Como Hacer Arroz Blanco (Perfect, Fluffy White Rice)

Fluffy, light, and perfectly cooked Arroz Blanco-an easy, foolproof white rice recipe you’ll love to make again and again. it is easy, timeless, and always satisfying.

Learning Como Hacer Arroz Blanco (how to make white rice) is one of the most essential kitchen skills you’ll ever master. When I serve a bowl of light and fluffy white rice to my family, it makes every bite of their meal feel like a celebration. 

This easy recipe shows you exactly how to make rice that is soft, fluffy, and never sticky. With my recipe instructions, you’ll be ready to create rice dishes that are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever struggled with sticky or undercooked rice, my homemade Como Hacer Arroz Blanco recipe is going to change that forever. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, as it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or special instruments.

Como Hacer Arroz Blanco – final look of perfect, fluffy white rice ready to serve

 You will love the fluffy grains effortlessly soaking up sauces and complement any main course, from spicy curries to grilled meats. You can pair this with savory stews, grilled meat or incorporate fresh herbs for a burst of colour and flavour. Embrace the joy of cooking and let this humble rice recipe inspire your cooking  journey. I prefer this recipe for my busy weeknights or family dinners.

 Recipe Details

Here are the recipe details for my Como Hacer Arroz Blanco recipe.

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal TimeServins
5 minutes20 minutes25 minutes4

Ingredients For Arroz Blanco

Here is the list of simple ingredients you need to make this yummy dish.

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

It tends to yield fluffy grains that separate easily when cooked. I use a premium variety, such as Basmati or Jasmine that gives an aromatic twist which elevates the dish.

  • 2 cups water

Always use filtered water and keep the rice and water ration in 1:2.

  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter

It provides a rich flavor to rice and prevents them from sticking to the pot.  Butter gives creamy flavor and oil keeps them light.

  •  ½ teaspoon salt

It brings out the natural flavor of rice.

  • Additions for flavor

1 clove garlic (minced) for garlic aroma.

Bay leaf to enhance flavor.

Lime or lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish.

¼ small onion (chopped) adds depth and sweetness.

Ingredients for Como Hacer Arroz Blanco – rice, water, salt, and butter, ready for cooking

How To Make Arroz Blanco ( Step By Step Instructions)

Making soft and fluffy white rice doesn’t have to be tricky. Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple steps that guarantee perfect rice every time. You don’t need any fancy cooker. Here’s exactly how I make Arroz Blanco at home.

Step 1: Rinse the rice

I start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. This crucial step prevents the grains from becoming gummy during cooking. Let them dry..

Step 2: Heat the oil and butter

Next, I heat a little oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in a bit of minced garlic or onion and sauté it until it smells amazing if you want extra flavor like me.

Step 3: Add and toast the rice

Once the oil is hot, add the rinsed rice and stir gently for about a minute. You’ll notice the grains turning slightly glossy. Toasting gives rice a nutty taste. 

Step 4: Add water and salt

Pour water into the rice and sprinkle salt to taste. Give it one quick stir to combine everything evenly. Bring it to a gentle boil. You will notice bubbles around the edges.

Step 5: Simmer Slowly

When it starts boiling, lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I resist the urge to lift the lid or stir. That’s the secret to get perfectly separated grains.

Step 6: Let It Rest And Fluff

After 20 minutes, I turn off the heat but leave the lid on for another 5 minutes. This lets the rice finish steaming. Finally, fluff it gently with a fork to release any trapped steam and loosen the grains.

Step-by-step instructions for Como Hacer Arroz Blanco – cooking fluffy white rice perfectly

Tips And Tricks For Fluffy Rice

After making  Arroz Blanco for many years, I have found the secret to light and fluffy rice. I am going to share the simple tricks to make sure your  white rice turns out soft, separate, and never sticky.

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly 

Always rinse the rice with cold water to wash away extra starch because it causes  clumping or gumminess.  When I skip rinsing, the rice tends to stick together so never miss this part.

  1. Use the Right Water-to-Rice Ratio

When it comes to cooking white rice, the water to rice ratio is key. For perfectly fluffy arroz blanco, I use 1 cup of long-grain white rice to 2 cups of water. but this can vary depending on the type of rice you’re using. 

