Cooking Steamed Jasmine Rice: A Simple, Quick Guide

Steamed jasmine rice is a fragrant, flavorful, and wonderful treat that can be served as a base for meat and vegetable dishes or as a side dish. It is a particularly fine, medium-grain type of rice that is softer than most white rice. The key to cooking fluffy jasmine rice is to use less water than usual because of its softer texture. The cooking process is simple and can be done in a saucepan or rice cooker, with the rice being ready to serve in about 20-30 minutes.

Rinsing the rice

If you do choose to rinse the rice, it is important to adjust the amount of water you use during cooking. Since the rice will be slightly waterlogged from the rinsing process, you should reduce the cooking water by 2 tablespoons for every cup of rice used. This adjustment ensures that your steamed jasmine rice will turn out perfectly fluffy.

The water-to-rice ratio

Jasmine rice is softer than most types of rice, so it requires less water to cook. The standard ratio for white rice is 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice. For jasmine rice, this should be reduced to 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of rice. This small difference of a quarter cup of water makes a significant impact on the final texture of the rice.

If you prefer your rice to be a little softer, you can use slightly more water, and if you like it firmer, you can reduce the water quantity. The age of the rice also plays a role in determining the water quantity. New-crop rice, which is grown in the current season, has a higher moisture content and therefore requires less water to cook.

When preparing the rice for cooking, it is optional to rinse it first. Rinsing the rice multiple times in cold water until the water runs clear helps remove excess starch and debris. However, some sources claim that rinsing makes barely any difference to the fluffiness of the rice and is an unnecessary step. If you do choose to rinse the rice, you will need to reduce the water quantity by 2 tablespoons to compensate for the extra water retained in the rice.

After adding the rice and water to a saucepan, the rice should be brought to a rapid simmer on high heat, uncovered. Once steam holes appear in the rice, and the grains on the surface look dry, the heat should be reduced to low, and the saucepan should be covered. The rice should then be cooked for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed jasmine rice varies depending on the quantity of rice and the method used. Here is a step-by-step guide with approximate timings:

Rinsing and Soaking the Rice:

Firstly, it is optional to rinse the rice. Rinsing can improve the fluffiness of the rice, but it is not mandatory. If you choose to rinse, place the rice in a bowl, fill it with water, and swish it with your hand. Drain the rice in a colander, and repeat this process 2-4 times until the water becomes clear.

Boiling the Rice:

Place the rice in a saucepan or pot with a tight-fitting lid. The general ratio of water to rice is 1 1/4 cups of water for every cup of jasmine rice. However, some sources suggest using just enough water to cover the rice by about 1/2 inch (approximately 3 cups of water for 2 1/2 cups of rice).

Bring the rice and water to a rapid simmer over high heat, without covering the pot. Keep the heat high until the water boils, and steam holes appear in the rice with dry grains on the surface. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Simmering and Steaming the Rice:

Once the water is boiling and steam holes appear, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Simmer the rice for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the water has completely evaporated. Do not lift the lid during this process.

Fluffing and Serving the Rice:

After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for at least 3-5 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork or a spatula before serving.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Jasmine Rice:

• The secret to perfect steamed jasmine rice lies in the quantity of water used. Using too much water can result in gummy or mushy rice, while using too little water can make the rice dry or hard.
• Steaming the rice instead of boiling it directly in the water can help achieve fluffier rice with separate grains.
• It is important not to stir or lift the lid during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
• The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the heat source and the quality of the rice (new-crop rice may take less time). Always taste the rice and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking equipment

The most important piece of equipment you'll need is a pot or pan with a lid. Traditionally, steamed jasmine rice is cooked in a pan with slightly curved sides, but any medium-sized saucepan will do. Just make sure it has a tight-fitting lid.

If you're cooking for a larger group, you'll need a bigger pot. For 3 cups of rice or more, a standard pot should be sufficient.

A glass lid is ideal because it allows you to see what's going on inside without lifting the lid. This is especially useful towards the end of the cooking process when you need to check if all the water has been absorbed.

You'll also need a heat source, such as a stove or burner. It can be electric or gas, depending on what you have available.

If you don't want to use a pot or pan, you can use a rice cooker. This is a modern alternative that many people use for convenience. However, some people believe that rice cookers can produce mushy rice at the bottom of the pot.

Another alternative method is to use a deep, heat-proof bowl, a pot in which it fits, and a trivet to lift the bowl off the bottom of the pot. You can also use an Oriental stacked steamer if you have one.

To measure the rice and water, you'll need standard measuring cups. Remember that the water level should be just below the first joint of your middle finger when you place it on top of the rice in the pan.

Finally, you'll need a colander or fine-mesh sieve for rinsing the rice, and a fork or spatula for fluffing the rice before serving.

Serving suggestions

Steamed jasmine rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Thai Curries and Stir-Fries:

Jasmine rice is a staple in Thai cuisine and pairs perfectly with spicy curries and stir-fries. Serve your steamed rice alongside dishes like Thai green curry, red curry, or a vegetable stir-fry. The rice will balance out the bold flavours of these dishes.

Grilled Meats and Vegetables:

Steamed jasmine rice can be a delicious base for grilled meats and vegetables. Try serving it with grilled chicken, beef skewers, or a mix of grilled vegetables. The rice will soak up the juices and flavours of the grilled items, creating a tasty combination.

Asian Dishes:

Jasmine rice is used across Southeast Asia, so it complements a variety of Asian dishes. Try serving it with Vietnamese dishes, Indian food, or Indonesian nasi goreng. The rice's subtle fragrance enhances the flavours of these dishes without overwhelming them.

Fried Rice:

Turn your steamed jasmine rice into fried rice by stir-frying it with vegetables, meat, and your choice of seasoning. You can also make pineapple fried rice or Thai fried rice, adding a unique twist to your meal. This is a great way to use leftover steamed rice and create a quick and tasty dish.

Spicy Dishes:

The subtle fragrance and flavour of jasmine rice make it an excellent choice to serve with spicy dishes. It can help balance out the heat and provide a soothing contrast. Try serving it with spicy curries, chilli dishes, or even a spicy seafood boil.

Remember, steamed jasmine rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a base for a variety of cuisines. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions