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How to Cook Jasmine Rice in Microwave

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Looking for ways to cook jasmine rice quickly without using a rice cooker or stovetop method? Cooking jasmine rice in a microwave is faster and more convenient than using any other method. 

How to cook Jasmine rice in the microwave? Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly with running water to eliminate excess starch and prevent it from turning gummy or sticky. 

Place the rinsed 1 cup of jasmine rice and 1½ cups of water into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a vented lid. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, and then reduce to medium power for 10 minutes.

After the cooking time is over, let the jasmine rice sit in the closed microwave for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Microwave is great tool to reheat leftover meals, defrost frozen ingredients, or even cook rice with the press of a button. 

Also, it does not require lot of tools and extensive amount of time to cook. However, if you have cook rice in a microwave rice cooker, it can help you achieve consistent fluffy results every time. 

Cooking jasmine rice using a microwave is relatively easy, however be aware of the water to jasmine rice ratio. Answered below are frequently asked questions with expert tips to help you adjust power and cooking time. Let’s dive in!

Can you cook jasmine rice in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook jasmine rice in the microwave. In fact, it is most time-saving method can it can be done in 15 minutes compared to stove, rice cooker, and instant pot. 

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water, then put the rice in a large microwavable bowl. 

For every 1 cup of jasmine rice, add 1½ cups of water and cover the bowl with a microwavable lid or plastic wrap. 

Cook on high heat setting for 5 minutes, then on medium heat for 10 minutes. Set aside for 10 minutes and finish by using a folk to fluff and separate the grains.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe to cook jasmine rice in the microwave. Always use a microwaveable dish and lid when cooking rice in the microwave to alleviate concern over cross-contamination from harmful cookware.

Furthermore, consider to soak the rice in water overnight. According to the report, soaking, draining, and rinsing the pre-soaked rice with a higher amount of water to cook with, can easily remove 82% of any present arsenic.

In general, jasmine rice has the lowest amount of poisonous arsenic of any type of rice. However, this may vary depending on the farm. 

What is the ratio of water to jasmine rice?

For best results, the ratio is 1 cup jasmine rice to 1½ cups water. The water-to-jasmine rice ratio is important because it affects the doneness of the grain and whether it gets fully cooked or overcooked and mushy.

Follow this rule of thumb water to jasmine rice ratio and you should have no problems getting perfectly cooked rice every time.

Tips & Tricks

Microwave cooking jasmine rice is quick and get the job done in about 15 minutes. As easy as it seems, pressing button does not always make jasmine rice fluffy. 

Here are microwave tips to cook jasmine rice to perfection:

  • Use a microwave safe container appropriate for cooking jasmine rice. We recommend glass or ceramic instead of microwaving plastic
  • Furthermore, make sure the dish has a flat bottom to promote even cooking, and high sides so that the grains have room to expand and the water does not boil over the sides while cooking.
  • A microwave rice cooker provides consistent results every time without any variability in the finished product.
  • Ensure to use a lid with a vent or lay the lid on top of the cooking dish without completely locking to allow the steam to escape.
  • Place a dishtowel on top of the microwaving bowl in case the starchy steamy water bubbles and begins to spill over the top.
  • Consider reducing water by two tablespoons for every cup if you rinse jasmine rice before cooking in the microwave.
  • Soaking jasmine rice overnight allows absorption of water and the residual heat on the surface of the grains. Thus, making the rice fluffy instead of gluey.

Best Way to Cook

Follow theses steps for the best way to prepare jasmine rice using a microwave.

Measure a cup of jasmine rice, and rinse and drain until the water runs clean, then soak overnight before cooking. 

Pour into an appropriately sized bowl that is microwave safe, and add 1½ cups of cold water to the jasmine rice.

Cover with a vented lid and microwave on high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to medium heat and proceed for 10 minutes more.

Allow the cooked jasmine rice to sit for about 10 minutes while still covered in the warm microwave. However, consider microwaving for an extra time if the rice is a bit crunchy and there is still water remaining at the bottom. 

Keep checking after every minute until the preferred doneness is achieved.

Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork, season to taste, and serve the rice. 

How to cook jasmine rice in microwave

More Helpful Information

Preparing jasmine rice in the microwave is quite convenient and will take less than 20 minutes. A cup of dry jasmine rice will be enough for 2-3 servings after cooking. 

When cooking jasmine rice in the microwave, consider adding a half teaspoon of salt, oil, or rosemary to give instant flavor to a bowl of rice. Dried or fresh herbs are straightforward to add and pack a ton of flavor.

Rinsing jasmine rice is an important step that eliminates excess starch, making the rice turn out gummy or sticky. 

Put jasmine rice in a bowl and cover with cold water. Then swish it with your fingertips to remove excess starch and dirt. Drain through a fine sieve and repeat the process twice until the water doesn’t turn cloudy. 

Also, it is good practice to soak overnight to make the cooking process easier and eliminate any arsenic content. 

Combine the correct ratio of jasmine rice to water for a fluffy texture and perfect doneness. For every cup of jasmine rice, add 1½ cups of water.

After rinsing the rice and adding the right amount of water, ensure to place in a microwavable dish with a vented lid. Cook on high power for 5 minutes, then medium power for 10 minutes. 

Avoid stirring the rice at any point when cooking.

When the cooking cycle is completed, allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes while covered in the warm appliance to finish steaming with carryover heat.

Follow the cooking procedure to end up with delicious jasmine rice every time. Consider allowing it to settle after the cooking cycle is complete to acquire a fluffy texture. 

Microwaving jasmine rice is quick and easy. Serve steaming hot jasmine rice with various foods such as beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, and seafood of your choice. 

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sean

Thursday 18th of May 2023

good guide, i regularly cook basmati and jasmine and am seldom pleased with the jasmine so will be soaking overnight and maybe reducing water slightly due to pre=soaking etc. Good tips hopefully, thanks.