How to Cook Jasmine Rice

Isabella Cannon

| 2 min read

Medically reviewed by Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

Jasmine rice is a type of long-grain rice native to Thailand that is commonly found in Southeast Asian countries. Like most rice, jasmine rice is available in both white and brown varieties. Brown rice is higher in nutrients because the processing of white rice removes the husk, bran and germ, stripping the rice of many of its nutrients and fiber. 
Jasmine rice gets its name from the fragrant jasmine flower. When compared to other rice varieties, jasmine rice is similar to basmati rice, another aromatic type of rice commonly grown in South Asia. However, jasmine rice has a slightly stickier texture and a more delicate flavor profile than basmati rice. Cooking jasmine rice is simple and requires only a couple of steps.

How To Cook Jasmine Rice on a Stovetop

Total Time:

20 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 cups jasmine rice

  • 21⁄2 cups water

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Uncooked jasmine rice contains a significant amount of starch, which can result in a sticky, gummy texture when cooked. Rinse the rice with cool water in a strainer or colander to remove excess starch. This helps the grains to cook evenly and remain separate.

    Hold the strainer under cold running water and stir the rice with your hand. Then, continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This may take several minutes.

  • Step 2

    Once measured, pour rice into a deep medium-sized pot that has a tight-fitting lid. Follow a 1:1 1/4 ratio of rice and rice. For every 1 cup of uncooked rice, use 1 1/4 cups of water to yield 2 servings of rice. While optional, adding salt to rice while cooking can enhance its flavor.

  • Step 3

    Bring rice and water to a light boil. You should see bubbles forming on the surface of the water.

  • Step 4

    Cover the pot tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. A tight-fitting lid will help prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Let the rice and water simmer while covered for 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Step 5

    After 10 minutes, remove the lid. If all or most of the water is gone, continue with the next step. If there is still an inch or more of water, put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 more minutes.

  • Step 6

    When all the water has been absorbed, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Allow the pot to rest for another 10 to 15 minutes. The residual heat inside the pot will steam the rice leaving your rice the perfect texture. Fluff your rice with a fork or chopsticks before serving.

How to Cook Jasmine Rice in a Rice Cooker

A rice cooker can be an easy and effective way to cook jasmine rice in 20 minutes or less. Because the rice cooker is sealed, it reduces the air pressure, and the water boils faster. 

Total Time:

20 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 2 cups jasmine rice

  • 21⁄2 cups water

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Uncooked jasmine rice contains a significant amount of starch, which can result in a sticky, gummy texture when cooked. Rinse the rice with cool water in a strainer or colander to remove excess starch. This helps the grains to cook evenly and remain separate.

    Hold the strainer under cold running water and stir the rice with your hand. Then, continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This may take several minutes.

  • Step 2

    For most rice cookers, follow a 1:1 1/4 ratio of rice and rice. For every 1 cup of uncooked rice, use 1 1/4 cups of water to yield 2 servings of rice. While optional, adding salt to rice while cooking can enhance its flavor.

  • Step 3

    Close the lid, turn the rice cooker on and close the steam value.

  • Step 4

    Consult the cooker’s instructions to choose the best setting for the rice and let it cook for the specified time. Most rice cookers have a pre-set program that turns the appliance off automatically according to the setting you’ve chosen. In general, jasmine rice should be cooked on high for about 20 minutes in a rice cooker.

  • Step 5

    When the jasmine rice is finished cooking, turn off the rice cooker. Open the steam valve, keeping face and hands away from it, and let the rice rest in the cooker for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid on.

  • Step 6

    After the rice has rested, use a spatula to mix the rice and remove any lingering moisture to give the rice a fluffier texture.

How to Store Leftover Jasmine Rice

When storing cooked jasmine rice, follow these tips to ensure a safe meal:
  1. Let the rice cool
  2. Use a tightly sealed container
  3. Store in the refrigerator
  4. Use within four days or freeze for later use
Photo credit: Getty Images
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