8 Fast Rice Recipes You Can Cook in 20 Minutes

Rice is one of the quickest ingredients to cook. These recipes help you make fast meals at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Long-grain Jasmine rice (rinsed until water is clear)
• 3 cups boiling water (measured after boiling)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or peanut oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
• 1 clove garlic, smashed but kept whole
• 1 small sprig of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil or butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers; add the garlic and thyme, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
2. Step 2: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. You are looking for the tips of the rice grains to turn opaque and smell slightly nutty.
3. Step 3: Pour in the boiling water and salt. The mixture should come to a violent boil immediately. Stir once to ensure no grains are stuck to the bottom.
4. Step 4: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to the lowest setting. Set a timer for 12 minutes exactly; do not lift the lid.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the moisture to redistribute. Fluff with a fork, never a spoon, to avoid mashing the grains.