Start by measuring 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Place it in a colander or fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear, then let it drain.
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup of water, 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, keeping an eye on it to prevent boiling over.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid to trap steam. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
After the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
Remove the bay leaves and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve your Perfect Steamed Rice as a side dish or as the foundation for your favorite recipes.