Microwave Basmati Rice

This rice recipe is super easy to make in the microwave!

Yes, if you do not own a rice cooker but you do have a microwave cook your rice in it. It is zero fail and done in 10 minutes or less. So, are you ready to learn how to cook microwave basmati rice? Join me in the bistro kitchen!

Can You Cook Basmati Rice In Microwave?

Yes, you can cook basmati rice in the microwave and it is easier than you think. While you heat the microwave basmati rice absorbs all water you add to it.

A lot of rice recipes state that you should cover the rice but this is not necessary. The steam generated by the rice will cover the microwave walls but these can be easily wiped down when the rice is cooked.

This a great way to clean your microwave as the walls and ceiling of the microwave are covered in moisture.

How To Cook Basmati Rice In Microwave

Cooking basmati rice in Microwave is very easy if you follow these steps:

1. Put the rice in a mesh strainer and rinse the rice until clear. If you do not like to waste water catch the water in a bowl and use it as a fertilizer for your plants.
2. When you rinsed the rice put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add water to the bowl. If you use 2 cups of rice add 2½ cups of water.
3. Season the rice with salt if you like, this is however an optional step.
4. Put the bowl in the microwave and set the timer to 8 minutes at 800 watts. When the cooking time is done check if the rice is dry and fluffy.
5. Depending on how wet the rice is after 8 minutes I usually add 1 minute and check to see if the rice is completely dry. If necessary, I add another minute. You can also let the rice sit for a couple of minutes to let excess moisture evaporate from the rice.
6. Take the rice out of the microwave and serve immediately. Any steam in the microwave can be wiped done.

There are multiple ways to cook rice but I know you love the ones that are very easy to prepare and do not require any babysitting. Cooking rice in a rice cooker, Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or rice in the oven all qualify as set-and-forget types of recipes.

Well, we can add this microwave recipe to the list as being effortless. I have seen rice recipes in the microwave that require plastic wrap or special pans but that is not necessary.

If you have a microwave-friendly dish e.g. a bowl you use for your breakfast cereal then you are good to go. The best thing about this recipe is it takes you between 8-10 minutes to cook.

How To Store Microwaved Rice

There are several ways to store cooked rice. Let the rice cool within 1 hour then store it immediately Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature as rice can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Ways to store rice:

• Refrigerator – store your cooked rice in the refrigerator if you want to use it the next day. Store it in a resealable storage bag or an airtight food container
• Freezer – the recommended way to store rice is in the freezer. Put the rice in a freezer-friendly food container or a resealable bag. Label the rice with the date and store it for up to 1 month. You can keep rice longer but rice can lose moisture when it is frozen

How To Reheat Rice

You have several ways to reheat rice. It is important to know that you should not reheat rice more than once.

Always warm it thoroughly and check the temperature to see if it is at least 165℉ or hotter.

• Microwave – put the rice in a microwave-safe dish and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Heat for 3 to 4 minutes at 800 watts or until warmed through.
• Instant Pot – you can reheat rice in an Instant Pot. Select the Saute option and add a little bit of oil to the pot. Add the rice, and stir it regularly until it is warm enough to serve.
• Wok or skillet – you can also use your wok or cast-iron skillet. Heat to medium heat and add some oil to prevent your rice from sticking to the pan immediately. When you let it warm up gradually the rice will not stick as much. You can turn up the heat when the rice is not sticking. Stir continuously until the rice has reached the proper temperature.
• Air Fryer – you can also use your Air Fryer to heat your rice. Put the rice in a baking pan. Cover the rice with some cooking spray. Preheat the Air Fryer to 320℉/160℃ for 3 minutes before adding the cake pan to the Air Fryer basket. Air Fry for 10 minutes if frozen else 8 minutes is enough. Increase the temperature to 360℉/180℃ and Air Fry for another 5 minutes. Stir once more and your rice is ready to serve.

Serve Basmati Rice With

Basmati rice is a great side dish that you can serve with many different recipes like:

• Air Fryer chicken legs
• Beef bourguignon
• Instant Pot chicken thighs with mushrooms
• Pork spare ribs
• Pork shoulder steak
• Chicken wings
• Oven drum sticks
• Butter chicken

More Rice Recipes You’ll Like

As mentioned, before you have many different ways to prepare rice. If you love rice take a look at these recipes as well

• White rice in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer brown rice
• Risotto with mushrooms
• White rice in oven
• Risotto in Air Fryer
• Spanish paella rice
• Spanish chorizo rice

Made a recipe please tag @fastfoodbistro on INSTAGRAM, PIN on PINTEREST, and like us on FACEBOOK for more information and updates.

Easy Microwave Basmati Rice

Yield:
2

Prep Time:
1 minute

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Additional Time:
1 minute

Total Time:
10 minutes

This microwave basmati rice is fail-proof and done in 10 minutes. Set and forget and you have fluffy and dry rice in no time. The perfect side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2½ cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until the water is clear
2. Put the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add water to the bowl. Season the rice with salt this is however optional
3. Put the bowl in the microwave and set the timer to 8 minutes at 800 watts. When the cooking time is done check if the rice is dry and fluffy
4. If the rice is still wet add 1 minute and check again. If needed add another minute
5. Take the rice out of the microwave and serve it immediately
6. Any steam inside the microwave can be wiped done

Notes

• You can substitute Basmati rice with any other long-grain rice like Jasmine rice
• If you do not like to waste water harvest the water and use it as a fertilizer for your plants
• When you check the rice and it is still wet you can also let excess moisture evaporate as you leave it in the microwave for a couple of minutes

Recommended Products

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases without additional cost to you.

• Tilda Legendary Rice, Pure Original Basmati
• SWEEJAR Ceramic Bakeware Set, Rectangular Baking Dish Lasagna Pans for Cooking, Kitchen, Cake Dinner, Banquet and Daily Use, 11.8 x 7.8 x 2.75 Inches of Baking Pans (Red)
• Cuisinart Set of 3 Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 205Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 304mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g

Please note: Nutrition information is added for informational purposes only. It is possible it isn’t completely accurate.