How to make fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice.

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Rice is a staple in any gluten-free diet, but how are you cooking it? Find out how to make fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice the right way.

You might be thinking you know how to cook rice, I mean, there are instructions on the side of the package, and that can't be wrong, right? Wrong. I've looked at several packages of Jasmine rice (because it's my family's favorite), and many of them call for the wrong ratios of rice to liquid. This leaves the jasmine rice softer and gummier instead of light and fluffy.

Looking down in a bowl of fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice.

Jump to:

Is rice gluten-free?
Ingredients to make fluffy jasmine rice.
What is the best ratio of water to rice?
Do you have to rinse rice before cooking it?
Steps.
Gluten-free rice FAQ
Troubleshooting common rice issues.
Tips for cooking rice.
How to store cooked rice.
Reheating cooked rice.
How to use your fluffy jasmine rice.
Gluten-free dinner recipes to pair with your jasmine rice.
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Is rice gluten-free?

Yes, all-natural forms of rice, whether white, brown, or wild rice, are gluten-free. The only time that rice would not be gluten-free is if it has some packaged flavoring that is added to the rice.

My family loves jasmine rice because it is easy to make, delicious on its own, and can be turned into so many delicious recipes like my gluten-free fried rice. The fact that jasmine rice is gluten-free just makes me love it even more.

Ingredients to make fluffy jasmine rice.

Jasmine Rice
Water

That's all you need. Now here come the secrets to how to make it fluffy.

Overhead view of a bowl of jasmine rice and a bowl of cold water.

What is the best ratio of water to rice?

For most white rice or basmati rice that you cook, the best ratio is 1 to 1.5. This means, for example, for every one cup of rice, you need 1 ½ cups of water.

Jasmine rice actually needs a different ratio so you don't end up with gummy rice.

Why is this?

This is because jasmine rice is softer than most white rice. This means it needs less liquid to cook the rice. Adding more liquid means it cooks longer, which can make the rice gummy. If you want a bowl of fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice, it's time to start reducing the water.

In case you were curious. Brown rice usually needs a 1:2 ratio, and wild rice is on a whole other level needing a 1:3 ratio. Brown and wild rice also require a much longer cooking time, but that is for another post.

Do you have to rinse rice before cooking it?

Let me ask you a few questions, and we will see.

Did you buy your rice directly from a rice farm?
Does your rice contain debris or other things that were not removed during processing?

If the answer is no, then no, you actually do NOT need to rinse your rice before you cook it.

If you are buying your rice at the grocery store, your rice is already clean. Rinsing the rice further will not actually make it any fluffier than not rinsing it.

In fact, you might actually be ending up with mushier rice by doing so since rinsing your rice adds more liquid to your rice on top of anything you add.
Rinsing can add up to three extra tablespoons of water. Those tablespoons of liquid add up to a lot of texture differences when it comes to rice.

I know there are a lot of people who rinse their rice purely to reduce any possible arsenic, heavy metals, or phytic acid that can be found in rice. Jasmine rice actually has one of the lowest amounts of arsenic of any variety.

If you choose to rinse your rice because of this, just be sure to reduce the amount of water by two tablespoons.

Steps.

These steps for cooking gluten-free jasmine rice are the same as if you would be cooking another type of white rice or basmati rice, so it doesn't matter what type you are using. (Just make sure you are using the right ratio of liquid to rice.)

Add the rice and cold water to a pot.
Bring it up to a simmer over medium-high heat, without a lid.
Once the entire pot is bubbly, add the lid.
Turn the temperature down to medium-low and let it cook for 12 minutes.
Once the timer is done, remove the pot from the stove and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
Fluff your rice with a fork and enjoy.

Jasmine rice in a pot before being cooked, being cooked and after.

Gluten-free rice FAQ

Can you cook rice in something besides water?

Yes, you can make fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice with whatever liquid you prefer. I often switch out the water for chicken stock to add extra flavor.

You can use any stocks, broth, and even canned coconut milk instead of water to cook rice. Just make sure you are keeping your ratios correct.

When is the best time to add seasoning to rice?

Because rice absorbs things as it cooks, it's best to add any spices or seasonings to your rice and water before you cook it. This will allow the flavor to be infused in the rice evenly instead of trying to mix things into already cooked rice which can clump when you try to stir it.

Troubleshooting common rice issues.

Is your rice sticking to the bottom of the pan, or is burned on the bottom? - If your rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan or is burned on the bottom, this means your heat was too high. Make sure you know what your stove cooks at, and try reducing the heat a little next time.
Is your rice still hard? - Did you use the right ratio of water? Did you cook it long enough? If your rice is still hard, add ½ to 1 tablespoon of water and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let it finish cooking.
Is your rice mushy? - If your rice is mushy, there really isn't much you can do to save it besides turning it into a gluten-free rice pudding. You could try putting it in the fridge uncovered for a few days to dry out and turn it into gluten-free fried rice. You just want to make sure you give it time to really dry.

Tips for cooking rice.

Don't rinse your rice.
Start the rice in COLD water.
If you are not used to cooking rice, use a pot with a glass lid so you can keep an eye on the amount of liquid in your rice.

How to store cooked rice.

Any of your leftover cooked gluten-free jasmine rice can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days.

You can also freeze cooked rice for up to six months.

If you are making rice ahead of time, for making something like gluten-free fried rice, be sure to store it uncovered; otherwise, cover it.

Reheating cooked rice.

Add about ½ tablespoon of liquid to your rice and lightly cover it. Microwave the rice for about 1-2 minutes to bring it back to life.

If you are reheating rice from frozen, there is no need to defrost it before reheating it. You will end up with mushy rice if you try to defrost it instead of just letting the liquid that has built up from the freezing cook-off.

Alternatively, you can warm up rice on the stove with the same 1 tablespoon per cup of rice in a pot over medium-low heat until it is warm.

How to use your fluffy jasmine rice.

Now that you know how to make the best fluffy gluten-free jasmine rice, you can make it and serve it alongside your favorite gluten-free dinner. It's delicious with my gluten-free beef and broccoli. Love rice? Then you need to check out my easy gluten-free Mexican rice recipe.

Gluten-free dinner recipes to pair with your jasmine rice.

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