How Long to Simmer White Rice?
Get a size-aware simmer estimate below, then verify doneness before serving. How we calculate times.
Calculator
Estimated cooking time
11–13 min
- Rest
- 10 min
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Bring to a boil, stir once, cover, and drop to the lowest heat for 12 minutes.
- Then rest off-heat, lid on, 10 minutes. Do not peek while cooking — the steam does the work.
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
White rice by method
At typical settings. Pressure cooker is fastest at 2–4 min.
| Method | Typical time | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Simmer | 11–13 min | |
| Pressure cooker | 2–4 min |
How to simmer white rice
Start checking at the early end of the 11–13 min estimate. Appliance output, size and starting state vary, so use the settings above and follow the food-specific completion and safety guidance.
How to know when it's done
Time is an estimate. Taste test at the early end of the range, and remember food keeps cooking slightly after it leaves the heat.
Food-level cooking reference: BBC Good Food — How to cook rice (checked 2026-08-01). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does white rice take to cook?
12 minutes simmering covered on the lowest heat, plus a 10-minute rest off-heat with the lid still on.
What's the right rice-to-water ratio?
1 part rice to 1.5–2 parts water by volume for absorption cooking. Long grain likes 1:1.75; use 1:1.5 if you rinse well.
Why is my rice sticky?
Too much water, too high heat, or stirring. Rinse the rice, stir only once, and keep the heat as low as possible.