Rice cooking times
How long to cook rice: 10–12 min boiled, 10–12 min in the microwave, 4–6 min in a pressure cooker and 25–30 min in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan). Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook rice
Times are for 75 g dry rice per person.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil White, boiled | 10–12 min | in plenty of boiling salted water | White basmati or long grain; drain like pasta. |
| Boil White, absorption | 10–12 min | covered, on the lowest heat | White rice by absorption: bring to the boil with the measured water, cover tightly, then 10 minutes off the heat with the lid on. |
| Boil Brown | 25–30 min | in plenty of boiling salted water | Brown rice; drain. |
| Microwave White | 10–12 min | on full power, covered loosely | White rice with twice its volume of boiling water in a large bowl, then stand 5 minutes covered. Ready-cooked pouches: 2 minutes. |
| Pressure cooker White | 4–6 min | on high pressure | White rice, 1 to 1 rice to water; natural release for 10 minutes. Brown rice: 22 minutes. |
| Oven Baked | 25–30 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Baked: boiling stock or water poured over the rice in a covered dish. |
Before you start
Rinse in a sieve until the water runs clear. For the absorption method, use 1½ cups of water to 1 cup of basmati (2 to 1 for long grain).
How to tell it’s done
Tender with no chalky middle, and the grains separate.
Food safety: Cool leftover rice within an hour, keep it in the fridge and eat it within a day; reheat only once, until steaming hot.
Questions
How long to boil rice?
White, boiled: 10–12 min in plenty of boiling salted water. White basmati or long grain; drain like pasta. White, absorption: 10–12 min covered, on the lowest heat. White rice by absorption: bring to the boil with the measured water, cover tightly, then 10 minutes off the heat with the lid on. Brown: 25–30 min in plenty of boiling salted water. Brown rice; drain.
How long to microwave rice?
White: 10–12 min on full power, covered loosely. White rice with twice its volume of boiling water in a large bowl, then stand 5 minutes covered. Ready-cooked pouches: 2 minutes.
How long to cook rice in a pressure cooker?
White: 4–6 min on high pressure. White rice, 1 to 1 rice to water; natural release for 10 minutes. Brown rice: 22 minutes.
How long to cook rice in the oven?
Baked: 25–30 min at 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4. Baked: boiling stock or water poured over the rice in a covered dish.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.