What to Add to Jasmine Rice For Flavor (28 Best Options)

There’s nothing like a bowl of steaming jasmine rice to complete a delicious and healthy meal.

But sometimes you just want a little something extra to make your rice taste even better.

In this post, I’ll show you 28 different ways to add flavor to jasmine rice, from simple additions like salt and pepper to more complex flavors like ginger and garlic.

No matter what you choose, adding flavor to jasmine rice is guaranteed to turn it into a memorable meal.

So whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, these 28 flavor options will have you covered.

What to Add to Jasmine Rice?

There are many options for what to add to jasmine rice. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can add in some butter or olive oil. You could also add in some vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or corn. Or, for a more protein-packed meal, you could add in some chicken, beef, or pork.

The thing is…

Jasmine rice is a staple in many Asian dishes, but it can be bland on its own.

If you’re looking for ways to add flavor to your jasmine rice, you’re in luck.

There are a variety of things you can add to jasmine rice to give it more flavor.

From meats and vegetables to sauces and seasonings, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Here are 28 things you can add to jasmine rice to give it more flavor:

1. Chicken

Of course, chicken is a great option for jasmine rice.

You can either cook the chicken in with the rice, or cook it separately and add it on top.

If you’re cooking the chicken in with the rice, just be sure to add some extra seasoning to help boost the flavor.

A few cloves of minced garlic, a teaspoon of ginger, and a splash of soy sauce will do the trick.

If you’re cooking the chicken separately, you can simply season it with salt and pepper before adding it to your rice.

For a little extra flavor, try stir-frying the chicken in a bit of sesame oil before adding it to the rice.

2. Beef

If chicken isn’t really your thing, beef is another great option for flavoring jasmine rice.

1. Just like with chicken, you’ll want to cook the beef until it’s nice and tender.
2. Then, you can add it to the rice along with some of the pan drippings for extra flavor.
3. Season the rice to taste with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
4. Once everything is mixed together, you’ll have a delicious and hearty side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

3. Pork

Some people like pork, and some people don’t. I’m not here to judge.

But if you’re looking for a way to add some flavor to your jasmine rice, pork is a great option.

Just cook up some diced pork in a pan with some garlic and ginger, and then stir it into your rice.

You can also add in some other vegetables like peas or carrots for even more flavor and nutrition.

This is a quick and easy way to take your rice from boring to delicious.

Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a simple yet tasty side dish.

4. Shrimp

How do you feel about shrimp?

If you’re into it, why not try adding some to your jasmine rice?

It’s a delicious way to add some extra protein and flavor to your meal.

And, shrimp is pretty quick and easy to cook, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

1. To add shrimp to your rice, simply sauté some peeled and deveined shrimp in a little olive oil.
2. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
3. Then, add the cooked shrimp to your jasmine rice and enjoy!

5. Vegetables (Carrots, Peas, Corn, Etc.)

When you’re wondering what to add to jasmine rice for flavor, the possibilities are endless.

One of the most popular options is to add in some vegetables.

This is a great way to get some extra nutrients into your meal, and it can also help to bulk it up if you’re looking for a heartier dish.

Simply cook your rice according to package instructions, then stir in some cooked carrots, peas, corn, or any other vegetable that you like.

You can even add in some canned vegetables if you’re short on time.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go!

6. Green Onions

My mom loves to use green onions in her cooking, and I’ve always thought they added a lot of flavor to rice dishes.

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your jasmine rice, give green onions a try.

They have a mild onion flavor that won’t overpower the delicate taste of the rice.

Plus, they add a nice pop of color.

To use them, simply chop up a few green onions and stir them into your cooked rice.

You can also add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, peas, or corn.

Get creative and see what you come up with!

7. Cilantro

Cilantro is great because it not only adds flavor, but also a nice pop of color.

If you’re using white jasmine rice, adding cilantro will give the dish some much-needed visual interest.

To use cilantro as a flavor enhancer, simply chop up a handful of the fresh herb and stir it into your cooked rice.

You can also add a bit of lime juice for an extra zing.

Another great way to use cilantro is to make a simple chimichurri sauce to serve on top of the rice.

This Argentinean condiment is traditionally made with parsley, but cilantro works just as well.

Just blend together some olive oil, garlic, vinegar, cumin, and cilantro, and you’ve got a delicious flavor booster for your rice.

8. Basil

Basil is one of my favorite ways to add flavor to jasmine rice.

It’s a really versatile herb that goes well with a lot of different dishes.

