Big-Batch Rice

A foolproof method for cooking perfect rice in large quantities, with vinegar and salt for enhanced flavor. This recipe yields tender, slightly al dente rice that can be enjoyed immediately or frozen for later use.

10 servings

35 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•1½ Tbsp kosher salt
•1 Tbsp vinegar
•2 lb rice
•rice
•rice

Cooking Instructions

1.
Bring 18 cups water to a boil in a large covered pot over high heat. Stir in salt and vinegar. Add rice, reduce heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked through but not mushy (taste it: it should still be slightly al dente), 10-20 minutes, depending on variety of rice. Working in batches if needed, strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
20 min
2.
If not serving immediately, spread rice in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. Transfer to resealable freezer bags, pat down into an even layer (so it defrosts more quickly), and freeze up to 4 months. To defrost, transfer frozen rice to a microwave-proof bowl and sprinkle with a bit of water. Cover and microwave rice on high in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. Alternately, place rice in a saucepan and add a splash of water. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed, until warmed through. If using in a soup, add frozen rice directly to soup and cook until heated through.
15 min

Cooking Instructions

Bring 18 cups water to a boil in a large covered pot over high heat. Stir in salt and vinegar. Add rice, reduce heat to medium, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked through but not mushy (taste it: it should still be slightly al dente), 10-20 minutes, depending on variety of rice. Working in batches if needed, strain through a fine-mesh strainer.

20 min

If not serving immediately, spread rice in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and let cool. Transfer to resealable freezer bags, pat down into an even layer (so it defrosts more quickly), and freeze up to 4 months. To defrost, transfer frozen rice to a microwave-proof bowl and sprinkle with a bit of water. Cover and microwave rice on high in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. Alternately, place rice in a saucepan and add a splash of water. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed, until warmed through. If using in a soup, add frozen rice directly to soup and cook until heated through.

15 min