Izzy Yu
Cooking rice in a rice cooker produces the best fluffy rice! Whether you’re cooking jasmine, basmati, white long grain, or brown rice, we’ll show you the best rice to water ratio for the most delicious rice!
Servings: 3

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup rice, long grain white rice
  • 1 ¼ cups of water

Instructions 

  • Place the rice into a pot and rinse with cold water. You can also do this in a bowl, changing the water until it’s clear.
  • Place the rinsed and drained rice into the rice cooker.
  • Add enough water for the amount of rice you’re using. If you have 1 cup of rice, add enough water to reach the 1st water line in the rice cooker. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Check the setting of the rice cooker to match the type of rice you’re using, and set it to start. Different types of rice require varying amounts of cooking time.
  • When the rice is finished, the rice cooker will beep. Let the rice remain in the cooker, undisturbed for 10 minutes. This will ensure that the rice is perfectly tender.
  • Remove the rice from the cooker and fluff with a fork. Enjoy!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy Yu

Izzy Yu is the recipe developer, food photographer, and founder of IzzyCooking, a leading food blog reaching millions of home cooks monthly. Since 2010, Izzy has created over 1,300 kitchen-tested recipes specializing in Asian cuisine, sushi, Instant Pot, sous vide, and approachable weeknight meals. Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, BuzzFeed, and Yahoo!, and she has developed recipes for major brands including General Mills, Kellogg's, Yoplait, Ritz Crackers, and ACE Bakery. Based in Toronto, Izzy is dedicated to making restaurant-quality cooking accessible to everyone through detailed step-by-step instructions and photography.

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