Perfectly Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Thai Jasmine Rice is the quiet hero of meal times, effortlessly turning the ordinary into something special with its lovely aroma and soft texture. This recipe is your shortcut to making the fluffiest, most aromatic rice with zero fuss. Quick, easy, and dependable, it’s about to become your next kitchen staple.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
Why You Will Love Making Thai Jasmine Rice
Trust me with this Thai Jasmine Rice recipe—it’s easy, delicious, and sure to impress. I’ve simplified the process to bring that fantastic aroma right to your table. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is all about hassle-free gourmet vibes, thanks to my 40 years of cooking at home. Ready to get cooking and make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s do this!
Simple, aromatic, and quick, here’s why you’re going to love making this rice:
- Fragrance that Fills the Room: As soon as you start cooking, the unique, sweet aroma of Jasmine Rice will envelop your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal to come.
- Fluffy and Perfect Every Time: Follow this simple recipe, and you’re guaranteed to get perfectly cooked, fluffy grains that complement any dish.
- Versatility at Its Best: Whether it’s the base for a hearty stir-fry, a side to a Thai curry, or mixed into a refreshing rice salad, Jasmine Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of recipes.
- Quick and Easy: No need for fancy gadgets or hours in the kitchen—this rice cooks up in a breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
- Healthful and Satisfying: Not only is Jasmine Rice delicious, but it also offers a good source of energy and, when portion-controlled, fits into a balanced diet.
How to Make Thai Jasmine Rice with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making Thai Jasmine Rice is easier than you might think, and I’m here to walk you through each step. Let’s get started:
Prepping the Rice
Begin by placing your Jasmine rice in a large bowl. Cover it with water and gently massage the grains with your hands in circular motions. This process helps to remove excess starch so that your rice will be fluffy. You’ll notice the water turning a whitish color. Drain this water and repeat the process 3-4 times, or until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Cooking the Rice
Transfer the rinsed rice into a pot and add fresh water. The key here is to use the right water-to-rice ratio for that ideal consistency—about 1 1/4 cups of water to every cup of rice should do the trick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then as soon as it starts bubbling, turn down the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Resist the urge to peek inside!
Fluffing and Serving
After the 12 minutes are up, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam further, becoming even fluffier. Finally, uncover the pot and use two forks to gently fluff up the rice. This technique separates the grains without crushing them, ensuring each bite is perfectly light and airy.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To help you perfect your Thai Jasmine Rice, here are a few expert tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Rinsing is Key: Don’t skip the rinsing step! It removes the rice’s surface starch, which can make the rice sticky. Clear water means less starch, and that means fluffier rice.
- Water-to-Rice Ratio: For Jasmine rice, a little less water than you might be used to lets the grains cook up separately and not mushy. The magic ratio? About 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of jasmine rice.
- Let It Steam: After cooking, letting the rice sit covered off the heat allows it to steam to perfection. This little wait time makes a big difference in texture. If you want to take it a step further, remove the lid, place a clean kitchen towel over the pot, and place the lid back on.
- Fluff with a Fork: Fluffing the rice with a fork (not a spoon) after cooking helps to separate the grains gently, getting that perfect fluffy texture without squashing the rice.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you’re cooking at a high altitude, you may need to slightly increase the water amount and extend the cooking time. Altitude affects how water boils and so, how rice cooks.
- Experiment with Flavor: Try cooking your rice in broth instead of water or adding a pandan leaf or lemongrass stalk to the pot while cooking. These add subtle flavors that can elevate your dish to the next level.
- Can I cook Thai Jasmine Rice in a rice cooker? Absolutely! Just follow your rice cooker’s instructions for Jasmine rice, usually using the same water-to-rice ratio. Rinse the rice well before cooking for the best results.
- Jasmine v.s. Basmati – is there a difference? Yes! Jasmine rice, from Thailand, is your go-to white rice for that sweet, floral scent and slightly sticky texture, perfect with saucy dishes. Basmati rice, from the Indian subcontinent, is a long-grain rice that boasts a nutty flavor and an earthy aroma, with grains that stay fluffy and separate, ideal for dishes where you want the rice to shine on its own.
How to Store Leftover Thai Jasmine Rice
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Storing your Thai Jasmine Rice properly means you can enjoy it for days to come. Here’s how:
- Cool Quickly: Spread the leftover rice on a large plate or baking sheet to cool it down quickly. This reduces the risk of bacteria growth.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer the rice to an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and other flavors from your fridge, keeping your rice fresh and tasty.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Cooked rice should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to ensure it stays safe to eat.
