First things first, take your measuring cup and pour one cup of long-grain white rice into the metal inner container of your rice cooker. Here’s a quick tip—before you actually start cooking, you want to make sure your rice is clean. Pour some water into the container with the rice and gently swish it around. This helps remove any dust or extra starch. After swirling it around for a bit, carefully pour the cloudy water out. Repeat this rinsing process just until the water runs clear. This step is crucial, as it’ll help you achieve that dreamily fluffy rice texture.

Now, after rinsing, place the metal container back into the rice cooker. Next, it’s time to add water. The general rule of thumb is to fill the water until it’s about an inch above the top level of the rice. If your rice cooker has specific instructions, always defer to those. A little too much water can make it mushy, but if you skimp, you’ll have crunchy rice. Aim for that sweet spot!

Now that you have your water measured, add one tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of salt to the container. The oil not only provides a lovely taste but helps keep the grains separate. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients before proceeding.

It's time for the fun part! Close the lid of the rice cooker tightly until you hear a satisfying click. Press the power button, and select the rice type according to your rice cooker’s settings. Most cookers have a simple “white rice” option, which should do the trick. Sit back, relax, and let the cooker work its magic.

When the cooker indicates that the rice is done (usually with a little beep), open the lid carefully to avoid a steam burn. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy it with your favorite main dish or as part of a hearty meal.