There are many global cuisines, each of which offers a unique take on ingredients that ones typically used generically. Some of these feature unique ingredients yet to be fully explored by Western cuisines.

Of these, the so-called staples tend to be misunderstood as side dishes in the West. One of them is jasmine rice, which is so much more than a blank, fluffy addition to ordinary dishes.

Jasmine Rice Demystified

The first question that imposes itself is: “What is jasmine rice?”

The next one that has become traditional in the West is: “Is jasmine rice sticky?”

First of all, jasmine rice is easily distinguished from other varieties by its delicate fragrance. In the East, it is likened to the smell of pandan leaves; in the West — to freshly popped corn. This rice variety has a slightly clingy texture that can accompany many dishes, which leads to the typical confusion of considering it a sticky rice variety.

Jasmine rice isn't one. However, it can be prepared in such a way that its slight stickiness complements the dish. Typically, this approach is used for sweet Asian dishes, which we will mention below.

Presently, the rather burning question is: “Why are there so many people who fail to achieve the iconic texture of jasmine rice?”

Cooking Jasmine Rice to Perfection

Thankfully, this isn't due to jasmine rice relying on some magic trick or secret knowledge to prepare perfectly. Two typical culprits are the lack of patience and improper cooking technique.

In fact, jasmine rice is not difficult to cook to perfection once the cook gets the basics right. Hence, let's dive in!

The common pitfall with jasmine rice is over-hydration, which results in a mushy, clumpy dish. You should aim for separate, tender grains that retain their original aroma and fragrance.

First of all, jasmine rice doesn't suffer from not being rinsed. Measure your desired amount of rice into a bowl and gently agitate the rice with your hand under cool running water. You'll notice the water turning cloudy: this is the excess starch being washed away. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. If you skip this step, the outcome is certain to be gummy.

Next on, the water-to-rice ratio is perhaps the most debated aspect of rice cooking, in general. For jasmine rice, a general guideline is one part rice to 1.25 parts water. So, if you're cooking one cup of rice, you'd use 1 ¼ cups of water. Some cooks prefer a slightly drier grain and might go as low as 1:1, especially if they are adding to jasmine rice other ingredients that might release moisture.

It's often a matter of personal preference and the specific rice you're using, as some brands can be drier than others. A good starting point is 1:1.25, and you can adjust slightly from there based on your results.

For cooking, it is ideal to use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Combine the rinsed rice and the measured water. A pinch of salt is often a welcome addition, as it enhances the rice's natural flavor. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer undisturbed for ca. 15 minutes. Be patient! Resist the urge to peek under the lid. Every time you lift the lid, precious steam escapes.

Once the time is up, turn off the heat, but do keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute, ensuring the desired fluffy consistency. Finally, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Pairing Jasmine Rice With Proteins

With its subtle sweetness and aromatic profile, jasmine rice offers a solid backdrop for a wide choice of proteins. Perhaps the most common pairings for jasmine rice are chicken and pork. Their mildness allows the rice's fragrance to shine through, while their textures provide a satisfying contrast.

Meats

Think of a seared chicken breast or a tender roasted thigh, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce. Or, a chicken and vegetable stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas, tossed in a savory sauce.

For a somewhat richer experience, crispy pork belly is a good choice. A simple braised pork dish, where the meat is tender enough to fall apart with a fork, benefits from the rice's ability to soak up the braising liquid.

Much like chicken, a beef stir-fry with tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin is a classic pairing.

Finally, consider exotic variations. E.g., Larb, hailing from Thailand and Laos, is a vibrant minced meat salad, typically made with pork. Its lime juice, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and fiery chilies are tempered and balanced by jasmine rice.

Another example is Beef Rendang. This iconic Indonesian dish is, actually, slow-cooked beef curry. Beef is infused with spices like galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric before being paired with jasmine rice.

Seafood

Seafood typically requires a mindful approach to pairing. Jasmine rice, however, is remarkably accommodating.

Fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass pan-seared with a touch of lemon and herbs can be a perfect companion to jasmine rice. Shrimp and scallops offer another elegant option. Stir fry them with garlic and chili, or simmer them in a light coconut curry.

Roasted or grilled salmon provides a more robust pairing. The rice cuts through the richness of the salmon. Pair the dish with a bright, citrusy sauce or ginger-scallion oil.

Choosing the Perfect Sauce

Don't we all know too well how one small misstep in choosing the right sauce can easily ruin the entire dish?

Jasmine rice isn't an exception!

Thankfully, it is still rice, which means it pairs well with traditional sauces like soy, teriyaki, oyster, etc.

The iconic Asian flavors often revolve around soy sauce, and not without a good reason. A simple blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a touch of sugar, and sesame oil creates a sauce that works with almost any protein. Since soy sauce is salty, it perfectly complements the rice.

Teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory, and pair well with proteins like chicken, beef, or salmon. Its glossy finish perfectly enhances jasmine rice.

Oyster sauce is rich and savory with a subtle sweetness. It adds a depth to stir-fries and braised dishes, coating the rice in a layer of umami.

Curries

Jasmine rice is the king of curry pairings. Its ability to soak up complex sauces makes it a perfect component for any curry dish.

Thai green or red curry is vibrant, aromatic, and often spicy. Massaman curry is a milder, richer, and slightly sweeter Thai curry. It pairs well with beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts.

Malaysian laksa (technically a spicy noodle soup) is prepared with coconut milk. Here's the trick: it can become a perfect sauce for jasmine rice thanks to the ingredients like chili, lemongrass, and fish paste.

Sweet Delight

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Experiment a bit with these ideas before you move on to more complex pairings.

However, we'll not have you leave without bringing your attention to a little secret: Jasmine rice can be a perfect addition to desserts.

The most famous sweet dish made of jasmine rice is undoubtedly Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang). The rice is cooked with sweet coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt until it becomes rich, glossy, and subtly sweet. It's then served with ripe, fresh mango slices and often drizzled with a coconut cream sauce, sometimes garnished with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried mung beans for texture.

Jasmine rice can also be transformed into other sweet treats. A simple rice pudding is always a good choice, and jasmine rice can add some extra fragrance. Top the pudding with fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a dollop of fruit compote.

Everything considered, even though much can be said about jasmine rice, one thing is certain: it is not a humble grain but a game-changer! It can be paired with literally any ingredient to create a harmonious dish. Indeed, the biggest conundrum once one learns to cook it to perfection is which recipe to try out next!

Take your time experimenting. Jasmine rice is certain to reward your efforts!