Rinse the Rice: The first crucial step is to rinse your rice. Place it in a bowl and run cold water over it, swirling with your fingers. The water will be cloudy at first; keep rinsing and draining until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which is the main culprit behind gummy or sticky rice.
Add to the Pot: In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, cold water, butter or oil, and salt.
Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Do not cover the pot yet.
Reduce and Simmer: As soon as the water reaches a boil, stir once, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Place the lid on the pot and do not open it.
Cook and Wait: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18 minutes. It’s important not to peek, as this lets the steam—which is key to perfectly cooked rice—escape.
The Final Step: After 18 minutes, turn off the heat, but leave the lid on for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the remaining steam to be fully absorbed, making the rice plump and fluffy.
Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Serve it immediately as a perfect side for any meal.

I hope this helps you achieve perfect rice every time! If you try it, let me know what you think.

Enjoy!