How much uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice?

In this article, we will answer the question “How much uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice?”, and what factors determine how much rice should be cooked to yield 4 cups of rice.

How much uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice?

4 cups of cooked rice are yielded when cooking 1 and ⅓ cups of uncooked white longkorn rice (1). The regular serving size is one cup per person, equal to about 150 g of cooked rice (2).

However, how much a cup of uncooked rice yields after cooking depends on several factors, such as  variety, grain type, cultural practice, drying, storing and milling conditions of the grain, as well as cooking method (3,4).

What factors determine how much uncooked rice yields 4 cups of cooked rice?

The main factors that determine how much uncooked rice yields 4 cups of cooked rice are the following (3,4):

The type and variety of rice

Grain composition, starch content and swelling properties are some characteristics of the grain that affect the yield of rice after cooking. These properties vary according to the rice type and variety (3).

When the rice grain expands, it gives a larger look and is perceived as greater in volume. Some varieties of Basmati rice have a good expansion, thus achieving greater yields.

Rice varieties having a greater amount of amylase in their composition are more prone to sticking. Sticky rice, differently from fluffy rice, yields less, as the grains stick together resulting in a smaller volume. 

Rice having 20-25% amylose gives soft, and relatively sticky cooked rice. Rice varieties that have an amylose content above 25% are considered non-sticky.

Parboiled rice is less sticky and loses less solids into the cooking water thus has a higher yield than regular non-parboiled rice. However, it requires a higher water-to-rice ratio to cook (4).

The water-to-rice ratio

The water-to-rice ratio can determine the rice yield, as it affects the final water content in the cooked rice. Moisture content after cooking affects the yield. Cooking with excess water can increase the moisture content of the rice and consequently improve yield (4).

Some varieties of white rice and parboiled rice have increased moisture content after cooking resulting in a greater yield. Brown rice, on the contrary, has a lower moisture content after cooking and therefore yields less. 

How to prepare 4 cups of cooked rice?

To prepare 4 cups of cooked rice, you should follow the steps (1):

  • Combine 1 and ⅓ cups of rice, liquid (see the recommended amount of water to each type of rice below), about 2 ½ cups of water (depending on the type of rice) in a large saucepan. Add salt and oil or butter, according to your personal preference. 
  • Heat to boiling; stir once or twice as it begins to boil. Lower heat to a simmer; cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Cook until the whole liquid has been absorbed (15 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of rice).
  • Shut the heat off and rest for a few minutes before serving.

How much water do you need to cook 4 cups of rice?

The amount of water to prepare 4 cups of cooked rice depends on the type of rice to be cooked, as mentioned above. The recommended amount of water to cook 1 and ⅓ cups of rice required to yield 4 cups of rice are given in the table below (1):

1 ⅓  Cup Uncooked RiceLiquid
Long grain rice2 ⅓ to 2 ⅔ cups
Medium or short grain rice2 cups
Brown rice2 ⅔ to 3 ¼ cups
Converted rice2 ⅔ to 3 ¼ cups

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question “How much uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice?”, and what factors determine how much rice should be cooked to yield 4 cups of rice.

References 

  1. All about cooking rice. University of Nebraska
  2. Bhavadharini, Balaji, et al. White rice intake and incident diabetes: a study of 132,373 participants in 21 countries. Diabetes Care, 2020, 43, 2643-2650.  
  3. Dipti, S. S., et al. Physicochemical and cooking properties of some fine rice varieties. Pakistan J Nutr, 2002, 1, 188-190. 
  4. Roy, Poritosh, et al. Processing conditions, rice properties, health and environment. Int j environ res public health, 2011, 8, 1957-1976.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!