Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This will help to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the cooked rice.
Add the rice to a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the water and salt (if using) to the bowl and stir gently.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Microwave on high for 15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so check the rice after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and fluff the rice with a fork. If the rice is still a bit wet, you can microwave it for an additional minute or two.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For the best result, choose high-quality long-grain rice such as basmati rice or jasmine rice.
Don't skip rinsing the rice! Rinsed rice not only does it help to get rid of any unwanted particles, but it also removes extra starch content.
You'll want to add just enough water to the rice. If you are using a different type of rice, follow thepackage instructions. For basmati rice, the ratio of water to rice is 2:1. However, if you use a different kind of rice, you need to adjust the amount of water to put accordingly.