Rinse the rice: Put the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.

Measure the rice and water: Add the rice and water to a pot. The general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. If you're using brown rice, you may need to use slightly more water.

Add salt (optional): If you like, you can add a pinch of salt to the pot for extra flavor.

Bring to a boil: Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes for white rice and 35-40 minutes for brown rice.

Turn off heat and let rice rest: Once the rice is done cooking, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining water and become fluffy.

Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice and serve it hot.