How to cook Jasmine Rice

Bring out the wonderful flavour and floral aroma of Fragrant Jasmine Rice’s sticky grains with these simple and easy to follow instructions.

What is jasmine rice?

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety native to Thailand. Known for its delicate floral aroma and slightly sticky texture, it’s often used in Thai and Vietnamese dishes where the fragrance elevates the flavours of the meal. Unlike basmati, which is drier and fluffier, jasmine rice tends to be softer once cooked, making it perfect for saucier dishes.

Jasmine rice characteristics

• A light, fluffy sticky texture and fragrant aroma.
• Perfumed and floral rice
• Sweet, sticky grain
• Very white grains – that’s why it’s named after the popular jasmine flower
• Tastes even better when eaten fresh
• Features sticky outer layers of grain with a slightly firmer (al-dente) core
• Often described as glutinous, even though it’s gluten free

Jasmine rice nutritional information

Here’s the typical nutritional profile per 100g cooked jasmine rice:

Basmati rice versus jasmine rice

Basmati and jasmine rice are both long-grain varieties, but they serve different purposes in cooking:

• Basmati: longer grains, nutty flavour, drier texture – ideal for biryanis and pilafs.
• Jasmine: softer grains, floral aroma, slightly sticky – perfect for Thai curries and stir-fries.

If you’d like to master basmati as well, see our guide: How to Cook Basmati Rice, or explore our Pure Basmati Rice in store.

Cooking jasmine rice

Cooking instructions for covered pan (or absorption) method:

1. For 2 servings use 120g of Tilda Fragrant Jasmine Rice.
2. Wash the rice under cold water using  a sieve or colander, or rinse in a pan until the water runs clear. This step, done prior to cooking, removes any excess starch, giving you more separate grains, and bringing out the rice’s sweet, floral fragrance.
3. Add the washed rice to a pan of water using a 2 to 1 water to rice ratio. So for 120g of rice use 240ml water. The correct ratio is important to make sure the grains cook perfectly – not too dry or slightly soggy.
4. Stir, cover and cook the rice for 12 minutes over a low heat.
5. Remove from the heat, keep covered and leave to stand for 3 minutes.
6. Fluff it up with a fork and serve.

How to cook jasmine rice in a pan

1. For 2 servings use 120g of Tilda Fragrant Jasmine Rice.
2. Wash the rice under cold water using  a sieve or colander, or rinse in a pan until the water runs clear. This step, done prior to cooking, removes any excess starch, giving you more separate grains, and bringing out the rice’s sweet, floral fragrance.
3. Add a minimum of 500ml of water with the washed rice to a saucepan and bring to the boil.
4. Stir and cook for 10 minutes over a medium heat, uncovered.
5. Drain, cover and leave to stand for 3 minutes.
6. Fluff it up with a fork and serve.

How to cook jasmine rice in a rice cooker

You’ll need:

• Jasmine rice (however much you require, approximately 60-70g per person)
• As much water as rice (i.e. if you use 180g of rice, use 180ml of water)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water two or three times until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
2. Add the rinsed rice and measured water to the rice cooker.
3. Close the lid, select the standard or “white rice” setting, and press start.
4. Once the cooker indicates the rice is ready, leave it to rest for 5 minutes with the lid closed.
5. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Top tips:

• Jasmine rice matches perfectly with the sweet, slightly peppery taste and pungent aroma of ginger, making it an ideal pairing for both sweet and savoury dishes. Ginger is popular in cuisines throughout Asia and often used in stir-fries, curries and fried-rice dishes to add some extra heat.
• Jasmine rice also teams perfectly with lemongrass, galangal, lime, green chilli and kaffir lime leaves.
• An excellent base for traditional Thai, Malay and Indonesian stir fries.
• Cuisine types: South East Asian and Thai dishes.
• Recipe suggestions: Spicy Bibimbap, Thai Massaman Curry and Sticky Coconut Rice.

How to make jasmine rice FAQs

Is jasmine rice healthy?

Yes. Jasmine rice is low in fat and a good source of energy and essential nutrients when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Is jasmine rice sticky rice?

Not exactly. Jasmine rice is slightly sticky when compared to basmati, but true sticky rice (glutinous rice) is better for sushi and mango sticky rice.

How long to cook jasmine rice?

Around 10–12 minutes, plus 5 minutes resting time.

Is jasmine rice a long grain rice?

Yes. Jasmine rice is classified as a long-grain variety.

How much jasmine rice per person?

Allow around 60–70g uncooked rice per person.

Is jasmine rice gluten free?

Yes. All rice is naturally gluten free.

Is jasmine rice glutinous?

No. Jasmine rice has a light stickiness, but it’s not classed as glutinous rice.

What does jasmine rice taste like?

Jasmine rice has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sweet, nutty flavour.