Place a lid on the pot, turn the heat on to high, and bring the water up to a full boil.
Once the water reaches a full boil, turn the heat down to low and let the rice continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir as it simmers. Make sure it maintains a gentle simmer the entire time.
After simmering for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest without lifting the lid or stirring, for an additional five minutes.
After letting the rice rest, lift the lid and fluff with a fork. Serve hot.
*To cook long grain brown rice, increase the water to 2 cups and let the rice simmer for 45 minutes instead of 15. Don't forget to let the rice rest after turning off the heat, just as you do with the white rice.