What is Jasmine Rice?

Jasmine rice is a type of long grain rice.

It is an Asian rice (Oryza sativa), which is primarily grown in Thailand.

But this rice is also grown in other countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

It is also known as fragrant rice.

Close up image of cooked jasmine rice with a spoon.

Jasmine rice comes in two main types: white jasmine rice and brown jasmine rice.

There are also other varieties of jasmine rice that aren’t as common, such as black jasmine rice.

Jasmine rice is used in a variety of different cuisines around the world. Including in India, Asia, and the Middle East.

What's the difference between jasmine and basmati rice?

Jasmine rice and basmati rice both are considered long grain rice types.

While jasmine rice is similar in fragrance to basmati rice, when cooked, jasmine rice is stickier in texture.

Also, the grains of jasmine rice are shorter and more rounded than basmati rice.

A bowl of cooked basmati rice on a woven coaster. — Cooked basmati rice.

You will find that when you cook jasmine rice, the rice grains stick together, while with basmati rice this is not the case.

Basmati rice is more widely used in Indian and Pakistan cuisine.

What to use jasmine rice for?

Jasmine rice is great as a side dish for Asian style dishes, stir fries, curries, sauteed vegetables, or even grilled meats.

You could even use jasmine rice to make sticky rice, fried rice, or use it in a soup.

A plate of rice with meat and spring (green) onions on top. — Jasmine rice with char siu pork.

How to cook jasmine rice

There are many different ways jasmine rice can be cooked. The method of cooking jasmine rice may depend on the recipe you are making.

The most common methods of making jasmine rice are on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or in the microwave.

Some recipes may require you to soak the jasmine rice before use, while others will not.

Usually, soaking the rice before cooking can reduce the cooking time.

Cooked jasmine rice in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.

What does jasmine rice taste like?

Jasmine rice has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor.

It has a slight fragrance of flowers.

The texture of jasmine rice is slightly sticky. But, jasmine rice is not as sticky as other glutinous rice varieties (sticky rice).

Instead, the texture of jasmine rice is delicate. When cooked properly, jasmine rice should be light and fluffy.

Image of cooked jasmine rice in a blue bowl with handles.

How to store jasmine rice

Uncooked jasmine rice is best stored in a sealed bag such as the bag it came in, or in an airtight container or jar. Store in a cool, dry place.

Any cooked jasmine rice, once cooled, should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Looking for all sorts of different rice recipes? Why not have a look at a collection of some of our favorite recipes!

What is Jasmine Rice?