How long does white rice take to cook in the microwave?
With our new uncovered method, white rice cooks in about 10–12 minutes in a 1000-watt microwave. This uncovered, full-power approach cuts the cook time nearly in half compared to traditional rice cooker or covered microwave methods. Just make sure to select the correct wattage from the drop-down in our recipe to get accurate cook times. Check out our classic recipe for a perfectly steamed rice thats worth the wait!
Why do I need to rinse the rice? How many times should I rinse it?
Rinsing helps remove extra starch that can make rice gummy or sticky. We recommend rinsing 3–4 times until the water runs clear. This helps the rice cook up light and fluffy. Use the Anyday Strainer for a quick and easy rinse.
How do I know when rice is cooked through?
Fully cooked rice should be tender with no chalky centers. If the grains are still firm or the texture seems dry, microwave for another 1–2 minutes at full power. Fluff the rice and taste to check doneness—every microwave is a little different, so a small time adjustment may help.
Do I need to change the power level for this rice recipe?
Not for this one! Our new method cooks rice uncovered at full power, which helps speed things up and prevents bubbling over. It’s a different technique than our covered, lower-power method for classic white rice—just follow the instructions in the recipe for great results
Why is this white rice recipe cooked uncovered?
Cooking uncovered at full power helps prevent boil-overs and makes the rice cook faster—about 50% faster than covered methods. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights, and still delivers fluffy, delicious rice without the mess.
How do I freeze and reheat microwaved rice?
Let the cooked rice cool completely, then portion it into an Anytime Freezer Tray. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a portion into an Anyday dish, cover with the lid (knob lifted), and microwave at full power for 1–2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through.
Can I use this method for other types of white rice?
Yes! This recipe works well for most long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine. Just rinse thoroughly and follow the recommended cook times based on your microwave’s wattage. Other types of rice may need slightly different ratios or times, so check our full recipe library for more options.