Ina Garten’s Foolproof Basmati Rice Recipe for Cloud-Like Fluff

The art of perfectly cooked basmati rice reveals its magic in Ina Garten’s simple yet sublime steamed approach.

Her technique turns ordinary grains into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal effort.

Professional chefs swear by her method, which highlights the delicate fragrance of premium basmati.

Each grain emerges fluffy and separated, promising a delightful texture that complements any main course.

Salt and butter play subtle roles in enhancing the rice natural elegance.

The recipe transforms an everyday staple into something truly remarkable.

You’ll want to master this technique for elegant meals that impress without complicated steps.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Steamed Basmati Rice

• Basmati Rice: Choose long-grain, fragrant variety from India or Pakistan for authentic aroma and delicate texture.
• Water: Filtered water ensures clean, pure rice flavor without mineral interference.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent rice from sticking during cooking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the rice's natural taste.

• Medium Saucepan: Select a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and consistent cooking.

• Fork: Use a light, gentle touch when fluffing to maintain rice's delicate grain structure and prevent mushing.

Tools to Steam Rice Just Like Ina Garten

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking and combining all rice ingredients evenly.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice and creating light, separated grains after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring water and rice quantities.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed to precisely measure butter and salt amounts.
• Lid: Necessary to cover saucepan during simmering and resting stages.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten’s Perfect Basmati

• Rice Preparation

Gather a medium saucepan and quality basmati rice for a delightful fluffy side dish that will complement any meal perfectly.

• Water and Seasoning

Pour cool water into the pan and add a pinch of salt along with a small pat of butter to enhance the rice’s natural flavor profile.

• Heating Process

Place the saucepan on the stovetop, turning the heat to medium and allowing the liquid to reach a gentle boil with soft bubbling edges.

• Simmering Magic

Reduce the heat to low, carefully cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice transform into tender, soft grains for about 10 minutes.

• Resting Period

Remove the pan from heat and allow the rice to rest, keeping the lid sealed, which helps the grains absorb remaining moisture and become wonderfully light and separated.

• Serving Touch

Gently separate the rice using a fork, creating a light and airy texture that promises a delicious accompaniment to your main course.

Simple Tweaks for Ina Garten’s Fluffy Basmati Rice

• Wash basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent sticky texture.
• Adjust water ratio slightly based on rice brand – some absorb more liquid than others, so watch closely during cooking.
• Swap butter with ghee or olive oil for a richer taste, or add whole spices like cardamom pods or cinnamon stick during cooking for aromatic depth.
• Transform this basic rice recipe into a complete meal by stirring in sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, or toasted nuts after fluffing.
• Cool rice completely before refrigerating, and reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Serving Up Ina Garten’s Rice the Right Way

• Pair with Protein Powerhouses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, seared salmon, or tender beef kebabs to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rice's mild taste.
• Create Delightful Side Dishes: Accompany the rice with roasted vegetables, a crisp cucumber salad, or a zesty yogurt sauce to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Transform into Leftover Magic: Use cold rice for quick fried rice, stuffed peppers, or as a base for a refreshing rice salad the next day.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten’s Steamed Basmati Rice

• Optimize Rice Storage: Transfer leftover rice to an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Store cooked rice in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days and maintaining its delicious texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring halfway through heating.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to one month for convenient meal prep.

Elegant Basmati Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s steamed basmati rice recipe offers a simple, elegant approach to preparing fragrant rice. Precise measurements and careful technique ensure perfectly fluffy grains that complement many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes you will enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups (360 ml) white long-grain basmati rice, such as Rice Select
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, merge water, basmati rice, unsalted butter, and salt, creating a harmonious base for perfectly steamed rice.
2. Initiate Boiling: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring intermittently to prevent rice from adhering to the bottom, and allow the mixture to escalate into a robust boil.
3. Reduce and Cover: Lower the heat to its minimal setting, seal the saucepan with a snug lid to capture essential steam, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 10 minutes.
4. Rest and Absorb: After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat, maintaining the lid’s seal to enable residual steam to complete the cooking process and allow rice to rest for 3-5 minutes.
5. Fluff and Serve: Delicately separate the rice grains with a fork, creating a light, airy texture, and transfer the steamed basmati to a serving dish while still piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Stir rice occasionally during initial boiling to stop grains from clumping or burning at the bottom of the saucepan.
• Master Tight Lid Technique: Use a well-fitting lid to trap steam, which is crucial for achieving evenly cooked, fluffy rice with perfect moisture.
• Resist Lid Temptation: Never lift the lid during cooking process to maintain consistent heat and steam, ensuring uniform rice texture.
• Rest for Perfection: Allowing rice to sit covered after cooking enables final moisture absorption and creates a light, pillowy consistency that elevates the entire dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg