How to Make the Perfect Single Serving of Rice

If you’re cooking for just yourself or simply want a portioned meal, a single serving of rice is the perfect solution to add to any dinner. Not only does it allow you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying side or meal base without any leftovers, but it also saves time and reduces food waste. 

In this blog post, we will walk you through a simple recipe to making the perfect single serving of rice. Everything from choosing the right type of rice to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Why Make a Single Serving of Rice?

There are several benefits to making a single serving of rice. 

1. It allows you to control your portion size, which is sometimes needed for maintaining a healthy diet. By cooking just enough rice for one person (yourself), you avoid eating more than necessary. 
2. Making a single serving of rice is a great way to reduce food waste, as you won’t have any leftover rice that might go to waste. You can have a fresh portion of rice to serve with your meals (yay team no leftovers!) It’s also a cost-effective option too since you won’t be wasting any ingredients. 
3. Cooking a single serving of rice is quick and easy, making it a perfect solution for busy people or those who are short on time when cooking for one.

Choosing the Right Kind of Rice

The first step in making the perfect single serving of rice is choosing the right type of rice. There are many different types of rice available, such as long-grain rice, short-grain rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, brown rice, and wild rice. Each type of rice has a unique flavor and texture. 

If you prefer fluffy and separate rice, long-grain rice is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a stickier and more compact rice, short-grain rice is your best bet. Jasmine and Basmati rice are known for their aromatic flavor and are a great choice if you want to add some extra flavor to your meal. 

Consider your personal preference and the type of dish you’re planning to make when selecting the type of rice for your single serving. We personally like cooking with Jasmine and Basmati rice for meals.

How Much Rice? And How Much Water?

Once you have chosen the type of rice, the next step is to measure the right amount of rice and water. 

A general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For a typical serving size of rice, you’ll typically need around 1/2 cup of uncooked rice and 1 cup of water. However, this is just a suggestion! All bodies are different so you might want a larger or smaller serving.

However, it’s always best to check the specific instructions on the rice packaging, as the ratio may vary depending on the type of rice. Use a measuring cup or food scale to ensure accuracy and adjust the quantities accordingly if you’re making more or less than a single serving.

Preparing the Rice for Cooking

Before you start cooking your single serving of rice, you want to make sure you prepare the rice properly. Place the rice in a bowl and rinse the 1/2 cup of dry rice under cold water to remove any excess starch and impurities from the packing process. You will want to move your hand around in the bowl until the water looks more clear and not murky. 

This step helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy when its cooked. Use your hand to hold the rice and pour out the excess water or place the rinsed rice in a fine-mesh strainer to drain any excess water. This simple prep step will contribute to the overall texture and quality of your cooked rice.

Cooking Methods for a Single Serving of Rice

There are several cooking methods you can use to prepare a single serving of rice with various rice recipe steps to follow. The most common methods include: stovetop cooking, rice cooker, oven cooking, and microwave. 

Whichever method you choose, ensure that the rice is cooked thoroughly and has absorbed all the water. You also will want to be mindful of the time you have to prepare the rest of your dinner to ensure that your rice finishes with the rest of your meal.

Stovetop Method

If you prefer the traditional stovetop method, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, add the rinsed rice, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. 

Microwave Method

Alternatively, you can also use the microwave by placing the rice and water in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a microwave-safe plate, and cooking on high for about 5 minutes. The time to cook in your microwave might vary depending on your microwave wattage. 

Rice Cooker Method

If you have a rice cooker, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions as this may vary by brand. We like using the Dash Mini Rice Cooker (with keep warm technology) or Yum Asia Panda Rice Cooker for making single serving or small batch rice portions. 

These rice cookers are small and compact and perfect if you are cooking for one. It typically takes 15-20 minutes to cook a single serving of rice in these devices. The keep-warm function also helps to ensure that food stays hot, and the removable nonstick pot makes clean-up easy in both of these models.

If you are using a rice cooker make sure to start your dinner or meal prep with the rice as it will likely take the longest to cook. These rice cookers can also cook other things like oatmeal and eggs as an added bonus to having another device in your kitchen!

Oven Method

Cooking rice in the oven might sound unusual, but it’s a game-changer for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach. This method is especially handy when your stovetop is crowded with other dishes or you don’t want to use it for this meal.

To cook rice in the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then prepare your rice just as you would for other methods listed above—rinse 1/2 a cup of rice. In an oven-safe dish (we like using Souper Cubes!), combine your rinsed rice with the right amount of water (1 cup) of boiling water.

Add a pinch of salt for flavor or your other seasonings in this step. Next, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake the rice in the dish for 25 minutes, then check the rice. It should have absorbed all the water and be perfectly tender. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then fluff with a fork. 

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot, or any electric pressure cooker, is another great option for making rice, cutting down on cooking time and ensuring consistent results. If you are living alone you might not want to invest in an InstantPot just for rice but there might be other recipes you’d like to have a rice cooker for so this method could work for you! If you are going to invest in a Instant Pot I would suggest purchasing a 6 quart or 3 quart Instant Pot just based on space alone.

Here’s how to make your single serving of rice with it: Measure your rice and water using the 1:2 ratio—half a cup of rice to a cup of water works perfectly. Don’t forget to rinse your rice under cold water until clear.

Add the rice and water to your InstantPot, along with a pinch of salt for some basic seasoning. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Rice setting if your model has one; otherwise, manually set it to cook at low pressure for 12 minutes. When the cooking cycle ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then move the valve to venting to release any remaining steam. Open the lid carefully, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve. 

Step-by-Step How to Make the Perfect Single Serving of Rice

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

To nail the perfect texture and flavor for your single serving of rice, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

1. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice while it’s cooking, as this can affect the final result and give you mushy rice. 
2. Let the rice steam undisturbed to ensure even cooking and fluffiness. 
3. Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Resting your rice ensures a light and airy texture. 
4. Season your rice with a pinch of salt or add some aromatics like garlic, ginger, or turmeric to enhance the flavor. You can also add some olive oil, and other herbs and spices to your cooked rice. Experiment with different ways to create your own unique twist. 

Serving Ideas for Your Single Serving of Rice

Now that you have successfully made the perfect single serving of rice, it’s time to think about how to serve it. The possibilities are endless! 

You can enjoy your rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, use it as a base for a stir-fry, or even create a yummy rice bowl with your favorite toppings and sauces. 

Consider adding some sautéed vegetables, a protein of your choice, and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Time to Make Perfect Rice! 

Making the perfect fluffy rice is super easy if you follow these simple steps and tips. Remember to choose the right type of rice, measure the correct ratio of rice to water, and prepare the rice properly before cooking. 

Depending on your lifestyle, check out different cooking methods and seasonings to achieve your desired texture and flavor profile. So, if you are on team #noleftovers and you’re cooking for yourself or looking for a quick meal, give it a try and let us know what you think!

Print

Share this post with a solo cook