Fragrant and fluffy, long-grain jasmine rice is the cornerstone of many a great meal. If, that is, it’s cooked correctly! Happily, it’s easy to learn how to make jasmine rice, whether you opt to make it on the stovetop, in a microwave, in a rice cooker or in an Instant Pot.
Grown primarily in South-East Asia, including in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, jasmine rice is a long-grain variety that is similar to basmati rice. Still, jasmine grains are slightly softer than basmati, and have a natural chew when cooked. Jasmine rice also has a naturally sweet fragrance that many people say is reminiscent of butter-doused popcorn or a type of tropical plant called pandan.
Knowing how to make perfect jasmine rice can boost any meal, whether it’s a novel take on pad Thai or a weeknight-friendly stir-fry. So learn how to make jasmine rice, and a delicious dinner will only ever be a few simple steps away!
Jasmine Rice-to-Water Ratio
When it comes to cooking jasmine rice, most experts agree that its best to use 1 1/2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. For slightly drier rice, use 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice. Since jasmine rice is naturally soft, it can soak up more water than other types of rice. If you cook it using more water, the end result will be slightly softer and clumpier.
Should Jasmine Rice Be Rinsed?
When learning how to cook jasmine rice, there’s one important question you need to ask: should I rinse my rice or not? The answer is a little more complicated than you might think! Many people are in the habit of rinsing rice before cooking it. Rinsing rice in several changes of clean, cool water helps to remove some of the starch coating the outside of the grains. In some cases, this produces fluffier rice that’s never gummy or clumpy. However, because jasmine rice easily absorbs water, rinsing can have a negative effect. If you rinse your jasmine rice and don’t adjust the water-to-rice ratio, you can end up with a less-than-desirable pot of mush.
Similarly, though soaking is a popular step when making basmati, brown and other types of rice, it’s not recommended for jasmine. Since jasmine rice is naturally soft, soaking it can make it gummy and clumpy.
Though both rinsing and soaking are not required to make perfect jasmine rice, if you still can’t shake these habits here are a few details to remember. If you soak your rice before cooking it, you’ll want to reduce the water-to-rice ratio. When rinsed, 1 cup of jasmine rice should be cooked in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water. When soaked, 1 cup of jasmine rice should be cooked in 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of water. This is to account for the water that the rice grains have already absorbed.
How Long to Cook Jasmine Rice?
Depending on which method you choose, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes to cook jasmine rice. When using a traditional stovetop method, jasmine rice is ready in about 22-25 minutes. Another stovetop option, Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice, takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
When cooked in a rice cooker, 1 cup of jasmine rice will take approximately 25-30 minutes to reach perfection.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice on the Stovetop
To cook jasmine rice on the stove, start with premium rice, ideally a brand that’s made of %100 jasmine rice from South-East Asia. Then, combine 1 cup of rice and the correct amount of water together in a saucepan. Leave uncovered and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn heat to low, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed. While the rice is cooking, resist the urge to peak! Lifting the lid will allow the heat and steam to escape, which can affect the cook on the rice. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the rice to stand for 10 minutes to absorb the steam in the pot. Fluff with a fork, and serve.
Ingredients
To make perfect jasmine rice, you have to begin with a premium product. Opt for rice grown in South-East Asia that’s from a trusted company. This will ensure a fragrant product that is clean and free of debris. Also check the packaging date before buying rice. Jasmine rice tends to lose its fragrance after a few months, meaning the fresher, the better! When cooked, 1 cup of rice is enough for 2-3 people. One bag of Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice yields 2 servings.
Apart from the rice, all you need to make this versatile dish is water. You can also add salt, to taste, along with a little butter or oil, though these aren’t necessary.
Instructions
One way to make perfect jasmine rice on the stove is to cook with no measure, no mess Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice. A kitchen staple that takes the guesswork out of cooking for one or for a crowd, this handy go-to is a delicious addition to any menu.
- To begin, fill a saucepan with 4 cups of water. Submerge a bag of Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice and bring to a boil.
- Boil rice, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes.
- Using a fork, carefully remove bag from saucepan and drain. Cut bag open and empty cooked rice into a serving dish. Fluff with a fork and season to taste with butter and/or salt.
