How to Make The Perfect Rice and the List of Meals to Serve With!

Hey there, food lovers! Welcome back to The Cooking Show, where we dive into all things delicious and help you become a kitchen pro—one recipe at a time. Today we’ve got a double feature for you that’s all about an easy staple dish: rice! 

First, we’ll master the art of cooking perfect rice, and then dive into a mouthwatering lineup of dishes that pair beautifully with fluffy, steamed white rice.

How to Cook Perfect Rice:

Rice may seem simple to cook, but there’s an art to getting it just right—fluffy, tender, and delicious. Here’s a foolproof method to cook perfect rice every time.

Water to Rice Ratio
A common ratio for white rice is 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs enough water to soften without becoming mushy. If you’re cooking brown rice, you’ll need a little more water—usually 2.5 cups of water for every cup of rice.

Bring water to Boil
Add your rinsed rice and water to a medium-sized pot, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. This will help ensure that your rice cooks evenly. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, without stirring. Stirring rice during the cooking process can release more starch and result in a gummy texture.

Rest, and then Fluff
When the rice is done, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice to steam and finish cooking, making it extra fluffy. Finally, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. This will give your rice a light, airy texture. Now you’re ready to serve!

What to serve your rice with?

White rice is like a blank canvas, because it has a neutral and mild flavor with soft texture, which makes it the perfect base for a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Here are some tasty ideas to elevate your white rice and make it the star of the meal.

Stir-fried rice with shrimp and vegetables are one of the simplest and healthiest pairings with rice. Toss a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, sweet corn, onion, garlic, and chopped up shrimps in a hot wok or skillet with soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil. The tender, flavorful shrimp and variety of veggies add color and texture, while the savory sauce soaks into the rice.

White rice and curry are a classic combination found in many cuisines, from Indian to Thai to Caribbean. The rice acts as a perfect base to absorb the rich, flavorful sauces of curries—whether it's a creamy coconut curry, a spicy red curry, or a hearty lentil dhal. For some great options, try Indian Chicken Curry, Butter Chicken, Thai Green Curry, or Arabic Chicken Kapsa for a delicious, fragrant spices that pairs perfectly with rice.

Oven baked chicken in tomato base also pairs beautifully with white rice. Rice complements baked chicken by soaking up the juices and spices. For a flavorful combination, try Honey Mustard chicken. This is another great choice, as the sweet and tangy sauce harmonizes wonderfully with the rice.

Chilli con carne and rice are hearty and rice for a spicy Southern twist, or opt for a classic Spanish Rice and Beans with a tomato-based sauce and cumin for extra depth. Another easy and delicious choice is rice with black beans, topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and vibrant kick.

For a comforting, hearty meal, serve white rice with a flavorful stew or braised dish. The rice absorbs the rich, savory sauce, becoming an integral part of the dish. Try Beef Stroganoff for creamy beef in a rich mushroom sauce, or try Osso Buco, which is made with braised veal shanks cooked slowly with vegetables, white wine, and broth. Rice provides a satisfying and comforting base that helps to complete the meal without overwhelming the richness of the dish.

Rice also works well with sautéed vegetables like sautéed greens beans, sautéed spinach, sautéed zucchini, sautéed broccolini and sautéed bean sprout (kong namul), adding a balance of lightness and freshness. These vegetables provide a nice contrast to the richness of the rice, adding both texture and flavor.