Authentic Puerto Rican Steamed White Rice
Learn the secret to perfect steamed white rice with this authentic Puerto Rican recipe! This method, taught to me by a friend from Puerto Rico, guarantees fluffy, delicious rice that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. The key is to enjoy the process—feel free to lift the lid and sample the rice frequently without worrying about ruining it. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll achieve rice that's never sticky and always flavorful. Ideal for every meal, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Cook times may vary based on altitude, so adjust as needed for perfect results.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Calrose rice
2 cups (Rinse under cold water until water runs clear.)
Water
3 cups (None)
Oil
1/4 cup (Use olive or canola oil.)
Sea salt
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Rinse the calrose rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, add the sea salt and oil. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to return to a gentle boil.
4
After the rice has absorbed most of the water (it will look dry), use a mixing spoon to create a heap in the center of the pot. This helps create even cooking.
5
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
6
Remove the lid every 5 minutes to stir the rice and taste for doneness. Be mindful that if not stirred frequently, a crust may form at the bottom.
7
Continue this process until the rice reaches your desired tenderness. Once fully cooked, stir one last time to fluff the rice before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main type of rice used in this authentic Puerto Rican recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Calrose rice to achieve the desired authentic texture.
How much Calrose rice is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of Calrose rice.
What is the correct water-to-rice ratio for this Puerto Rican steamed rice?
The ratio used in this recipe is 3 cups of water for 2 cups of rice.
Which types of oil are recommended for the rice?
You can use either olive oil or canola oil for this recipe.
How much oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of oil.
What type of salt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sea salt.
Why must the rice be rinsed before cooking?
Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, which helps ensure the rice is never sticky.
How do I know when the rice is rinsed enough?
The rice is ready when the water runs clear.
What heat setting should be used initially?
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat initially.
When do I add the sea salt and oil?
Add the salt and oil once the water has reached a rolling boil.
What should I do after adding the salt and oil?
Stir to combine and allow the mixture to return to a gentle boil.
When is it time to cover the pot?
Cover the pot after the rice has absorbed most of the water and begins to look dry.
Why is the rice heaped in the center of the pot?
Creating a heap in the center helps facilitate even cooking throughout the pot.
What heat setting is used for steaming?
Reduce the heat to medium-low once the pot is covered.
Is it okay to open the lid while the rice is steaming?
Yes, the recipe encourages you to lift the lid every 5 minutes to stir and sample the rice.
How often should the rice be stirred during the steaming phase?
The rice should be stirred every 5 minutes.
What happens if the rice is not stirred frequently while steaming?
If not stirred frequently, a crust may form at the bottom of the pot.
How long should I cook the rice?
Continue the steaming and stirring process until the rice reaches your desired tenderness.
What is the final step before serving the rice?
Once fully cooked, stir the rice one last time to fluff it up.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Can I adjust this recipe for high altitude?
Yes, cook times may vary based on altitude, so you should adjust as needed for perfect results.
Is this rice recipe considered difficult?
No, it is a simple recipe that is ideal for every meal and can become a kitchen staple.
What makes this rice fluffy instead of sticky?
The combination of rinsing away starch and adding oil helps guarantee fluffy rice.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under White Rice.
What kind of pot should I use?
A medium-sized pot is recommended for these ingredient quantities.
Are there any specific preparation steps for the water?
No special preparation is needed for the water.
Can I use table salt instead of sea salt?
While sea salt is specified, you can use table salt, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
Is this a good side dish?
Yes, it is an ideal side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of other foods.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: Calrose rice, water, oil, and sea salt.
What is the origin of this cooking method?
This method is an authentic Puerto Rican technique taught by a friend from Puerto Rico.