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Parboiled rice in a colander showing it's well separated grains
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How to parboil rice

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to parboil rice like a pro.
Calories

Equipment

  • Saucepan with lid
  • Sieve
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • water
  • salt optional

Instructions

  • 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.