How to Cook Basmati Rice Perfectly at Home

Content Writer

6 Oct, 2025

Basmati rice is one of the most popular varieties of rice in India and Bangladesh, known for its long grains and delightful aroma. It’s often used in dishes like biryani, pulao, or other special recipes.

However, many people find that when they cook Basmati rice, it sometimes becomes sticky or too soft.

How to Cook Basmati Rice

So today, let’s learn how to cook restaurant-style, fluffy, and aromatic Basmati rice easily at home.

Ingredients:

Basmati rice – 1 cup
Water – 1.5 to 2 cups (depending on rice quality)
Salt – to taste
Ghee or oil – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Lemon juice – a few drops (helps keep the rice fluffy)

Step-by-Step Method to Cook Basmati Rice:

Step 1: Wash and soak the rice

First, rinse the Basmati rice gently 2–3 times to remove excess starch. Then soak it in water for 20–30 minutes. This helps the grains expand and stay long and separate after cooking.

Step 2: Use the right water ratio

The amount of water plays a key role in getting perfect rice.
For 1 cup of Basmati rice, use 1.5 to 2 cups of water.
If you prefer softer rice, use 2 cups of water.
For fluffy rice, use 1.5 cups of water.

Step 3: Add rice to boiling water

Bring water to a boil in a pot. Once it starts boiling, add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil. Then drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water.

Step 4: Cover and cook

Cook the rice on medium flame until the water is almost absorbed. Then lower the heat completely, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5–7 minutes.

Tip: Avoid opening the lid frequently while cooking.

Step 5: Fluff the rice

Once done, turn off the heat and let the rice rest covered for another 5 minutes. Then gently fluff the rice with a fork. You’ll notice the grains are long, aromatic, and perfectly separated.

Special Tips:

Don’t stir the rice too much while cooking; it can break the grains.

Soaking the rice for 30 minutes helps it become long and fluffy.

Adding lemon juice keeps the rice from sticking together.

If using a pressure cooker, use 1.25 cups of water per cup of rice and cook for just one whistle.

How to Serve:

Serve fluffy, aromatic Basmati rice with pulao, chicken biryani, dal, or mutton curry. Its unique aroma and texture enhance the taste of any dish.

Conclusion:

Cooking Basmati rice isn’t difficult if you follow the right water ratio and timing. With a little care, you can easily prepare restaurant-style long, fluffy, and fragrant Basmati rice right at home.