Can You Cook Rice in the Microwave? This Trick Makes It Effortless

There’s some debate surrounding rice: Can you cook it in the microwave? The good news is, yes, you absolutely can. For those pressed for time or without many tools, microwaving rice is a great solution. It results in perfectly cooked rice, frees up space on your stovetop, and is widely regarded by chefs as the ultimate method for preparing rice. Since each microwave varies, you might need to experiment a bit to get the timing right for your microwave and the type of rice you’re using. But once you nail it, you’ll forever change the way you prepare this essential grain. We’ve got detailed instructions on how to microwave different types of rice, along with tips for reheating it perfectly.

A Simple Guide to Cooking White Rice in the Microwave 

Microwaving white rice is incredibly easy! Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

Essentials You’ll Need

• 1 cup white rice
• Strainer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Rinse one cup of white rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rice into a microwave-safe bowl and add two cups of water (this 1:2 ratio is adaptable for both smaller and larger portions).
3. Microwave the rice for 15 minutes. If all the water is absorbed, the rice is ready. If not, continue microwaving for an additional 5 minutes, and check. You may need up to 25 minutes or more to cook the rice, depending on your microwave’s power and the heat retention of your bowl.
4. Once the rice is done, let it sit for a few minutes and then fluff it with a fork. Store any leftover rice in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to five days, and reheat it in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

How to Prepare Different Types of Rice in the Microwave

All varieties of white rice can be cooked in the microwave, as well as other rice types. For more absorbent grains like brown rice, it’s best to add a little extra water. Aim for approximately 2 1/4 cups of water per cup of brown rice. You can also microwave blends of black, red, or wild rice, increasing both the water and cook time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Anyday, which produces microwave-specific cookware, offers a variety of microwave rice recipes that go beyond the typical rice dish. You can make tomato rice, coconut rice, rice pilaf, risotto, and more in the microwave. Feel free to get creative by adding uncooked vegetables, like spinach or broccoli florets, on top of the rice a few minutes before the cooking finishes. The steam will cook the vegetables, giving you a complete meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings too—just a teaspoon of adobo, paprika, or garlic powder can add a whole new flavor dimension to your rice while it cooks in the seasoned water.

How to Reheat Rice in the Microwave 

Rice straight from the fridge can be easily reheated in the microwave and will taste just as fresh as when it was first cooked. Here’s the method for reheating it:

1. If your rice isn't in a microwave-safe dish yet, move it to a bowl. For every cup of rice you're reheating, place an ice cube on top. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup, but the ice cube doesn't require any measuring tools.
2. Cover the bowl to hold in the steam, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir to re-fluff and moisten the rice. Reheated rice should be heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat.