How to get perfectly cooked rice WITHOUT a rice cooker

1. Wash your rice until the water runs clear. Any extra starch will prevent you from getting fluffy rice.
2. Soak the rice for 20 minutes; this step is optional but yields a better texture. 
3. After soaking, drain the rice then add to your pot. Instead of the finger method, use the palm method: Lay your palm against the flat surface of the rice and add just enough water so it just barely covers the part of your hand that's facing you (e.g., knuckles or bottoms of fingers).
4. To cook, remember the '10-10-10' rule: Cover and cook on high heat for 10 minutes, then lower heat and cook for another 10-15 minutes (depending on how the rice looks). Finally, take off heat and let it steam for 10 more minutes.