How TO Cook Rice
HOW TO COOK RICE is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Tita Becky on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $1.00 total, $0.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Jasmine Rice (long‑grain, fragrant; rinse thoroughly)
- 3 cups Water (cold tap water)
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
Place the jasmine rice in a bowl and rinse under cold water, swirling with your hand. Drain and repeat at least three times until the water runs clear.
Time: PT3M
Drain the Rice
Pour the rinsed rice into a mesh strainer and shake gently to remove excess water.
Time: PT1M
Transfer to Pot and Level
Add the drained rice to the saucepan. Use your hand to spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Water Using the Finger Method
Place your middle finger gently on top of the rice. Add cold water until it reaches the first knuckle (about 1½ inches above the rice). This corresponds to a 1:1.5 rice‑to‑water ratio.
Time: PT2M
Wipe Excess Water from the Pot Rim
Using a clean kitchen towel, wipe any water that has spilled onto the outside of the pot.
Time: PT1M
Bring to a Boil
Cover the pot with the lid, set the stove to high heat, and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: High
Simmer on Low Heat
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. If your lid has no vent, crack it open just a tiny bit to allow steam to escape. Let the rice cook for 10‑15 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Low
Rest the Rice
Turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice sit for another 10 minutes to finish steaming.
Time: PT10M
Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle, and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 0.5g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Basmati Rice, Calrose Rice
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan with Lid
- Mesh Strainer
- Measuring Cup (optional)
- Stove
- Fork or Rice Paddle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
- Measure water accurately using the finger method.
- Wipe excess water from the pot rim before heating.
- Simmer on low heat with a slightly cracked lid.
- Let the rice rest covered for 10 minutes after turning off the heat.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A heavy‑bottomed saucepan prevents hot spots that can scorch the rice.
- Let the rice rest undisturbed; lifting the lid early releases steam needed for proper texture.
- Fluff with a fork rather than stirring vigorously to keep grains separate.
Troubleshooting
Rice is too soggy or mushy.
Reduce the water amount by ¼ cup for the next batch and ensure the lid is not left open during simmering.
Rice is undercooked and still crunchy.
Add a few tablespoons of hot water, cover, and let it steam for another 5‑7 minutes on low heat.
Rice sticks to the bottom and burns.
Make sure the heat is reduced to low once boiling starts and use a heavy‑bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; reheat with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead, cool quickly, and store in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave with a tablespoon of water.
- For freezer storage, portion the rice into zip‑top bags, flatten, and freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stovetop jasmine rice in Filipino cuisine?
Rice is the staple of the Filipino diet and has been cooked over an open flame or stovetop for generations. The finger‑method for water measurement is a traditional household technique passed down from parents to children, ensuring consistent fluffy rice without a rice cooker.
What are the traditional regional variations of rice dishes in Filipino cuisine?
In the Philippines, rice can be served plain, as garlic fried rice (sinangag), or mixed with coconut milk to make arroz caldo. Different regions also favor specific rice varieties like malagkit (sticky rice) for desserts and kalinayan for everyday meals.
How is plain stovetop jasmine rice traditionally served in Filipino households?
It is usually served as a base for main dishes such as adobo, sinigang, or grilled meats. Filipinos often accompany it with a small dish of soy sauce or fish sauce for extra flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is plain rice associated with in Filipino culture?
Rice appears at every Filipino gathering—from daily family meals to festive celebrations like birthdays, fiestas, and holiday feasts—symbolizing abundance and hospitality.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with this stovetop jasmine rice?
It pairs perfectly with classic dishes such as chicken adobo, pork lechon kawali, beef tapa, and vegetable dishes like pinakbet or ginisang gulay.
What makes this stovetop jasmine rice method special compared to using a rice cooker?
The method relies on tactile water measurement (the finger method) and a controlled low‑heat simmer, which many Filipino families trust for achieving a soft, fluffy texture without the need for electricity or a specialized appliance.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making stovetop jasmine rice using the Filipino method?
Common errors include not rinsing the rice enough, using too much water, cooking on high heat for too long, and lifting the lid during the simmering stage, all of which can lead to mushy or unevenly cooked rice.
Why does this recipe use the finger method instead of a precise measuring cup?
The finger method is a quick, traditional technique that accounts for variations in pot depth and rice volume, ensuring the water level is just right for the specific pot being used.
Can I make this stovetop jasmine rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cooked rice in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze it for up to a month. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
What does the YouTube channel Tita Becky specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tita Becky focuses on practical Filipino home cooking, sharing easy‑to‑follow tutorials for everyday meals, kitchen hacks, and traditional recipes that don’t require fancy equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Tita Becky’s approach to Filipino cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tita Becky emphasizes cooking with minimal tools, often using methods she learned from her own family, and she explains cultural context and personal anecdotes, making the recipes feel like a friendly kitchen visit rather than a polished production.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
