Jasmine rice, with its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, is a staple in many kitchens. In this article, I’ll guide you how to cook jasmine rice in 4 different ways include on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, in an Instant Pot, and in the microwave. Besides, I’ll also share common mistakes to avoid and useful tips to help you cook perfect jasmine rice every time.
1. How to Cook Jasmine Rice on Stove
Cooking Jasmine rice on the stovetop is my go-to when I want to feel hands-on in the kitchen. It’s straightforward and gives you control over the texture.
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups water
- Pinch of salt (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring fluffier rice.
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, water, and salt (if using). Next, heat over medium until the water boils, then reduce to low.
Then cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—steam is key!
Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
I once used a stainless steel pot without oiling the edges, and the rice stuck a bit. Lightly oil the pot’s rim with vegetable oil for easier cleanup.
2. How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a lifesaver for busy days. It’s practically foolproof, and cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 1.25 cups water
Instructions
Rinse under cold water until the water is clear. Then place rice and water in the rice cooker.
Close the lid and press the “Cook” button. The cooker will switch to “Warm” when done.
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
I love how rice cookers free up my stove for other dishes. If your cooker has a “white rice” setting, use it for Jasmine rice.
3. How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for quick, consistent results, especially when I’m cooking for a crowd.
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 1.25 cups water
Instructions
Rinse until the water runs clear. Then place rice and water in the inner pot.
Next, seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Rice” button (or high pressure for 5 minutes).
Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release remaining pressure carefully.
Finally, open the lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
The first time I used my Instant Pot, I did a full natural release, and the rice was a bit mushy. Stick to the 10-minute natural release for perfect texture.
4. How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Microwave
The microwave method is a lifesaver when you’re short on time or appliances. It’s not my favorite, but it gets the job done!
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups water
Instructions
Rinse until the water is clear.
Next, place rice and water in a microwave-safe bowl with a vented lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Then cook on high for 10-12 minutes until water is absorbed.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff. If still firm, microwave for 1-2 more minutes.
I once forgot to vent the lid, and the bowl nearly overflowed. Always leave a small vent to let steam escape safely.
5. Common Mistakes When Cooking Jasmine Rice (And How to Fix Them)
I’ve made my fair share of rice-cooking blunders, so let me save you some trouble. Here are the top mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Using too much water | Leads to mushy, gluey rice | Stick to 1:1.25 (rice cooker/Instant Pot)or 1:1.5 (stovetop/microwave) ratios. |
| Not rinsing the rice | Excess starch makes rice sticky | Rinse 3-4 times until water is mostly clear. |
| Lifting the lid during cooking | Steam escapes, causing uneven cooking | Keep the lid on until resting is complete. |
| Not letting rice rest | Rice stays wet or undercooked | Let rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes after cooking. |
| Following package instructions | Often incorrect for Jasmine rice’s softer texture | Use the ratios and methods in this guide. |
My Experience: I used to skip rinsing because I thought it was unnecessary. The rice was always gummy until I started rinsing religiously—game-changer!
6. Useful Knowledge You Should Know
Here’s everything you need to know to become a Jasmine rice expert:
What is Jasmine rice?: Maybe you already know 😀 . It’s a long-grain rice with a dreamy aroma ( you can think aroma of popcorn meets flowers ) and a soft, slightly sticky texture that’s perfect for soaking up all the tasty flavors. It hails from Thailand, where it goes by the fancy name “Khao Hom Mali,” and it’s a go-to in a lot of Southeast Asian cooking.
Serving Size: You will need 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup (45–65 grams) of uncooked rice per person. This yields about 3/4 to 1 cup of cooked rice
Calories: One cup (158g) of cooked Jasmine rice has approximately 205 calories
Storage: Let cool jasmine rice quickly then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Avoid leaving rice at room temperature for more than 4-5 hours to prevent bacterial growth
Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth, then reheat in the microwave, stovetop, or oven until it reaches 165°F. For example, microwave 1 cup with 2 tbsp water for 1.5 minutes.
Rinsing Necessary?: Rinsing is recommended to remove starch for fluffier rice, but when I’m making fried rice, I skip it for that extra stickiness—it holds up better in the wok.
7. What to Eat With Cooked Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is like a blank canvas—it pairs beautifully with so many flavors. Here are my favorite dishes to serve with it:
Thai Curries: The rice’s floral aroma complements spicy green, red, or yellow curries. Try it with a Thai Green Curry Fried Rice.
Stir-Fries: From veggie to shrimp stir-fries, Jasmine rice soaks up savory sauces. I love a quick chicken and broccoli stir-fry.
Baked or Roasted Meats: Pair with baked chicken, beef, or fish for a simple, satisfying meal.
Vegetarian Dishes: Serve with tofu stir-fries or lentil curries for a hearty plant-based option.
One of my go-to weeknight meals is a stir-fry with whatever veggies I have—bell peppers, carrots, broccoli—and some tofu or chicken. I toss it with soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of ginger, then serve it over Jasmine rice.
The rice’s fragrance elevates the dish, making it feel like a restaurant meal at home. Leftover Jasmine rice is perfect for Pineapple Fried Rice. The slightly sticky texture holds up well when stir-fried with veggies and protein.
I hope that with the guides in this article, you’ll always get fluffy, delicious jasmine rice every time. Besides, I’d love to hear how your rice turns out or what you serve it with after following what i shared. Your feedback will help everyone cook jasmine rice more perfectly.
