14+ Fragrant Jasmine Rice Recipes Full of Flavor

Some of my most comforting kitchen memories revolve around a simmering pot of jasmine rice—its warm, floral aroma drifting through the house, promising dinner with plenty of flavor. My love for this grain grew from busy weeknights, cooking for hungry family or friends, and even solo lunches when I needed something simple, yet special. Whether it’s spooning curry over a fluffy mound, crafting fragrant one-pot meals, or jazzing it up for guests, I keep these 14+ fragrant jasmine rice recipes full of flavor on repeat. They all start with the same basic ingredient, but what you build from there is limited only by appetite and imagination.

1. Lemongrass Coconut Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the side dish that turns even grilled chicken or leftover veggies into a meal you crave. The lemongrass and coconut milk transform regular rice into something restaurant-worthy. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a simple weeknight twist.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup water
• 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, smashed and chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Rinse the jasmine rice in cool water until it runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, lemongrass, and salt.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
4. Cook for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
5. Remove from heat. Discard lemongrass pieces. Fluff rice with a fork.
6. Serve topped with fresh cilantro, toasted coconut flakes, and lime wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a few slices of fresh ginger in with the lemongrass for extra warmth.

2. Ginger Scallion Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe hits all the right notes for those who love simple food with bright, punchy flavor. It’s the kind of rice you want as the bed for stir-fries, roasted meats, or a quick fried egg at lunch.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice under cool water until clear. Drain.
2. In a pot, add rice, water, half the scallions, ginger, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
4. Cook for 15 minutes, then let stand 5 minutes off heat.
5. Fluff rice, stir in sesame oil and remaining scallions.
6. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of water to restore fluffiness.

3. Thai Pineapple Fried Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Pineapple fried rice delivers a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and just enough spice. It’s a crowd-pleaser, works for potlucks, and is endlessly customizable based on what’s in the fridge.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 cups cooked, cooled jasmine rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon curry powder or turmeric
• 2 scallions, sliced
• ¼ cup roasted cashews
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in wok, scramble eggs, then remove.
2. Add bell pepper and sauté until softened.
3. Add rice, pineapple, peas, curry powder, and soy sauce. Stir well.
4. Return eggs and add scallions.
5. Toss thoroughly, then top with cashews and cilantro.

Swap This With That: Swap cashews for roasted peanuts; use tofu instead of eggs for a vegan version.

4. Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Cardamom and Cumin

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the ultimate rice for pairing with curries and grilled meats. Cardamom and cumin make the kitchen smell irresistible and the flavor is subtly sophisticated.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 green cardamom pods, cracked
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat butter in saucepan; sauté onion, cumin, and cardamom until fragrant.
2. Add rice, stir until coated.
3. Pour in water and salt, bring to a boil.
4. Cover, simmer on low for 15 minutes.
5. Let stand 5 minutes; remove cardamom and fluff with fork.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Flavor Boost: Add a cinnamon stick with the cardamom pods for a lightly spiced note.

5. Cilantro Lime Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is a go-to side for any Mexican-inspired main. It’s zesty, fresh, and perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or just the base to build dinner on.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Rinse and drain rice.
2. Cook rice, water, oil, and salt per usual—bring to boil, then cover and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, fluff with fork.
4. Stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro.

Best Pairings: Serve with grilled chicken fajitas, shrimp tacos, or black bean bowls.

6. Basil and Chili Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Peppery basil and a hit of chili make this rice ideal for anything with an Asian twist. It brings excitement to bland proteins and gets rave reviews at the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 1 cup fresh Thai or sweet basil leaves
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice with water and salt as normal.
2. When done, stir through most of the basil and the chili slices.
3. Let sit, covered, 3 minutes.
4. Serve, topped with extra fresh basil.

Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully under stir-fried chicken or tofu in garlic sauce.

7. Caramelized Shallot Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Caramelized shallots bring sweet, savory depth to fluffy rice—a side so addictive you may eat it straight from the bowl. It makes even simple grilled fish feel special.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice standard way with water and salt.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in skillet. Cook shallots over medium heat 10–15 minutes, stirring, until deep golden brown.
3. Fluff rice, fold in half the shallots.
4. Pile into a bowl, top with remaining shallots and chives.

Meal Prep Tip: Caramelized shallots can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

8. Garlic Turmeric Jasmine Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a family favorite for bright color and garlicky aroma. It’s so easy but never boring—excellent with lentil stews or grilled chicken.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil in saucepan until fragrant.
2. Add rice, turmeric, and salt. Stir well.
3. Add water, bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, fluff with fork, garnish with parsley.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of black pepper with the turmeric for better flavor release.

9. Jasmine Rice with Edamame and Sesame

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my healthy “power-up” rice; the addition of edamame makes it extra satisfying and gives you a pop of color and protein.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup shelled edamame, thawed
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice in water as usual.
2. When nearly finished, stir in edamame to heat through.
3. Spoon rice into bowl, drizzle with soy sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Personal Note: I love making a big batch and turning leftovers into a base for poke-style bowls the next day.

10. Crispy Jasmine Rice Cakes

Why You’ll Love It:

Rice cakes are an underrated snack or light lunch—those crunchy edges and soft middles are hard to resist. Great for using up cold leftover rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Make It:

1. Mix cold rice, egg, flour, scallions, and salt in a bowl.
2. Form into patties about ½ inch thick.
3. Fry in oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t use warm rice—it won’t hold together and will crumble in the pan.