- To prepare multiple bags of rice, pour 3 quarts of water into a large saucepan. Submerge 2 bags of Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice. Follow above steps.
Expert Tips for Perfect Jasmine Rice
Serving a perfect bowl of jasmine rice isn’t as easy as it may seem! Keep these tips in mind when jasmine rice is on the menu, and you’ll have a failsafe route to swoon-worthy meals.
- Unless you’re using Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice, measuring is crucial to getting your water-to-rice ratio just right. Cook jasmine rice with too much water, and you won’t be happy with the results.
- Always cook jasmine rice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. This will ensure that the heat is even throughout the cooking process and that steam can’t escape.
- For added flavor, replace the water with broth. The rice will absorb the flavor of the broth while cooking, giving your final dish added dimension. Alternatively, you can flavor the water with herbs, spices, flavored oils or butter.
- Though there’s nothing quite like a fresh pot of warm rice, jasmine rice can also be prepped ahead of time. To store cooked rice, simply cool to 70°F within 1 hour of cooking, then transfer to the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat the rice as a side dish, in fried rice or stir fries, or add it to soups, for up to 3 days.
- Cooked rice can also be stored in the freezer. To do so, transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe bags. Use within 3 months.
Nutritional Info
Grains are part of a balanced diet, and most people consume several servings of grains per day. Each bag of Success® Jasmine Rice contains 2 servings. Each serving provides the following:
- 180 calories
- 40 grams carbohydrates
- 4g protein
How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Rice Cooker
Whether its habit, to save stove space or merely for its simplicity, many cooks turn to their rice cooker to make perfect jasmine rice. To cook jasmine rice in a rice cooker, you can use the same water-to-rice ratio mentioned above. Place the rice and water in the rice cooker, close the lid and press “start.” Depending on the model of rice cooker you own, the rice will be cooked in 15-25 minutes. Do not open the lid during cooking! Once the rice is cooked, allow it to sit in the cooker for an additional 10-15 minutes, to absorb the steam left in the cooker.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Instant Pot
To make jasmine rice in an Instant Pot, add rice and water (ratio used above) to insert. Season to taste. Secure the lid and fasten shut. Select “Pressure Cook” for 3-4 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes. Flip the steam valve and fluff rice.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Microwave
Though exact cook times will vary by appliance, this method is a good place to start when learning how to cook jasmine rice in a microwave. To start, place rice and water (for this method, use 1 cup rice and 1 1/2 cups water) in a large, microwave-safe dish. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 8-10 minutes, until steam holes appear in surface of rice. Cover dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove rice from microwave and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice and taste. If not entirely cooked, return to microwave and cook in 1-minute increments until tender.
How to Serve Jasmine Rice: Our Favorite Recipes
Now that you know how to make jasmine rice, it’s time to try it in recipes that wow! A delicate partner to curries and stir-fries, jasmine rice also shines when used in mains and desserts, such as fried rice dishes, salads, soups, puddings and more. Read on for some of our faves!
Jasmine Cilantro Lime Rice
A flavorful side or tasty taco topping, this simple dish comes together in minutes. Chicken stock, cilantro, lime and more give this easy go-to oomph beyond the usual.
Fried Shrimp and Jasmine Rice
A weeknight savior, this dish delivers bold flavors in record time. Jazzed up with simple add-ins – from shrimp and vegetables to soy sauce — Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice morphs into a satisfying dinner that’s unlikely to result in leftovers.
Beet, Kale and Jasmine Rice Salad with Cider Dressing
Once you know how to cook jasmine rice, you can use it in nearly any preparation you want! A colorful addition to any festive table, this salad showcases jasmine rice’s range.
Honey-Ginger Baked Salmon with Jasmine Rice
In this elegant dish, jasmine rice is a fluffy, fragrant bed for sweet and savory salmon fillets. Impressive enough for company, this recipe is also easy enough to whip up on a school night.
Sweet Jasmine Mango Rice
Enrobed in sweetened coconut milk and topped with vibrant slices of juicy mango, jasmine rice goes back to its roots in this Thai-inspired dessert.
Cooking is about getting creative in the kitchen, and bringing loved ones together over delicious meals. Once you know how to make perfect jasmine rice, there’s a world of dishes you can make to keep them coming back for more!