Quick Answer
Generally, there are about 5-6 cups of uncooked rice in 1 kilo or 2.2 pounds. However, the exact number of cups depends on the type and varietal of rice. Long grain white rice yields around 5-5.5 cups per kilo, while short grain and brown rice yield closer to 6 cups per kilo due to being denser and less fluffy.
Detailed Answer
Rice is a versatile and nutritious cereal grain that is a dietary staple for many cultures around the world. It comes in several varieties, including long grain, medium grain, short grain, brown, white, jasmine, basmati, and more. The most common types of rice found in supermarkets are long grain white rice and short grain brown rice.
One kilogram or 2.2 pounds of uncooked rice yields different cup measurements depending on the type:
Long Grain White Rice
Long grain white rice is the most common variety. The long, slender grains cook up light and fluffy. There are about 5-5.5 cups of uncooked long grain white rice per kilo.
Short Grain Brown Rice
Short grain brown rice has shorter, plumper grains that retain more nutrients compared to white rice. Brown rice yields about 5.5-6 cups per kilo when dry, due to being denser and less fluffy when cooked.
Medium Grain White Rice
Medium grain rice has a shorter, wider grain than long grain. There are around 5.5 cups of uncooked medium grain white rice per kilo.
Short Grain White Rice
Short grain white rice has very plump, almost round grains. A kilo contains about 5.5-6 cups of uncooked short grain white rice.
Long Grain Brown Rice
Long grain brown rice is long and slender like its white rice counterpart. It contains around 5-5.5 cups per kilo when uncooked.
Converted Rice
Converted rice has been parboiled before milling. It yields about 5-5.5 cups per kilo.
Basmati Rice
Aromatic basmati rice grains are long and slender. There are approximately 5-5.5 cups of uncooked basmati rice per kilo.
Jasmine Rice
Fragrant jasmine rice has a similar yield to basmati rice, around 5-5.5 cups per kilo when uncooked.
Sticky or Glutinous Rice
Glutinous rice used in Asian desserts has very sticky, plump grains. A kilo of uncooked sticky rice contains about 6 cups.
Volume to Weight Rice Conversions
Below are some approximate rice volume conversions per cup and gram:
| Rice Type | Cups per Kilogram | Grams per Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Long Grain White Rice | 5-5.5 cups | 185-200g |
| Short Grain Brown Rice | 5.5-6 cups | 170-185g |
| Medium Grain White Rice | 5.5 cups | 180-190g |
| Short Grain White Rice | 5.5-6 cups | 170-185g |
| Long Grain Brown Rice | 5-5.5 cups | 180-200g |
| Converted Rice | 5-5.5 cups | 180-190g |
| Basmati Rice | 5-5.5 cups | 180-185g |
| Jasmine Rice | 5-5.5 cups | 180-185g |
| Glutinous Rice | 6 cups | 160-170g |
As you can see, the gram weight per cup can vary quite a bit between rice varietals due to differences in grain size and texture. So gram weight is a more accurate method of measuring rice quantities for recipes.
Factors Affecting Cup Measurements
There are a few factors that can affect the cup measurement of rice:
Grain Size and Shape
Rices with longer, thinner grains tend to be fluffier when cooked. A cup of these rices weighs less and yields more cups per kilo compared to shorter, plumper grains which weigh more per cup.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of rice can vary slightly depending on storage conditions. Drier rice weighs less per cup.
How the Cup is Measured
The way the cup is filled can make a difference. Lightly spooned rice weighs less than tightly packed rice. For accuracy, rice should be lightly spooned into a measuring cup.
Milling Percentage
Brown rice is less milled and retains all the bran and germ, so it is denser and heavier than highly milled white rice per cup.
Weight vs Volume for Cooking Rice
Because of the variation in cup measurements, it is highly recommended to use grams or ounces rather than volume cups for the most consistent and accurate way to measure rice quantities for cooking.
Especially for rice pilaf, risotto, and other rice dishes where precise ratios are important, weighing the uncooked rice gives the best results.
