Rinse 1 cup of rice in cool water until the water runs mostly clear
Drain well
Choose the water ratio:
White rice: 1 cup rice to 1.5–2 cups water
Basmati/jasmine: 1 cup rice to 1.5–1.75 cups water
Brown rice: 1 cup rice to 2.25–2.5 cups water
Add rice and water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid
Add salt to taste (optional)
Bring to a boil over high heat
Once boiling, reduce to the lowest simmer and cover with the lid
Cook without lifting the lid:
White rice: 10–15 minutes
Basmati/jasmine: 12–16 minutes
Brown rice: 35–45 minutes
Turn off heat and let it steam, covered:
White rice: 5–10 minutes
Brown rice: 10 minutes
Fluff with a fork gently
Serve immediately or keep warm covered
If rice is undercooked: sprinkle 1–2 tbsp water over the surface, cover, and simmer 2–3 minutes, then steam 5 minutes
If rice is too wet: spread on a tray to steam off moisture briefly, then re-cover and rest 5 minutes