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How Long to Cook Rice (White, Brown, Jasmine, Basmati, Sushi, Wild)
Cooking times for every rice type — stovetop, rice cooker, Instant Pot — plus water ratios and resting.
White rice cooks in 15-18 minutes (10 min simmer + 5-8 min rest); brown rice takes 45 minutes; basmati and jasmine 15 minutes; sushi rice 20 minutes; wild rice 45-55 minutes. The water-to-rice ratio matters as much as time — typically 2:1 for white, 2.5:1 for brown. A tight lid and undisturbed rest are essential. For a stovetop white rice timer, use our 15-minute timer.
How Long to Cook White Rice (Stovetop)?
Standard long-grain white rice cooks in 15-18 minutes total: bring rice and water to a boil (about 3-4 minutes), reduce to low heat, cover tightly, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5-8 minutes — the residual steam finishes cooking the grains and lets surface starch settle. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Ratio: 1 cup rice to 2 cups water for most long-grain whites. A small pinch of salt and a teaspoon of butter or oil improve flavor without changing time.
How Long to Cook Brown Rice?
Brown rice retains its bran layer, which slows water absorption. Stovetop time is 45 minutes: 5 minutes to come to a boil, 35 minutes simmer, 10 minutes rest. Water ratio 2.5:1. Some cooks prefer a 1.75:1 ratio with a longer drain step at the end — the result is firmer, less sticky brown rice.
How Long for Basmati and Jasmine Rice?
Basmati rice (long, slender Indian rice) and jasmine rice (Thai aromatic) both cook in approximately 15 minutes total. Rinse the rice 2-3 times under cold water to remove surface starch (this is essential for basmati). Ratio 1:1.5 for basmati, 1:1.5 for jasmine. Simmer covered 12 minutes, rest 3 minutes. Both produce dryer, more separated grains than standard long-grain.
How Long for Sushi Rice?
Sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice) is rinsed until water runs clear, soaked 30 minutes, then cooked at 1:1.2 ratio for 20 minutes total — 5 min boil, 12 min simmer, 10 min rest. After cooking, fold in seasoned vinegar (3 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt per cup of dry rice) while still warm.
How Long for Wild Rice?
Wild rice is not technically rice but a separate grain (genus Zizania). Cook time: 45-55 minutes simmered with a 3:1 water ratio. Cook until grains burst open. Drain any excess water. Wild rice blends with white rice work — cook each separately and combine, since their times are incompatible.
Cooking Time by Rice Type
| Rice Type | Water Ratio | Simmer Time | Rest | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white | 1:2 | 10 min | 5-8 min | ~18 min |
| Short-grain white | 1:1.5 | 15 min | 10 min | ~28 min |
| Basmati | 1:1.5 | 12 min | 3-5 min | ~17 min |
| Jasmine | 1:1.5 | 12 min | 5 min | ~17 min |
| Sushi (short-grain) | 1:1.2 | 12 min | 10 min | ~25 min (+30 soak) |
| Brown long-grain | 1:2.5 | 35 min | 10 min | ~50 min |
| Wild | 1:3 | 45 min | 5 min | ~50 min |
| Arborio (risotto) | Add gradually | 20 min | None | ~20-25 min |
| Parboiled (converted) | 1:2 | 20 min | 5 min | ~28 min |
How Long Does Rice Take in a Rice Cooker?
Electric rice cookers measure doneness by temperature rather than time — they switch from cook to warm mode when most water is absorbed and pan temperature rises above 212°F. A rice cooker takes 25-35 minutes for white rice, 50-60 minutes for brown, regardless of brand. Zojirushi and other premium models add a soak step for better texture.
How Long Does Rice Take in an Instant Pot?
White rice: 3 minutes high pressure + 10 minutes natural release = 25 minutes total including come-to-pressure. Brown rice: 22 minutes high pressure + 10 minutes natural release. The Instant Pot is significantly faster than stovetop brown rice.
Why Does Rice Need to Rest?
During simmer, water exists in the rice in three states: free water in the pot, water inside the grain, and water bound to surface starch. When you turn off the heat, free water is mostly absorbed but the grain interior is still moist and uneven. The 5-10 minute rest with the lid on lets steam continue cooking the grain from inside, evens moisture distribution, and lets surface starch settle so grains don’t stick. Skipping the rest produces gummy, unevenly cooked rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook 1 cup of rice?
One cup of white rice takes 15-18 minutes total (10 min simmer + 5-8 min rest). One cup of brown rice takes 45-50 minutes.
What is the water to rice ratio?
White long-grain rice: 1:2. Brown rice: 1:2.5. Basmati and jasmine: 1:1.5. Sushi: 1:1.2.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much water, too low a simmer (which lets grains overcook before water absorbs), or skipping the rinse step. Reduce water by 1/4 cup next time.
Why is my rice crunchy?
Undercooked — water absorbed before the grain cooked through. Add 1/4 cup hot water, cover, and continue for 5 minutes.
Can I cook rice faster?
Pre-soak white rice for 20 minutes; it then cooks in 8 minutes instead of 10. Instant Pot is the genuine time-saver for brown rice.
Do I need to rinse rice?
Yes for basmati, jasmine, and sushi rice (removes surface starch). Optional for parboiled. FDA notes rinsing can also reduce trace arsenic in brown rice.
How long does cooked rice keep?
Per USDA, refrigerate cooked rice within 1 hour and consume within 4-6 days. Cooked rice supports Bacillus cereus growth at room temperature.
How long to reheat rice?
Microwave with a tablespoon of water and a damp paper towel cover, 1-2 minutes per cup. Or steam in a covered pan with a splash of water, 5-7 minutes.
For full citations and methodology, see our sources page.
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