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4.83 from 40 votes

How to Cook Arborio Rice

How to Cook Arborio Rice - Stovetop, Instant Pot, Microwave
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 477kcal
Chef: Jessica Randhawa

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Stovetop

  • 8 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoon butter - or olive oil
  • 1 onion - diced
  • 2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instant Pot

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoon butter - or olive oil
  • 1 onion - diced
  • 2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Microwave

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon butter - or olive oil
  • 1 cups arborio rice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Stovetop

  • Add the chicken stock (or vegetable broth/water) to a medium saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and set aside to keep warm.
  • Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Add rice and salt and mix thoroughly with the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or just long enough to allow the rice to turn fragrant. Careful not to brown the rice.
  • Increase heat to medium to medium-high. Add a ladle (approximately 1/2 cup) of hot chicken stock to the rice. Stir until the liquid is fully absorbed. When nearly all the liquid is absorbed, stir in an additional ladle of hot chicken broth.
  • Continue adding chicken stock, one ladle at a time. Stir between each addition and wait to add the next ladle until the stock has been absorbed. This process will take anywhere between 20-30 minutes. Continue until the grains are al dente, or tender, yet firm.
  • Season or garnish with additional butter, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.

Instant Pot

  • Add the chicken stock (or vegetable broth/water) to a medium saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, cover, and remove from heat.
  • Set pressure cooker to sauté mode.
  • Add the butter and melt. Once melted, add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
  • Add the rice and salt and mix thoroughly with the onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or just long enough to allow the rice to turn fragrant. Careful not to brown the rice.
  • Turn off the sauté function. Stir in the warmed chicken stock. Secure lid and set pressure cooker to MANUAL high pressure for 5 minutes.
  • Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before switching to quick release.
  • Stir in additional butter, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs, if desired.

Microwave

  • Add the chicken stock to a large microwave-safe dish. Heat until the broth is hot, but not boiling.
  • Add the butter, arborio rice, and salt to the broth. Mix thoroughly to combine and cover with a damp paper towel. Cook for 5 minutes. Mix thoroughly, check for doneness, and continue to cook until al dente.
  • Season or garnish with additional butter, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Nutritional information is for stovetop arborio rice.
  • Do not rinse your rice if you plan to cook risotto.
  • Gluten-free

Nutrition

Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 5mg
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