11. Brown Jasmine Rice and Chickpea Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

For anyone craving heartiness and nutrition, this simple salad delivers. It’s colorful, holds up for lunch the next day, and works well alongside roasted veggies.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup brown jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 avocado, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Cook brown jasmine rice in water according to package, cool to room temp.
2. Toss rice with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, oil, and lemon juice.
3. Arrange on platter, top with avocado slices.

Meal Prep Tip: Mix all components except avocado and keep refrigerated for quick lunches all week.

12. Tomato Basil Jasmine Rice Risotto

Why You’ll Love It:

This rice risotto is far easier (and lighter) than traditional versions, but still delivers that creamy, comforting texture. Tomatoes and basil make it bright and fresh.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ cup torn basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add rice, stir to coat.
3. Pour in broth, add tomatoes. Bring to low simmer, stirring often, until liquid is mostly absorbed and rice is creamy, about 25 minutes.
4. Stir in parmesan and torn basil.
5. Taste, season with salt and pepper.

Swap This With That: Swap parmesan for vegan cheese if needed, or use arborio rice for a more traditional texture.

13. Curry Jasmine Rice with Peas and Carrots

Why You’ll Love It:

This brightly colored rice brings a gentle curry flavor, plus veggies already built in—less work, more satisfaction. It goes with almost any easy dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ cup diced carrots
• 2 green onions, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in saucepan, add carrots and sauté 2–3 minutes.
2. Add rice, curry powder, and salt; stir to coat.
3. Add water, bring to boil, cover and simmer 12 minutes.
4. Add peas, cook 3–5 minutes more until rice and carrots are tender.
5. Fluff and top with green onions.

Best Pairings: Great with rotisserie chicken, grilled veggies, or as a base for tofu stir-fry.

14. Jasmine Rice Stuffed Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

Stuffed peppers make the rice the star. It’s a go-to for meal prep or easy dinners that feel a bit special. They reheat well, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Mix rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, and salt in a bowl.
3. Brush pepper halves with olive oil, arrange in baking dish.
4. Fill each pepper with rice mixture.
5. Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes. Uncover, bake 5 more.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: Assembled peppers can be stored in the fridge and baked off as needed.

15. Mango Jasmine Rice Pudding

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast, this recipe combines jasmine rice, coconut milk, and juicy mango for a creamy, dreamy bowlful. Kids and adults both love it.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• ½ cup jasmine rice
• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
• Mint for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
3. Cook 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and mixture thickens.
4. Spoon into bowls, top with mango and coconut flakes.

Serving Idea: Serve chilled for a summer dessert, or warm on cool mornings.

16. Jasmine Rice with Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love It:

Earthy roasted mushrooms and garlic take plain rice up a notch. This is my comfort food for cozy nights in or easy lunches.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 10 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

How to Make It:

1. Toss mushrooms and garlic with olive oil and salt.
2. Roast at 400F for 20 minutes, until browned and tender.
3. While baking, cook rice as usual.
4. Pile rice in bowl, top with roasted mushrooms, garlic, and thyme.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Substitute button mushrooms for cremini if needed—they both roast up deliciously.

17. Saffron Jasmine Rice with Toasted Almonds

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want a fancy but still easy rice side, saffron’s gentle aroma makes jasmine rice even more special. Almonds add crunch and richness—ideal for celebrations.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 ¾ cups water
• Generous pinch saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds

How to Make It:

1. Steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water 10 minutes.
2. In saucepan, melt butter. Add rice, cook 1 minutes.
3. Add water, saffron and its liquid, and salt.
4. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes.
5. Fluff with fork, top with sliced almonds.

Best Pairings: Serve with roast chicken, grilled lamb, or as a stunning base for vegetable tagine.

18. Jasmine Rice Bibimbap Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

A dinner-party favorite in my house, bibimbap bowls let everyone customize their toppings. Jasmine rice adds subtle fragrance under crisp veggies, sizzled beef, or tofu.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ pound ground beef or tofu (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Sauté spinach, carrots, and mushrooms separately in sesame oil, seasoning with a splash of soy sauce.
2. Cook ground beef or tofu and season with soy sauce if using.
3. Fry eggs sunny-side up.
4. Assemble bowls by layering rice, then arrange veggies, beef or tofu, and top with egg and gochujang.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Swap This With That: Substitute any favorite seasonal vegetables or omit beef for a vegan bibimbap.

FAQ

What makes jasmine rice so fragrant?

Jasmine rice’s natural floral aroma comes from a compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline produced as the rice grows. It gives it a naturally buttery, popcorn-like scent.

Can I use jasmine rice in recipes that call for regular white rice?

Yes, jasmine rice works well in most recipes calling for white rice. It has a slightly stickier texture and more aroma, which can actually improve many dishes.

Is jasmine rice gluten-free?

Jasmine rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten or with celiac disease.

How do I stop jasmine rice from getting too sticky or mushy?

Rinse the rice 2–3 times before cooking to remove excess starch, and carefully measure the water to avoid mushy results.

Conclusion

Fragrant jasmine rice recipes are a simple way to bring color, comfort, and fresh flavor to any meal routine. From gently spiced sides to complete one-bowl dinners, there’s really no wrong turn with this kitchen staple. I hope these ideas inspire you to embrace new flavors, trust your taste, and experiment—whether you’re after a cozy solo meal or a dish to bring everyone together around the table. When you start with a pot of good rice, good things follow.