How to Cook Perfect Thai Jasmine Rice in Your Instant Pot

Thai jasmine rice is a gem amongst the vast variety of rice. It’s fragrant, slightly sticky texture makes it a fan favorite, often accompanying Thai curries and other Asian cuisines. If you’re trying your hand at this type of rice for the first time, fear not! Our basic recipe for perfect jasmine rice will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Plus, using your trusty Instant Pot makes the process simpler and nearly foolproof.

Choosing the Right Rice: Thai Jasmine Rice

When it comes to cooking rice, the first thing to note is the type of rice. Thai jasmine rice, also known as Thai fragrant rice, is a long-grain rice known for its subtly floral aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked. Unlike basmati rice or brown rice, jasmine rice has a softer and stickier texture. This makes it perfect as a side dish for your Thai food escapades or any meal needing a flavorful rice accompaniment.

Supplies for Thai Jasmine rice in the Instant Pot

Instant pot or other pressure cooker

Jasmine rice

Rice Paddle that is plastic, silicone, or wood to not scratch the pressure cooker

The Golden Ratio: Cup of Rice to Water Ratio

Understanding the water ratio is critical to cooking perfect Thai jasmine rice. A good rule of thumb is to start with a 1:1 ratio of uncooked rice to water, especially when using an Instant Pot. That’s one cup of jasmine rice to one cup of water. This ratio can be adjusted slightly if you prefer softer or firmer rice.

If you’re looking to avoid mushy rice, consider using slightly less water. The water level in your Instant Pot will be lower, but your rice will come out firm and well-defined. On the contrary, if you’re into softer rice, try using a 1:1.5 ratio. That’s 1 cup jasmine rice to 1.5 cups of water.

The Cooking Process: Thai Jasmine Rice in an Instant Pot

Now, let’s get down to the fun part – the cooking process. Here are the steps to making your perfect jasmine rice:

1. Prep the rice: Rinse your rice thoroughly using cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess starch that could make your rice gloopy. You can even soak the rice in water for 15-30 minutes before rinsing to further ensure a fluffy texture.
2. Instant Pot time: Place rice in the inner pot of your Instant Pot (or electric rice cooker if you’re using one). Add your measured cups of water, ensuring it’s at room temperature. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cooking settings: Seal your Instant Pot with its tight-fitting lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Choose the PRESSURE COOK mode for 5 minutes (or use a rice setting if available). Then let the high pressure do its magic.
4. The waiting game: Once cooking time is done, allow a natural release for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for avoiding any rice sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Fluff and serve: After a natural release, carefully open the lid, being mindful of the hot steam. Fluff your cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and voilà! Perfect jasmine rice, cooked every single time.

Jazzing Up Your Jasmine Rice: Variations to Try

While cooking jasmine rice with just water is a great way to enjoy its natural flavor, you can also experiment with other ingredients. Add a pinch of salt or a bay leaf for extra flavor, or try cooking Thai jasmine rice in chicken broth or coconut milk for a richer taste. For an aromatic and savory twist, sauté the rice grains in a little olive oil before adding your water or broth.

You can even create Thai coconut rice by replacing some water with coconut milk. This 2-ingredient upgrade transforms your rice into a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with Thai curries or soy sauce-based dishes.

Storing Your Perfect Thai Jasmine Rice

Store leftover jasmine rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a wonderful staple to have on hand on a regular basis, especially when you’re craving Thai food! Just add a few tablespoons of water when reheating to restore the fluffy texture.

Make ahead for perfect leftover rice for Easy Authentic Thai Style Fried Rice with Chicken!

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of cooking perfect Thai jasmine rice in your Instant Pot. Whether you prefer it as a simple side dish or jazzed up as coconut rice, you’re now equipped to dish out this fluffy jasmine rice for any occasion. And remember, practice makes perfect. So keep experimenting until you find your own perfect rice-to-water ratio and cook time.