Perfect Ina Garten Steamed Basmati Rice Recipe for Fluffy Grains

Basmati rice transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with its delicate fragrance and elegant texture.

This ancient grain carries centuries of cultural significance and remarkable versatility in kitchens worldwide.

Delightfully fluffy and light, the rice promises to elevate every plate it graces.

Its slender grains promise a sophisticated side dish that whispers subtle elegance with each bite.

Mediterranean and south Asian cuisines particularly treasure this remarkable ingredient for its distinctive aroma and nuanced flavor profile.

Why Steamed Basmati Rice Is Always Welcome

• Unlock Effortless Cooking: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into perfectly steamed basmati rice with minimal effort, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Elevate Everyday Meals: The buttery, delicately salted rice adds a luxurious touch to any main course, instantly upgrading your dining experience with its restaurant-quality finish.
• Master Quick and Foolproof Technique: With just five straightforward steps and a total cooking time of around 15 minutes, you'll consistently achieve fluffy, separated rice grains that are neither mushy nor sticky.
• Versatile Flavor Base: The subtle butter and salt create a neutral yet delicious foundation that complements multiple cuisines, from Indian and Middle Eastern to Asian and Western dishes.

All the Ingredients for Perfect Rice

• Basmati Rice: A fragrant long-grain rice from India with a light, fluffy texture that works perfectly for steaming.
• Water: The essential liquid for cooking rice, providing moisture and helping to soften the grains.

• Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the rice and balances the overall taste.
• Butter: Adds richness, smoothness, and a subtle creamy note to the rice, creating a more luxurious side dish.

How to Steam Fluffy Basmati Rice

Step 1: Gather Cooking Essentials

• Grab a medium saucepan
• Collect basmati rice
• Find butter
• Locate salt
• Have measuring cups and spoons ready

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Measure and pour water into the saucepan, then add rice, butter, and salt. Mix ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Start Heating

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Allow the mixture to warm up gradually and start bubbling.

Step 4: Bring To Rolling Boil

Watch as the liquid transforms into a vigorous, active boil with consistent bubbling across the surface.

Step 5: Reduce And Cover

Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Place a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan to trap steam and heat.

Step 6: Gentle Cooking

Let the rice simmer quietly for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. The rice will absorb water and become tender.

Step 7: Rest And Settle

Remove the saucepan from heat. Keep the lid on and allow rice to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps finish cooking and creates fluffy texture.

Step 8: Fluff And Serve

Use a fork to gently separate rice grains, creating a light and airy texture. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Rice That Never Fails

• Master the Rice Rinse: Thoroughly wash basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, eliminating excess starch and preventing a gummy texture.
• Select the Perfect Pot: Pick a medium saucepan that gives rice ample space to expand and cook uniformly without clumping together.
• Control the Heat Gently: Lower the temperature to a soft simmer after boiling to guarantee even cooking and prevent rice from becoming mushy or burning.
• Allow Moisture Magic: Let cooked rice rest covered for several minutes, allowing it to absorb remaining liquid and develop a light, tender consistency.
• Fork Your Way to Fluffiness: Delicately separate rice grains using a fork instead of a spoon, ensuring each grain remains intact and creates a beautiful, airy texture.

Store Steamed Rice with Ease

• Preserve: Seal cooled rice in vacuum-sealed bags to maintain maximum freshness and prevent moisture absorption. This method extends storage life and protects against freezer burn, keeping rice's delicate texture intact.
• Refrigerate: Pack rice in shallow, wide containers with tight-fitting lids to maximize cooling and minimize bacterial growth. Position containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from temperature fluctuations.
• Revive: Sprinkle a tablespoon of water over refrigerated rice before reheating. Steam gently in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly and restore original fluffy texture.

Fun Variations on Simple Rice

• Herbal Infusion Rice: Enhance the rice by adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during cooking for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Coconut Cream Variation: Replace water with coconut milk and add a pinch of turmeric for a creamy, golden-hued rice with tropical undertones.
• Vegetable-Boosted Rice: Incorporate finely diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers directly into the rice for added nutrition and colorful texture.
• Spiced Persian Style: Mix in ground cumin, cardamom, and a pinch of saffron to transform the basic recipe into a fragrant Middle Eastern-inspired side dish.

Rice Notes Before You Head Out

Basmati rice from Ina Garten’s kitchen emerges as a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish.

Kitchen enthusiasts will appreciate her meticulous approach to creating perfectly fluffy grains with unparalleled texture.

Salt and butter elevate this classic recipe beyond basic preparation, introducing depth and richness to each spoonful.

Fragrant basmati provides an elegant complement to numerous main courses, making it a versatile staple for home cooks.

When you want to impress dinner guests or create a memorable meal, this recipe promises delectable results that will spark conversation, inspire culinary creativity, and leave everyone craving another bite.

Ina Garten Steamed Basmati Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s steamed basmati rice elevates simple grains into a delicate culinary experience. Rice becomes a fragrant, fluffy companion that partners perfectly with Mediterranean and Indian dishes you’ll savor down to the last delicious grain.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups white long-grain basmati rice, such as Rice Select

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Fat/Binding Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-sized saucepan and add the water (600 milliliters or 2½ cups), rice (275 grams or 1½ cups), unsalted butter (15 grams), and salt ().
2. Position the saucepan on medium heat, allowing the mixture to gradually warm and transition into a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to its lowest setting and carefully cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
4. Allow the rice to gently simmer for precisely 10 minutes, maintaining a consistent low temperature without lifting the lid.
5. After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat source completely, keeping the lid sealed to permit residual steam to finish cooking the rice.
6. Let the rice rest undisturbed for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, which helps achieve a perfect fluffy texture and complete absorption of remaining moisture.
7. Gently insert a fork into the rice and delicately separate the grains, creating a light and airy consistency before transferring to a serving dish.
8. Serve the perfectly cooked rice immediately while hot, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Gentle swirling with a fork prevents clumping, creating delicate rice grains that practically dance on your plate.
• Covering the pot during the final resting period traps steam, transforming each grain into a perfectly tender morsel.
• Low and slow heat ensures uniform cooking, protecting your rice from burning or developing an unpleasant scorched bottom.
• Selecting a pot with ample space allows rice kernels room to expand and cook without becoming a compacted, sticky mess.
• Rinsing rice thoroughly washes away excess starch, promising a clean, separated texture that elevates your entire dining experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 140g)
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg