Go Back
Quick Meal Prep Ideas

Cook a Big Pot of Rice

The most underrated quick meal prep idea. Cook four cups of rice in 18 minutes and have the base for five different quick dinners all week. Day old cold rice also makes the best fried rice — setting you up for two meals with one simple prep step.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Meal Prep
Cuisine: Universal
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups long grain white rice
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Rinse rice until water runs clear — removes excess starch for fluffier rice
  2. Step 2: Add rice water and salt to large pot bring to boil over high heat
  3. Step 3: Add butter if using stir
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to lowest setting cover tightly
  5. Step 5: Cook 18 minutes — do not lift lid at all
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat let sit covered 5 more minutes
  7. Step 7: Fluff with fork spread on sheet pan to cool completely before storing
  8. Step 8: Store in airtight containers up to 5 days in fridge

Notes

— Cooling completely before
storing prevents condensation
and soggy rice
— Chicken broth instead of
water adds more flavor
— Day old cold rice makes
the best fried rice
— Reheat with splash of
water to restore moisture