Fragrant Jasmine Rice Tastes Great in Just About Everything (2024)

• Skills
• Ingredients

updated Apr 20, 2021

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Fragrant and fluffy, jasmine rice isn’t just any long-grain rice — it is a favorite multi-purpose rice. You’ll find jasmine in stir-fries, congee, and even vibrant rice puddings. Jasmine rice is also easy to find, store, and cook, which makes it an excellent candidate for serving on its own as a side dish. No matter how you like to cook it, here’s what you need to know about jasmine rice.

What Is Jasmine Rice?

Sometimes called “Thai rice” or “fragrant rice,” jasmine rice is an aromatic long-grain rice variety that originated in Thailand. It is used widely in Southeast Asian cooking, as well as in some Middle Eastern dishes. You’ll see it at most supermarkets, as well as at Asian or Middle Eastern markets. White jasmine is the most widely available type, although you will occasionally see brown jasmine rice too.

Jasmine rice is often associated with basmati rice. As they are both long-grain rices, the two are often considered interchangeable. They do have a compound (2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline) in common that lends them their popcorn-like fragrance, although jasmine’s aroma is more floral and sweet, and its flavor boasts a milder, more subtle nuttiness. Jasmine grains are also slightly shorter and thicker, and its texture is softer and a bit sticky. Although it’s traditionally used as a base for stir-fries or a simple side to meat dishes, jasmine rice is an all-purpose grain that’s great in a multitude of dishes.

How Should You Cook Jasmine Rice?

Stovetop? Oven? A countertop appliance? No matter what you cook jasmine rice in, we have the best method.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice on the Stove

Measure 1 cup jasmine rice into a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Combine the drained rice and 1 1/4 cups water in a small saucepan, and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the water is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in an Instant Pot

Measure 1 cup jasmine rice into a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Combine the drained rice, 1 cup water, and salt to taste in the pot. Lock the lid in place and set to cook under High pressure for 3 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Fluff with a fork before serving.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Rice Cooker

First, always check your manual to see if it offers specific instructions for jasmine rice. Measure the rice with the cup that came with your rice cooker, then rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer. Add the rinsed, drained rice to the pot, then add salt to taste and water to the level indicated for white rice (rice cookers should have markings inside the pot). If you don’t have a rice cooker cup or markings inside the pot, try a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1 cup water. Set to cook using the white rice mode. Let the rice stand in the closed cooker for 10 to 30 minutes after cooking, then fluff and serve.

How to Bake Jasmine Rice in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F with the rack in middle of the oven. Measure 1 cup jasmine rice into a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Combine drained rice and salt to taste in a 2-quart baking dish; add 1 tablespoon butter, if desired. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan or tea kettle. Pour boiling water over the rice mixture, stir, and spread rice in an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and serve.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Slow Cooker

We don’t recommend cooking jasmine rice in a slow cooker; it tends to get gummy.

How to Store Jasmine Rice

To help preserve its fragrance, store jasmine rice in an airtight container, such as a Mason jar or tightly lidded plastic container. Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place, like the pantry.

How Long Does Jasmine Rice Last?

Our Favorite Jasmine Rice Recipes

With its faintly nutty flavor and soft texture, jasmine rice is an all-purpose grain that’s great in all kinds of dishes. These are some of our favorites.

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