- Use Within Days: Enjoy your stored rice within three to four days for the best quality. Reheat it thoroughly to 165°F before eating to make sure it’s safe.
- Freeze: Spread the cooled rice on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to two months frozen. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What to Serve with Thai Jasmine Rice
Thai Jasmine Rice is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
Perfect Pairings for Stir-Fries
Stir-fries and Jasmine Rice are a match made in heaven. The light, fluffy grains of the rice provide the ideal base to soak up the rich, savory sauces of your favorite stir-fry recipes. Whether you’re tossing together vegetables or tofu, the subtle fragrance of Jasmine Rice complements the bold flavors, creating a harmonious dish that’s sure to please.
A Companion for Thai Curries
The creamy, spicy complexities of Thai curries find a soothing partner in Jasmine Rice. Its absorbent nature allows it to take in the flavors of green curry, red curry, yellow curry, or even peanut curry, making every bite a perfect blend of spice and rice. It’s the traditional way to enjoy curry and for a good reason – the combination is absolutely divine.
Soups and Broths
For a comforting meal, try serving Jasmine Rice with your favorite soups and broths. The rice adds body and texture, making lighter soups more filling. From a simple vegetable broth to more elaborate soups like Thai Coconut Curry Soup, adding a spoonful of Jasmine Rice transforms the dish into a satisfying meal.
More Easy Recipes You Will Love
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Quick Thai Omelet Recipe
- Wild Rice Casserole
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to know! Please leave a 5-star review below (it really helps!) and tag and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Perfectly Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Instructions
- Place the Jasmine rice in a big bowl with water, make circles with your hands massaging the rice – this will help remove the excess starch. Once the water is whitish, drain it and add more water. Repeat this process 3-4 times, or until the water is clear.1 cup Jasmine rice
- Place the washed and rinsed rice in a pot and add the water. Bring to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat and cover. Let it cook for 12 minutes.1 ¼ cups water
- Remove from the stove, uncover and fluff it up with two forks.
- Serve your Jasmine rice warm.
Notes
- Rinsing is Key: Don’t skip the rinsing step! It removes the rice’s surface starch, which can make the rice sticky. Clear water means less starch, and that means fluffier rice.
- Water-to-Rice Ratio: For Jasmine rice, a little less water than you might be used to lets the grains cook up separately and not mushy. The magic ratio? About 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of jasmine rice.
- Let It Steam: After cooking, letting the rice sit covered off the heat allows it to steam to perfection. This little wait time makes a big difference in texture. If you want to take it a step further, remove the lid, place a clean kitchen towel over the pot, and place the lid back on.
- Fluff with a Fork: Fluffing the rice with a fork (not a spoon) after cooking helps to separate the grains gently, getting that perfect fluffy texture without squashing the rice.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you’re cooking at a high altitude, you may need to slightly increase the water amount and extend the cooking time. Altitude affects how water boils and so, how rice cooks.
- Experiment with Flavor: Try cooking your rice in broth instead of water or adding a pandan leaf or lemongrass stalk to the pot while cooking. These add subtle flavors that can elevate your dish to the next level.
- Can I cook Thai Jasmine Rice in a rice cooker? Absolutely! Just follow your rice cooker’s instructions for Jasmine rice, usually using the same water-to-rice ratio. Rinse the rice well before cooking for the best results.
- Jasmine v.s. Basmati – is there a difference? Yes! Jasmine rice, from Thailand, is your go-to white rice for that sweet, floral scent and slightly sticky texture, perfect with saucy dishes. Basmati rice, from the Indian subcontinent, is a long-grain rice that boasts a nutty flavor and an earthy aroma, with grains that stay fluffy and separate, ideal for dishes where you want the rice to shine on its own.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool Quickly: Spread the leftover rice on a large plate or baking sheet to cool it down quickly. This reduces the risk of bacteria growth.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer the rice to an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and other flavors from your fridge, keeping your rice fresh and tasty.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Cooked rice should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to ensure it stays safe to eat.
- Use Within Days: Enjoy your stored rice within three to four days for the best quality. Reheat it thoroughly to 165°F before eating to make sure it’s safe.
- Freeze: Spread the cooled rice on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to two months frozen. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