  1. Keep the Lid Closed While Cooking

Resist the urge to peek. Lifting the lid releases steam that’s essential for achieving that perfect fluffiness. Once the pot is covered, I don’t touch it until the timer goes off.

  1. Simmer on low heat

Avoid cooking rice on high heat because it burns the bottom or dry it out before the top is done. I always lower the flame once it starts boiling and let it gently simmer until all the water is absorbed.

  1. Let the Rice Rest Before Fluffing

let the rice rest off the heat for an additional 5 minutes. When I finally fluff it with a fork, the grains separate beautifully every time.

  1. Add a Touch of Flavor

For an aromatic twist, I like to add a clove of garlic, a bay leaf, or even a splash of chicken broth. It gives the arroz blanco a delicate aroma while keeping that traditional fluffy texture. 

Once you get these little tips right, arroz blanco becomes an easy recipe and your rice will come out perfectly fluffy every single time.

Serving Suggestions For Arroz Blanco

When it comes to serving your perfectly cooked arroz blanco, you can serve it with just about anything such as saucy meats and simple vegetables. I often enjoy my fluffy white rice with the pollo guisado (stewed chicken) or carne guisada (beef stew) because the rice soaks up all that rich, savory sauce perfectly.

Como Hacer Arroz Blanco served with roasted potatoes and chicken – final plated meal

 For a classic Puerto Rican touch, arroz blanco also goes beautifully with habichuelas guisadas (stewed beans). Creamy bean sauce over soft rice is pure comfort food. Adding crispy fried onions or toasted nuts can provide an unexpected crunch that elevates the entire dining experience. Arroz blanco is that humble side dish that quietly makes everything taste better. It’s soft, fluffy, and ready to complement any main course you love. 

If you want to keep things lighter, try Arroz Blanco with my tangy Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe.

Como Hacer Arroz Blanco recipe served with Mexican coleslaw – delicious plated meal.

Storing And Reheating

 Arroz Blanco stores really well. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days without losing its texture. When it’s time to reheat, I always sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving or warming it on the stove. This small step helps restore its soft and fluffy texture, keeping it from drying out.

You can even freeze this dish if you want to extend its life. I prefer to freeze it in portions. This not only saves space but also makes it incredibly convenient for quick meals. Always refrigerate your rice within two hours after cooking to keep it safe and delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Here is the table for nutrition fact per serving but it may vary depending upon the variations you try with arroz blanco.

NutrientAmount% Daily Value*
Calories205kcal
Carbohydres45 g15%
Protein4.2 g8%
Fat0.4 g1%
Saturated Fat0.1 g1%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Fiber0.6 g2%
Sugars0 g0%
Potassium55 mg1%

Final Thoughts

Making arroz blanco looks simple but it really needs patience and perfection. Once you master it, you’ll always have a fluffy, light, and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. I still remember how proud I felt the first time my rice turned out perfectly soft and not sticky. 

It’s such a satisfying kitchen win. With just a few easy steps, you can achieve the same perfect texture every time. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t settle for sticky rice and make this easy, dreamy Arroz Blanco tonight.

FAQS ( Frequently Asked Questions )

Q1: What does “Arroz Blanco” mean?

Arroz blanco means “white rice” in Spanish. It refers to rice that has had its husk, bran, and germ removed, giving it a clean white color and mild flavor. In many Latin and Caribbean cuisines, arroz blanco is a staple side dish.

Q2: Is arroz blanco healthy to eat?

Yes! arroz blanco can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. It’s naturally low in fat and sodium, and a great source of quick energy. For extra nutrition, I sometimes pair it with beans, vegetables, or lean proteins to make a balanced meal.

Q3: What can I serve with arroz blanco?

I love serving arroz blanco with pollo guisado (stewed chicken), carne guisada (beef stew), or habichuelas guisadas (stewed beans).  It also pairs perfectly with grilled fish, roasted veggies, or even a fried egg for a quick meal.

Q4: How do I make arroz blanco fluffy and not sticky?

I always rinse the rice until the water runs clear before cooking. Use a 1:2 rice to water ratio, cook on low heat and avoid stirring while it’s simmering. Let it rest covered for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork

Q5: Can I make arroz blanco in a rice cooker?

Yes! by following water to rice ratio 1:2 and adding a pinch of salt and a bit of oil if you like, then press the button. The rice cooker takes care of the timing, and it always comes out fluffy and even.