For example, rice absorbs a certain ratio of liquid to rice during cooking. If the rice weight varies a lot by cup, the dish may turn out too dry or soggy. Weighing the rice prevents any issues.
Tips for Measuring Rice
Follow these tips for accurately measuring rice:
– Invest in a digital kitchen scale for weighing rice in grams. This is more accurate than cup measurements which vary.
– When measuring rice by cups, use the same cup each time for consistency. The shape and size of the cup can impact the weight.
– Lightly spoon rice into cups using a spoon or scoop without packing or tapping.
– Level off the top surface without compressing.
– For cooked rice, use the drained weight or volume after cooking. Uncooked rice doubles or triples in volume after absorbing liquid during cooking.
Common Rice to Water Ratios
The standard rice to water ratio is generally 1:2, meaning 1 cup of uncooked rice to 2 cups water. But this can vary based on the variety of rice. Here are some common rice to water ratios:
Long Grain White Rice
1:2 rice to water ratio
So for 1 cup uncooked rice use 2 cups water.
Medium and Short Grain White Rice
1:2 rice to water ratio
Brown Rice
1:2.25 rice to water ratio
Brown rice requires more water due to the extra bran layers.
Converted Rice
1:2.25 rice to water ratio
Basmati and Jasmine Rice
1:1.5 rice to water ratio
These aromatic rices need less water.
Sticky Glutinous Rice
1:1.25 rice to water ratio
So for 1 cup sticky rice, use 1 and 1/4 cup water.
For accurate cooking, the best method is weighing the uncooked rice and calculating the amount of water needed based on a ratio appropriate for that type of rice.
Cooking Rice by Weight
To cook rice by weight, use a kitchen scale to weigh out the desired amount of dry rice. Then calculate the amount of water needed based on the appropriate rice to water ratio for that varietal.
Here is an easy process for cooking rice by weight:
1. Decide on the total weight of cooked rice you want to make. For 4 servings, aim for 600-800g cooked rice.
2. Weigh out the desired uncooked rice amount – remember rice doubles in volume after cooking. For 600g cooked rice, measure 300g uncooked.
3. Calculate the water – for long grain white rice, use a 1:2 ratio. So for 300g rice, use 600g (600ml) water.
4. Add the weighed rice and measured water to a pot. Bring to a boil uncovered.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let steam with the lid on for 10-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Cooking rice by weight takes the guesswork out and helps the rice turn out perfectly every time!
Tips for Cooking Rice
Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked rice:
– Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps prevent grains from sticking.
– Allow rice to soak for 30 minutes before cooking for fluffier grains.
– Use a heavy pot with a tight fitting lid, and bring to a boil over high heat.
– Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until liquid is absorbed.
– Do not lift lid while rice cooks. This allows steam to properly cook grains.
– Fluff rice with a fork before serving to separate grains.
– For best flavor, let rice rest 5-10 minutes off heat after cooking covered.
Perfectly cooked rice should have separate, tender grains that are fluffy yet firm. Adjust cook times and ratios as needed based on variety of rice.
Storing Cooked Rice
Cooked rice should be handled properly for food safety:
– Allow rice to cool completely before storage in fridge. Do not pack hot rice into containers.
– To accelerate cooling, spread rice on a sheet pan in a thin layer before covering and refrigerating.
– Store cooked rice in airtight, shallow containers. Keep rice in fridge for up to 4 days.
– Freeze rice for longer term storage. Cooked rice can be frozen for up to 6 months.
– When reheating rice, use the stove, microwave or steamer to thoroughly heat through. Bring to 165°F internal temperature.
With proper storage methods, cooked rice can be kept safely without fear of food poisoning. Follow the above recommendations for storing and reheating leftover rice.
Conclusion
To summarize, the number of cups of uncooked rice per kilo or 2.2 pounds depends on the rice variety, with long grain white rice yielding around 5 to 5.5 cups and short grain brown rice yielding 5.5 to 6 cups typically.
For accuracy, weigh rice by grams rather than relying on cup measurements which can vary. Use the correct rice to water ratio for the variety, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender. Store cooked rice safely in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. Following these tips will result in perfectly cooked rice every time.
