Jasmine rice is a delicious side dish that pairs well with most Asian dishes. It can also be a stand-alone main course in a number of cuisines.
Cooking jasmine rice isn’t a difficult task, but it does require some skill and practice to get it right. Learn how to cook it properly so that it’s fluffy and delicious every time!
How to Rinse Jasmine Rice
Whether you’re cooking jasmine rice on the stove or in your instant pot, you need to get it right. The trick is finding the right ratio of water to rice. The wrong amount of water results in mushy, uncooked rice.
Rinsing rice removes excess starch from the surface of the grains and helps prevent them from sticking together while they cook. It also gives you fluffy, distinct grains that you’ll love in many Asian dishes.
When you rinse your rice, it’s a good idea to use cold water. The warm water can make the grains stick together and cause the rinsing process to take longer. It’s also a good idea to use a strainer with a fine mesh so you can see the water running clear.
Another reason to rinse your rice is that it can help reduce the amount of heavy metals that are naturally present in the rice plant, explains Matt Slem, culinary scientist and rice cooking expert at Lundberg Family Farms. The less starch on the rice, the better it will taste and look once cooked.
To rinse your rice, place a cup of jasmine rice in a colander or fine mesh strainer and then cover it with water. You can either agitate the rice with your hand or run the water through the mesh until the water runs clear. If you can’t see the water run clear, repeat the rinsing process several times until it does.
Once the water is clear, transfer the rice to your pot and cook according to the recipe. The rice should be ready to eat in about 12 minutes.
If you’re using enriched or fortified jasmine rice, you may not need to rinse the rice before cooking because it’s already been precleaned and enriched with minerals and vitamins. If you want to wash your rice, be sure to read the label and follow the instructions.
Boiling
Jasmine rice has a delicate, fragrant flavor that goes perfectly with spicy and savory dishes. It pairs well with Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines and is especially popular in Thai food. It also goes well with fish and other seafood. You can use it to make delicious fried rice, too!
It’s easy to cook perfect jasmine rice on the stovetop. The key is a good ratio of water to rice. You can adjust the amount of water if you like your rice to be drier, or more water if you prefer it to be moister.
You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your rice. Some traditional Thai recipes feature coconut milk and other herbs to give your rice a creamy texture.
The cooking time for jasmine rice depends on the type of rice you’re using. White rice takes less time to cook than brown or black rice. If you’re preparing a dish that calls for brown or black rice, such as a curry or fried rice, it’s best to presoak the rice in warm water beforehand.
This method also removes excess starch from the rice before it begins to cook, which can cause it to overcook or become mushy. You can also add salt to your water while boiling rice for a more flavorful result.
In addition to its distinctive, floral flavor, rice is also a good source of fiber and folic acid. Folic acid is essential for healthy pregnancies, and consuming it on a regular basis reduces the risk of birth abnormalities.
Simmering
Jasmine rice is the perfect accompaniment to a classic Thai curry or to add a layer of fragrant nutty flavor to a dish of stir-fry. It’s the base of a number of popular stand-alone dishes including coconut rice, cilantro lime rice, and Thai coconut sticky rice with mango.
It’s also a great ingredient to have on hand when making fried rice or other Asian dishes that need long, chewy grains. Cooked jasmine rice keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to three months if it’s stored in an airtight container.
For best results, rinse the rice thoroughly in cool water to remove any excess starch and prevent it from getting sticky. Rinse about 2 to 3 times, until the water runs clear.
Then, bring the water to a boil in a pot, add the rice and salt, and cook until tender. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. After that, fluff with a fork and serve.
Simmering is a quick way to cook a large amount of rice. You just need to make sure you use the correct rice-to-water ratio. If you use too much, the rice will become mushy and sticky, while using too little will result in uncooked, undercooked rice.
In order to avoid this, you must always keep the rice covered during cooking. You will need to check regularly for doneness, and you should continue to simmer for a few more minutes if the rice needs it.
You can also place a tea towel between the lid and the pot to absorb the steam before releasing it from the rice. This will prevent the steam from condensing on the lid and falling back down onto the rice, which will cause it to stick.
Microwave
Jasmine rice is a great addition to Asian dishes. It is easy to cook and has a deliciously fragrant flavor that complements the traditional spices of many recipes. It is also a nutritious food.
Jasmine rice can be cooked in the microwave for a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal. However, you should follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you do not overcook or undercook your rice.
The first step in cooking jasmine rice in the microwave is to rinse it thoroughly. This is to remove any extra starch that may cause the rice to turn gummy or sticky. It’s also a good idea to rinse the rice several times before cooking it, as this will help the grains to absorb more water and stay soft and fluffy.
Next, place the rinsed rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1.5 cups of water for every cup of raw rice. Partially cover the bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Then reduce the power to medium and cook for another 10 minutes, until steam appears around the edges of the bowl.
Once the rice is cooked, you should check its consistency. It should be tender yet still firm. If it’s not cooked enough, microwave it again for a few more minutes to get the desired texture.
You can cook jasmine rice in the microwave using a variety of different methods. The most popular method is to use a microwave-safe bowl and add the rice and water.
When using a microwave-safe bowl, you must make sure that the top is tightly sealed to prevent steam from escaping during cooking. You can use plastic wrap or a lid to cover the bowl, but you should be careful not to let it touch the rice while it’s in the microwave.
It is important to watch the rice during this process, as it can dry out if the bowl is not properly covered. You can also test the rice’s doneness by removing it from the microwave and letting it sit for a few minutes.