Boiled or steamed rice is made with less water than the other preparations, the amount of water being a matter of personal preference. All water is absorbed or evaporated in this method.

A general rule is for the water level to be approximately one inch above the rice level in the pot; also, a standard recipe cup of rice will require 1/2 cups of water and will serve three people. The pot should never be more than half filled with raw rice; if more is needed, a larger pot should be used.