How Long Does It Take to Cook Rice?

Quick Answer

White rice takes 15–20 minutes to cook on the stovetop after the water boils. Brown rice takes 40–50 minutes due to its intact bran layer. Rice cookers and Instant Pots have different timings but produce more consistent results.

Cooking Time by Rice Type

Rice Type	Stovetop	Rice Cooker	Instant Pot
Long-grain white	15–18 min	20–25 min	3–4 min + release
Basmati	15–18 min	20–25 min	4–6 min + release
Jasmine	12–15 min	18–22 min	3–4 min + release
Short-grain (sushi)	18–20 min	25–30 min	4–5 min + release
Brown rice	40–50 min	40–45 min	22–28 min + release
Wild rice	45–60 min	50–60 min	25–30 min + release
Arborio (risotto)	18–25 min (stirring)	Not ideal	6–8 min + release

Water-to-Rice Ratio

Rice Type	Water : Rice
Long-grain white	1.5 : 1 to 2 : 1
Basmati	1.5 : 1
Jasmine	1.25 : 1
Brown rice	2.5 : 1
Wild rice	3 : 1

Stovetop Method (White Rice)

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear (removes excess starch).
2. Combine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly.
4. Simmer 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5–10 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

• Altitude: Water boils at lower temperatures at high altitude, requiring longer cooking times.
• Pot type: Heavy-bottomed pots distribute heat more evenly and cook more consistently.
• Rinsing: Rinsed rice cooks slightly faster and produces fluffier results.
• Soaking: Soaking brown rice for 30–60 minutes beforehand can reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
• Lid fit: A tight-fitting lid traps steam essential for proper cooking.

Common Mistakes

• Lifting the lid during cooking (releases steam and extends cook time).
• Using too much water (results in mushy, waterlogged rice).
• Skipping the rest period after cooking (rice finishes steaming off-heat).
• Not rinsing before cooking (excess starch makes rice gummy).