Ginger Rice Recipe

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Ginger rice is a delightful and aromatic dish that combines the earthy warmth of ginger with the comforting texture of rice. This versatile recipe can be served as a delicious side dish or as a base for many dishes. If you love rice and ginger, here’s a recipe for Ginger Rice, along with some handy tips to make it perfect every time.


Ginger Rice Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 cup of jasmine rice (or any long-grain white rice of your choice)
  • 1 1/2 cups of water (or chicken/vegetable stock for added flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce 
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Green onions

Fragrant Ginger Rice Recipe Directions

Course: Side dish
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

  1. Rinse the rice twice under cold water then drain the water out. 
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. 
  3. Put the dry rice grains in the pan. Cook the rice, stirring constantly until it turns from opaque to white.
  4. Add the fresh ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds or stir-fry until fragrant.
  5. Add the chicken stock (or vegetable stock), soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and cover.
  7. Cook the rice mixture for 20 minutes. 
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and test the rice. If the texture of the rice is dry and it needs more time to cook, add a few tablespoons of water. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. When the rice is soft, remove from heat. Let the cooked Ginger Rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  10. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
  11. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and green onions. Add more salt or pepper if you prefer.
  12. Serve immediately with your favorite Asian dish.

Garlic and Ginger Rice Recipe Tips

  • This recipe uses jasmine rice but you can also use other long-grain white rice such as basmati rice. Jasmine rice has a unique floral scent while basmati rice has a slightly nutty flavor.
  • You may use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice in this recipe but the cooking time will be much longer.
  • Don’t forget to rinse your rice before cooking. Doing so will prevent the Ginger Rice from getting mushy. 
  • We cooked this Ginger Rice recipe on the stove but a rice cooker works just as well. All you need to do is cook the ginger and garlic in a pan, then put them in the cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Once cooked, mix in the cilantro and green onions before serving.
  • You can turn this recipe into a Ginger Coconut Rice recipe by adding 1 cup of coconut milk. Simply stir in the coconut milk with the chicken stock.
  • Homemade chicken broth also works well with this Ginger Rice recipe so use it instead of vegetable or chicken stock.
  • If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you can always substitute it with sesame oil or butter to give Ginger Rice a richer flavor.
  • You may omit or reduce the salt in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use a splash of soy sauce instead of salt.
  • Fresh ginger imparts a more vibrant and pungent flavor compared to ground ginger. For convenience, you can use a microplane grater to grate the ginger finely.
  • Ensure the rice is spread out evenly in the skillet and not piled up in one area. This helps in even cooking and absorption of the flavors.
  • Allowing the Ginger Rice to rest after cooking ensures that it finishes steaming and achieves the perfect fluffy texture.
  • Have leftover Ginger Rice? Place the leftover rice in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked rice for up to three months.
  • Ginger rice leftovers also make for good fried rice.

Final Note

If you’re tired of eating plain rice, here’s the perfect rice recipe you should try. Ginger Rice is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a unique blend of flavors that can elevate your dining experience. This Ginger Rice recipe pairs perfectly with various Asian dishes including curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats. You can even eat Ginger Rice on its own as a main dish if you want! 

Eager to learn more rice dishes to impress your family? Check out our collection of rice recipes.