According to the USA Rice Council here's how to prepare different varieties of rice. See other cooking instructions below.
For best results, always follow package direction. When directions are not available, use this easy method:
Combine 1 cup rice, liquid* (see chart below), 1 teaspoon salt (optional), and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (optional) in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling; stir once or twice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer. Cook according to time specified on chart. If rice is not quite tender or liquid is not absorbed, replace lid and cook 2 to 4 minutes longer. Fluff with fork.
| 1 cup Uncooked Rice | Liquid | Cooking Time |
| Regular-milled long grain | 1-3/4 to 2 cups | 15 minutes |
| Regular-milled medium**, new variety or short grain | 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups | 15 minutes |
| Brown | 2 to 2-1/2 cups | 45-50 minutes |
| Parboiled | 2 to 2-1/2 cups | 20-25 minutes |
| Precooked, flavored or seasoned mixes | Follow package directions |
* Liquid is most often water
** Calrose is a medium-grain rice
Combine 1 cup rice, liquid (see chart above) 1 teaspoon sale (optional) and 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (optional) in a 2 to 3-quart microwave-proof baking dish.
Cover and cook on HIGH 5 minutes or until boiling. Reduce setting to MEDIUM (50% power) and cook 15 minutes (20 minutes for parboiled rice and 30 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with fork.
In the Islands, we use an electric rice cooker for cooking rice. When an electric rice cooker isn't available, you can use a rice pot or regular saucepan with a good-fitting cover.
Electric Rice Cooker
Follow instructions that come with your electric rice cooker. When not available, pour 1 cup medium-grain Diamond G calrose rice in pan of rice cooker. Fill rice cooker pan 3/4 with clear water; rinse rice thoroughly with your hand; pour off water and residue; repeat procedure; drain. Pour 1-1/3 cups of water into rice cooker pan. Put rice cooker pan into rice cooker, cover and push rice cooker button! Wait about 20 minutes or until light goes out. Longer cooking time required for brown rice. Fluff rice and serve with bamboo sugi (rice paddle). Tradition here says you should never use a metal fork or spoon, but either will work in a pinch.
Rice Pot or Saucepan
Pour 1 cup medium-grain Diamond G calrose rice into rice pot or saucepan. Fill 3/4 with clear water; rinse rice thoroughly with your hand; pour off water and residue; repeat procedure; drain. Pour 1-1/3 cups of water into rice pot or sauce pan. Heat on stove to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer approximately 20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Remove from heat; let cool a few minutes; fluff and serve. Longer cooking time required for brown rice.
