How to Cook Arborio Rice

What Sets Arborio Rice Apart

Several key characteristics set Arborio Rice apart from other rice varieties. Medium-grain, arborio is high in amylopectin starch. When cooked, as in risottos, this type of starch is slowly released, lending dishes a creamy, silky texture. Arborio has a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that can be combined with many ingredients with great success.

Unlike long-grain types of rice, which have a drier, fluffier and more separate texture when cooked, Arborio’s grains are plumper and shorter.

Due to their high starch content, arborio grains cook up softer and stickier. To sample the best qualities of Arborio Rice, reach for premium grains, such as RiceSelect® Arborio Rice and RiceSelect® Organic Arborio Rice.

You can cook Arborio Rice in two ways: by using the traditional risotto method, which involves slow cooking and frequent stirring to create a creamy texture, or by using the simpler absorption method, similar to how you would cook other types of rice.

How to Cook Arborio Rice on the Stove (Absorption Method)

Though we’ve all heard of Arborio Rice being used to make authentic, nonna-approved risottos, this ingredient isn’t a one-trick pony!

Once you know how to cook Arborio Rice on the stove, you can embrace its naturally velvety texture in appetizers, mains and desserts!

Ingredients & Water-to-Rice Ratio

• 1 cup Arborio Rice
• 2 cups water (you can also use another cooking liquid, such as broth, juice or coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

• Combine rice and water in a medium saucepan. Add salt and butter, if using.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low.
• Cook for 18-20 minutes, until the water has been absorbed.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

The Stovetop Method for Risotto

The dish that made Arborio Rice famous, risotto is a must-try when working with this special grain. For classic risotto, follow this recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons shallots, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups RiceSelect® Arborio Rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 5 cups hot chicken broth, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

• Heat oil and butter in a large heavy saucepan.
• Add shallots and garlic and sauté over medium heat until shallots are tender, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in rice and cook until all grains are coated in oil and are slightly translucent, about 2 minutes.
• Add wine, if using, and stir over medium-high heat until the wine has been absorbed.
• Add about 1 cup of hot broth to rice and stir constantly, cooking until almost all of the broth has been absorbed. Continue to add 1 cup of hot broth at a time, stirring until the liquid has been absorbed before adding more. Use enough broth to cook the rice until it is just al dente.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano.

How to Cook Arborio Rice in a Rice Cooker

For non-risotto meals, you can reach for your rice cooker when making Arborio Rice. This method is simple and fast and leaves the stove available for other dishes. To learn how to cook Arborio Rice in a rice cooker, follow these instructions:

Ingredients & Water-to-Rice Ratio

• 1 cup Arborio Rice
• 1 1/2 cups water (you can also use another cooking liquid, such as broth, juice or coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• Additional aromatics (such as bay leaf, cinnamon stick, sautéed onion, etc.)

Instructions

• Depending on the texture you want in your final dish, you may want to rinse the rice. For more separate grains when cooked, rinse the rice in cool water until it runs clear.
• Add rice and water to rice cooker insert. Stir in salt, butter and aromatics, if using.
• Close the rice cooker and select the “Short Grain” or “White Rice” setting.
• Once rice is cooked, let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.

How to Cook Arborio Rice in an Instant Pot

For rice bowls or a simple side, you can turn to your Instant Pot when making Arborio Rice. When learning how to cook Arborio Rice in an Instant Pot, it’s important to pay attention to liquid ratios and release times.

Keep in mind, this recipe is for simple rice. Don’t be afraid to get creative with aromatics, cheese, or other flavor boosters!

Ingredients & Water-to-Rice Ratio

• 1 cup Arborio Rice
• 2 – 2 1/2 cups water (you can also use another cooking liquid, such as broth, juice or coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• Additional aromatics (such as bay leaf, cinnamon stick, sautéed onion, etc.)

Instructions

• Add rice and 2 cups of water to Instant Pot.
• Stir in butter, salt and aromatics, if using.
• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes.
• When complete, allow for the pressure to be released naturally for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and to absorb excess steam. Releasing the pressure manually isn’t recommended.
• If rice is underdone, select Sauté setting. Add additional water, a little at a time, and stir until the rice is al dente.
• Fluff rice and serve.

What to Make with Arborio Rice (It’s Not Just Risotto)

With its unique texture and flavor, arborio is an incredibly special type of rice. Though it makes excellent risotto, it shouldn’t be ignored for other recipes! In savory starters, salads and desserts, arborio’s natural creaminess adds incredible texture — without extra effort!

You don’t have to stick to Italian dishes, either. Arborio’s allure translates to dishes from around the globe, such as seafood-packed paella and spicy, Thai-style curries.

Of course, if it’s risotto you want, then risotto you should have! A dish that can be simple or boast a full range of flavors, that can function as a side or a main course, be inspired by the seasons or be classic, the right risotto can match just about any craving.

Why Choose RiceSelect® Arborio Rice

As with any ingredient, choosing quality products will have a big impact on your final dish. A versatile ingredient that can enhance any course, from snacks to sweet endings, arborio is an indispensable kitchen must-have.

For unmatched quality and flavor, plus consistent results, reach for the red cap of RiceSelect® Arborio Rice the next time you’re looking to wow! Find the entire range of RiceSelect® Products online and at select retailers.