Thai Jasmine rice (known in Thailand as Khao Hom Mali) is celebrated worldwide for its butter-popcorn aroma, natural sweetness, and silky, tender mouthfeel. However, cooking jasmine rice with too much water is the number one reason home cooks end up with a sticky porridge. In this guide on how to cook jasmine rice, we reveal why the 1 to 1.25 water ratio is the magic formula for perfection.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice (Soft, Fragrant & Perfectly Fluffy)
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse gently once or twice: Place 1 cup jasmine rice in a bowl. Cover with cold water, swirl gently with your fingers for 15 seconds, and drain. Unlike basmati, do not scrub aggressively or soak, as jasmine rice absorbs water quickly and is naturally softer.
- Combine rice and water: Place rinsed rice and 1.25 cups cold water into a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Stir in ½ tsp salt if desired.
- Bring to boil: Bring to a vigorous boil uncovered over medium-high heat (about 3 to 4 minutes).
- Simmer covered on low: The moment it boils, immediately cover tightly with the lid and reduce burner heat to the absolute lowest setting. Simmer for 12 minutes undisturbed.
- Steam rest for 10 minutes: Remove pan from heat, leaving the lid tightly closed for 10 minutes. The trapped residual steam finishes cooking the delicate grains. Remove lid and fluff gently with a fork.
Jasmine Rice vs. Basmati Rice: Know the Difference
- Water Ratio: Jasmine rice has a softer grain and requires only 1.25 cups water per 1 cup rice. Basmati has harder aged amylose and needs 1.5 cups water.
- Soaking: Never soak jasmine rice! Soaking makes it gummy. Basmati rice, conversely, benefits greatly from a 20-minute pre-soak.
- Texture: Cooked jasmine rice is naturally slightly clingy and moist (ideal for eating with chopsticks or scooping up Thai curries), while basmati cooks up firm, dry, and separate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Jasmine Rice
Can I cook jasmine rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Use the exact same 1:1.25 ratio (1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water) in your rice cooker. Press the “White Rice” setting. When it clicks to WARM, let it rest sealed for 10 minutes before opening and fluffing.
Why is my jasmine rice mushy?
Using the standard American 1:2 water ratio is the leading cause of mushy jasmine rice. Always reduce the water to 1.25 cups per cup of rice, and avoid lifting the lid while it simmers.
Does jasmine rice make good fried rice?
Jasmine rice makes the best fried rice in the world! The secret is to spread cooked jasmine rice onto a baking sheet and refrigerate it uncovered overnight. The cold air dehydrates the grains so they fry crisp and separate in a hot wok.
How do I store leftover jasmine rice?
Cool promptly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with 1 tablespoon of water sprinkled over the top, covered, in the microwave for 60 seconds to restore soft moisture.