Jasmine Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Rice Every Time
Looking for a fluffy and fragrant bowl of rice that will elevate your Asian or Middle Eastern-inspired dish? Jasmine rice is your answer. Still, making it can be tricky. If you are tired of soggy or undercooked rice and want to learn how to cook jasmine rice perfectly every time, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide, delicious recipes, and helpful tips to help you master the art of cooking jasmine rice.
Step-by-Step Guide
The secret to perfectly cooked jasmine rice is all in the process of preparation. Here is our step-by-step guide to cooking jasmine rice:
Select The Right Type of Jasmine Rice
First and foremost, not all jasmine rice is created equal. Since it comes in many different quality grades and brands, you should pay attention to the origin of the grain to ensure you buy high-quality rice. The best jasmine rice comes from Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Before cooking the rice, rinse it several times in cold water to remove any debris and excess starch.
Measure, Wash, and Soak the Rice
After rinsing the rice, use a measuring cup to portion out the desired amount of rice and put it in a large bowl. Then, sprinkle in some cold water and soak the rice for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that the rice is evenly cooked. Once the rice is done soaking, drain it through a strainer to remove any excess water.
Cook the Rice on the Stove
Once you have rinsed and soaked the rice, it’s time to cook it. In a pot or a deep pan, add the rice with double the amount of water, for example, two cups of water for one cup of rice. Bring the water to a boil, then put the lid on and let the rice cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Do not open the lid during the cooking process as it may affect the texture of the rice. After 15 minutes, switch off the heat, and let the rice rest for another five minutes to absorb any excess moisture.
Fluff and Serve the Rice
After the rice has cooked, gently fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps. You can add some salt or butter to the rice at this point if you wish. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for five minutes or so to keep the rice warm. Serve the rice immediately as a side dish or base of your favorite recipe.
One-Pot Rice Recipe
Want to turn your jasmine rice into a complete and easy meal? Our one-pot rice recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless pieces of chicken or shrimps
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Wash and soak the rice. Rinse the chicken or shrimp and pat dry.
2. In a deep pot or a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or shrimp and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s golden in color.
3. Add the chopped peppers, sliced zucchini, and garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the rice and chicken broth and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked, and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork, adjust the seasoning, and serve the one-pot rice hot. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Guide
An Instant Pot is a fantastic kitchen tool that can help you cook jasmine rice rapidly and efficiently. Here is how to cook your jasmine rice using an Instant Pot:
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water, then drain it through a strainer.
2. Add the rice to your Instant Pot and pour in 1 1/2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt.
3. Close the lid, and make sure that the vent is set to “Sealing” position.
4. Press the “Manual” setting on the Instant Pot and adjust the cooking time to six minutes on high pressure.
5. Once the cooking process is done, let the Instant Pot rest for an additional five minutes before switching the release valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve the rice hot.
Aromatic Rice Dishes
Now that you know how to cook perfect jasmine rice, let’s explore some dishes that you can make to impress family and friends.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory flavors, vegetables, and meat. Here is a simple recipe for fried rice:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled overnight
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a pan or wok on high heat, then drizzle the oil in the pot.
2. Sauté the garlic and onion for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the egg and scramble it with a spatula until it’s cooked.
4. Add the peas and carrots and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender.
5. Add the chilled jasmine rice and stir-fry all ingredients together.
6. Add soy sauce according to taste, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly combined.
7. Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Biryani
Biryani is a popular Indian dish made with layered aromatic rice and meat. Here is a simple biryani recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice according to our step-by-step guide.
2. In a separate pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat, and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth to the pot, along with bay leaves, cumin, and cashews. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. In a separate dish, layer the cooked rice and chicken broth mixture alternately, starting with rice and finishing with the chicken broth.
6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is infused with all the flavors.
7. Once done, carefully remove the bay leaves, fluff the biryani with a fork, and serve hot with your favorite chutney.
Paella
Paella is a Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, seafood, chicken, or sausage. Here is a simple paella recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice according to our step-by-step guide.
2. In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Into the same pot, add the chicken stock, white wine, paprika, saffron threads, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pot and stir until the rice is fully combined with the liquid and spices.
5. Layer the cooked seafood or chicken over the rice and cover the pot with a lid. Let the mixture cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the flavors.
6. Serve the paella hot with slices of lemon and parsley. Enjoy!
Rice Hacks
Want to make preparing jasmine rice even more comfortable? Here are some tips and tricks:
- If you’re short on time, try soaking the rice for up to 30 minutes to save some time during the cooking process.
- Try adding some broth instead of water to the rice to enhance the flavors.
- Use a rice cooker for more consistent and foolproof results.
Rice Servings and Storage
What to do with the leftover rice? Here are some ideas:
- Shape rice into balls and stuff them with your favorite ingredients like salmon, tuna, or soy sauce.
- Use leftover rice to make a delicious and healthy salad with chopped veggies, beans, or nuts.
- Transform leftover rice by adding some milk, sugar, and vanilla. You will have a tasty jasmine rice pudding dessert!
- Jasmine rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water or broth, cover the bowl with a lid or foil, and microwave for two minutes.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this step-by-step guide to making perfect jasmine rice. Whether you’re using your imagination to cook one-pot rice dishes, adding new aromatics for stir-fries, or exploring textures and flavors to concoct new recipes, cooking with jasmine rice can be fast, easy, and delicious.
