We’ve gathered a range of recipes with jasmine rice that are not only easy to make but also bring out the best in this fragrant grain.
From quick weeknight meals to special occasions, let the magic of jasmine rice elevate your cooking adventures in the simplest and most delicious ways possible.
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What is Jasmine Rice?
Jasmine rice is a fragrant long-grain rice variety that is widely cherished in Southeast Asia. It has a lighter, fluffier texture compared to japonica or sticky rice, with a delightful hint of pandan aroma that enhances its appeal.
In Vietnamese cuisine, jasmine rice is the most favored type of rice. Notably, in 2019, ST25 rice—a Vietnamese variant of jasmine rice—won the prestigious title of the World’s Best Rice.

Both jasmine rice and sticky rice are staples in Vietnamese cuisine; however, jasmine rice is typically reserved for daily family meals, while sticky rice is enjoyed at breakfast (such as in Xôi Mặn) or during special occasions like Tết (Lunar New Year).
We also have several local long-grain rice varieties that are quite similar to Basmati rice.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Steamed jasmine rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is also popular in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
A typical Vietnamese family meal features steamed jasmine rice alongside a light soup (canh), a vegetable side dish (món rau), a protein main dish (món mặn), and a dipping sauce like Nước Chấm. Together, these components create a well-balanced meal.

In Vietnam today, most families use a rice cooker to prepare their rice. In the old days, people traditionally cooked rice in heavy cast-iron pots, which I believe yields the best flavor.
Here in Germany, I also experiment with cooking jasmine rice in an Instant Pot and a microwave. Both methods are quick and produce satisfying results.
You could serve jasmine rice with many Vietnamese and Asian dishes like:
Cơm Gà Hải Nam (Vietnamese-style Hainan Chicken Rice)
Cơm Gà Hải Nam is a variation of Hainanese chicken rice when it arrived in Vietnam. Besides the the succulent poached chicken, it stands out with the special zesty ginger fish sauce accompaniment.


Instant Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice
Easy, ideal for singles or couples. Fragrant rice, juicy chicken, and a tantalizing ginger scallion sauce make my Instant Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice a delightful, quick yet impressive dish.


Fried Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is an ideal option for making fried rice. With just a few ingredients—such as day-old steamed jasmine rice, Chinese chili oil, and quick proteins like sausages, SPAM, or even Chả Lụa (Vietnamese pork ham)—you can create a delicious dish in under 20 minutes.


Char Siu Fried Rice
Here’s another delicious fried rice recipe that pairs perfectly with smoky Char Siu pork. My quick Char Siu pork chops or Char Siu chicken also complement it beautifully.


Kimchi Bokkeumbap
If you’re looking for a lighter fried rice with a tangy flavor, give Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kim Chi Fried Rice) a try. It’s a fantastic and easy way to use up leftover kimchi in your fridge!

