Sam Looking for a versatile and flavor-packed side dish to elevate your meals? This garlic jasmine rice is your new go-to recipe. With its rich aroma, buttery texture, and savory garlic infusion, this rice dish adds depth and personality to any meal—whether you’re serving grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or saucy stir-fries. Jasmine rice already offers a naturally fragrant profile, and when you sauté it with fresh garlic, it becomes something unforgettable.
Whether you’re making a weekday dinner or prepping for a weekend feast, garlic jasmine rice pairs beautifully with Asian, Latin, or Mediterranean cuisines. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and incredibly easy to make using pantry staples. Plus, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and only needs one pot.
If you’re tired of plain steamed rice, garlic jasmine rice will change your side dish game forever. You’ll never go back to basic white rice again.
To understand why jasmine rice is different from other varieties, check out this guide on rice types from the USA Rice Federation. You can also learn about the nutritional profile of garlic and tips for reducing sodium in your meals from Harvard and the CDC.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, versatile side dish
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (per serving):
- Calories: ~230
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Budget Breakdown
- Jasmine rice (1 cup): ~$1.00
- Garlic (4 cloves): ~$0.30
- Olive oil or butter: ~$0.50
- Broth or water: ~$0.40
Total Cost: ~$2.20
Cost per Serving: ~$0.55
Why You’ll Love Garlic Jasmine Rice
- Ready in under 30 minutes with just one pot
- Deliciously garlicky, fluffy, and aromatic
- A healthier alternative to fried rice or boxed mixes
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly (if using oil)
- Perfect base for stir-fries, grilled proteins, or curries
Behind the Recipe
Garlic jasmine rice came to life in my kitchen when I needed a flavorful side dish that didn’t overpower the main course. I had leftover jasmine rice, fresh garlic, and some broth in the pantry—and what happened next became a staple. Sautéing garlic before adding the rice gives the dish its signature savoriness, and using broth instead of plain water takes it to the next level. It’s now a must-have in my weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water with a pinch of salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp salt (optional, adjust based on broth)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlight
Jasmine Rice: Known for its floral aroma and soft texture. It’s a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Garlic: A powerhouse of flavor and health benefits—when sautéed in oil, it becomes sweet and mellow.
Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic flavor throughout the rice.
Broth: Enhances the rice with more depth and umami than water alone.
Parsley: A fresh finishing touch that adds color and a pop of brightness.
How to Make Garlic Jasmine Rice
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Place jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir it into the garlic oil and let it toast for about 1–2 minutes. This adds nuttiness and extra flavor.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the broth (or water), add salt if needed, and bring everything to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff with a fork. Top with parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always rinse jasmine rice to prevent clumping.
- Don’t stir while simmering—this breaks the grains and turns it mushy.
- Let it rest after cooking to finish steaming and set the texture.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for best flavor.
- Low sodium broth lets you control saltiness more precisely.
Easy Variations
- Garlic Coconut Jasmine Rice: Replace broth with half water, half coconut milk.
- Spicy Garlic Jasmine Rice: Add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha during the sauté.
- Lemon Garlic Rice: Add 1 tsp lemon zest during resting and 1 tbsp lemon juice before serving.
- Herbed Rice: Mix in chopped chives, cilantro, or green onions after cooking.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled rice in bags for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Add 1–2 tbsp of water and microwave covered to restore moisture.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Garlic jasmine rice goes great with:
- Grilled shrimp or teriyaki chicken
- Stir-fried vegetables and tofu
- Korean BBQ beef or pork belly
- Thai green curry or red curry
- A fried egg and kimchi for a fast rice bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between jasmine rice and basmati rice?
Jasmine rice is soft and slightly sticky with a floral aroma, while basmati is longer, drier, and has a nutty scent. Jasmine works well in Asian dishes, while basmati is more common in Indian cuisine.
Why does jasmine rice taste better?
Its unique fragrance and slightly sweet flavor come from a natural compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which gives jasmine rice its signature aroma.
How do I make garlic jasmine rice fluffy and not sticky?
Rinse the rice thoroughly, use the correct water-to-rice ratio, and let it rest (covered) after cooking before fluffing with a fork.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic adds more aroma and depth. If using garlic powder, add ½ teaspoon per clove as a substitute and sauté it lightly.
Is jasmine rice healthier than regular white rice?
Jasmine rice has similar calories to white rice but slightly more nutrients and antioxidants, especially if you choose brown jasmine rice.
Can I make garlic jasmine rice in a rice cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté the garlic separately, then combine all ingredients in your rice cooker and press the white rice setting.
Does jasmine rice have gluten?
No. Jasmine rice is naturally gluten-free. Always check broth labels if you’re using packaged versions.
Final Thoughts
Garlic jasmine rice is one of those humble side dishes that quietly steals the show. It’s simple, affordable, and loaded with flavor from real ingredients you already have at home. It elevates your dinners without any extra fuss, and it stores beautifully for meal prep. Whether you’re making a Thai-inspired curry or a simple grilled chicken, this rice will be your new favorite side.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to plain rice again.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Garlic Jasmine Rice – Easy & Aromatic Side Dish
This garlic jasmine rice is fluffy, aromatic, and packed with garlicky goodness. The perfect one-pot side dish for weeknight meals or Asian-style dinners.
Garlic Jasmine Rice (Fragrant, Fluffy, & Full of Flavor)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine rice, rinsed
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Chicken or vegetable broth (or water with a pinch of salt)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp Salt (optional, adjust based on broth)
- 1 tbsp Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice:Place jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy.
- Sauté the Garlic:In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Toast the Rice:Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir it into the garlic oil and let it toast for about 1–2 minutes. This adds nuttiness and extra flavor.
- Add the Broth:Pour in the broth (or water), add salt if needed, and bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer:Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Rest and Fluff:Remove the pot from heat and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff with a fork. Top with parsley if desired.
