Thai White Rice
Perfectly fluffy, fragrant, and slightly sticky jasmine rice that serves as the essential foundation for any authentic Thai meal.
Ingredients
- •2 cups Thai jasmine rice
- •2 1/2 cups water
- •1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, gently stirring with your hand until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- 2
Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan and add the water and salt.
- 3
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat uncovered.
- 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains evenly.
- 6
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork or rice paddle before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Always use a tight-fitting lid; if your lid is loose, place a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid to seal in the steam.
- Do not stir the rice while it is simmering, as this releases starch and makes the rice gummy rather than fluffy.
- Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is perfect for making fried rice.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished rice should be snow-white, individual grains should be tender yet distinct with a slight floral aroma, and it should have a pleasant, slightly chewy texture.