Nina'S Fluffy Rice

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min

Nina's Fluffy Rice is a quick, easy microwave method yielding perfectly tender rice with light, fluffy grains, ideal for busy weeknights or as a versatile side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a microwavable dish with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Cook on high power for 5 minutes in the microwave.
  3. Do not open the container during cooking.
  4. Then cook on 50 percent power for 10 minutes.
  5. Allow to set for 5 minutes without opening the lid.
  6. Open the container, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For perfectly fluffy rice, rinse the long grain rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. If you prefer a bit of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of olive oil. For a twist, try substituting half of the water with vegetable broth or adding a pinch of Creole Meat Seasoning for a hint of spice.

Serving Suggestions

This fluffy rice pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Ribs or can be served as a base for stir-fries and curries. For a complete meal, consider adding sautéed vegetables or a protein of your choice. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel before microwaving for 1-2 minutes. This helps prevent the rice from drying out and keeps it fluffy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nina'S Fluffy Rice contains roughly 440 calories, with 9g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1750mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

440 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 3.8g 5% DV
Carbs 91.5g 33% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1750.1mg 76% DV
Potassium 300.4mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 12mg 1% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your microwavable dish is large enough to accommodate the increased volume. Keep the same cooking times, but check the rice for doneness as it might need a minute or two longer due to the larger quantity.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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