Rinse the Rice: Measure out your desired amount of rice and put it into a sieve. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove any excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together.
Boil the Water: Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. The amount of water doesn’t need to be precise as you will be draining it off, but ensure there’s enough to fully cover the rice.
Add the Rice: Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed rice (and salt if desired) to the saucepan.
Parboil the Rice: Allow the rice to cook in the boiling water. The timing can vary depending on the type of rice, but for long grain white rice, this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. The grains should start to look translucent but still have a white center.
Drain the Rice: Carefully drain the rice using a sieve to remove the boiling water.
Cool and Store or Continue Cooking: If you’re preparing the rice for later use, spread it out on a flat surface or tray to cool before storing. If you’re continuing to cook, proceed with your recipe.