I was talking to my sister today when she started telling me how she struggles to cook rice correctly. I was like, well, just throw it in your rice cooker, and to my shock, she said she couldn’t figure out how to get good rice that way. Which I totally understand. The instructions on rice always tell you a certain ratio, but in reality, that ratio doesn’t always work well in a rice cooker. Instead, I recommend using the “knuckle method.”

I very much did not invent this method. I was taught this method by my friend in culinary school who grew up in an Asian household where this technique is widely known. Basically, you add your rice to the rice cooker and then place your pointer finger on top of the evened rice. From there, you pour in just enough water so that it comes up to your first knuckle. This tends to be the perfect water to rice ratio, and the rice comes out perfect every single time.

I personally have measured out what that amount is for those who are wary of this method, which you can see below in my recipe. But I recommend giving it a go because it truly is the easiest, most hands off way to cook rice.

• Rice of choice – This works with any rice! Note if you are using a long grain rice like jasmine or basmati, rinse prior.