To make basil jasmine rice, simply add a handful of chopped basil leaves to the rice while it’s cooking.

You can also add some toasted sesame oil for an extra boost of flavor.

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve.

9. Garlic

Garlic is like a superhero when it comes to flavoring food.

It’s intense and pungent, yet it can also be mellow and sweet.

When used correctly, garlic can take a dish from good to great.

And when it comes to jasmine rice, a little garlic can go a long way.

The best way to add garlic flavor to rice is to cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth that has been infused with garlic.

You can also add a few cloves of minced garlic to the pot when cooking the rice.

For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in a bit of oil before adding it to the pot.

Once the rice is cooked, you can finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

10. Ginger

Ginger is one of the best ways to add flavor to Asian-style rice dishes like jasmine rice.

It has a sharp, peppery flavor that really wakes up the taste buds.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use.

Just grate a small amount of ginger into your cooked rice and stir it in well.

You can also add a bit of grated ginger to the water when you’re cooking the rice, for even more flavor.

If you want to get really fancy, you can fry up some ginger slices in oil and use them as a garnish on top of your finished dish.

11. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is often used in Asian cusine to add flavor to rice dishes.

Jasmine rice pairs especially well with soy sauce, as the delicate flavors of the rice are enhanced by the saltiness of the sauce.

1. To add soy sauce to jasmine rice, simply cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Once it is cooked, stir in a few tablespoons of soy sauce to taste.

You can also add other Asian-inspired flavors to your jasmine rice, such as sesame oil, green onions, and ginger.

Experiment until you find a combination that you love.

12. Oyster Sauce

If oyster sauce is your thing, then you’ll be happy to know that it goes great with jasmine rice.

The key is to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

1. To add oyster sauce to your rice, start by cooking the rice according to package directions.
2. Once it’s cooked, stir in a few spoonfuls of oyster sauce until it’s evenly distributed.

You can also add other ingredients to your rice, such as green onions, diced chicken, or shrimp.

Serve the rice as a side dish or as a main course.

13. Curry Powder

Curry powder adds a ton of flavor to jasmine rice, and it’s really easy to do.

Just add a teaspoon or two of curry powder to the rice when you’re cooking it.

You can also add other spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander to taste.

Curry powder is a blend of many different spices, so it’s a great way to add a complex flavor to your rice without having to use a lot of different ingredients.

Plus, it pairs well with salmon, chicken, and vegetables, so it’s a versatile addition to your kitchen pantry.

14. Garam Masala

I love this spice in rice dishes!

You can find it pre-made in most grocery stores, or you can make your own blend using common spices like cumin, cardamom, cloves, and pepper.

1. To add some flavor to your jasmine rice, start by cooking the rice according to package directions.
2. Once it’s cooked, stir in a teaspoon or two of garam masala.

You can also add in some other ingredients like peas, carrots, or onions for a more complete meal.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt on top for a delicious and healthy dish.

15. Turmeric

Speaking of flavor, one of the best things you can do for jasmine rice is to add a bit of turmeric.

Turmeric is a spice that has a long history of use in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine.

It’s known for its vibrant yellow color, and it has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

When used in small amounts, it can add a beautiful depth of flavor to jasmine rice.

Just add a pinch or two to the pot when you’re cooking the rice.

You can also add other spices like cumin or cardamom for even more flavor.

16. Ground Coriander

Coriander is usually a hit or miss with people.

You either love it or you hate it.

But if you’re in the camp that enjoys its lemony flavor, then you should definitely try adding a pinch (or more) of ground coriander to your jasmine rice.

It’s an easy way to add a bit of brightness and depth of flavor to the dish.

But be sure not to add too much, as the coriander can easily overwhelm the delicate flavors of the rice.

Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there.

17. Cumin

If you have some cumin lying around, this is a great way to add flavor to jasmine rice.

Cumin is a spice that’s often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it has a warm, earthy flavor.

1. To use cumin, simply toast a teaspoon of the seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they’re fragrant.
2. Then, add them to your cooked jasmine rice and stir to combine.

You can also add other spices like coriander or cardamom to the pan when you toast the cumin seeds.

For a really flavorful rice dish, try cooking the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

18. Salt

Want to keep things simple?

Just add a little salt to your jasmine rice.

This is an easy way to boost the flavor without having to add any other ingredients.

Just be sure to start with a small amount of salt, as it’s easy to overdo it.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there.

19. Pepper

If salt wasn’t enough to bring out the flavor of your jasmine rice, try adding some freshly ground black pepper.

Just a few turns of the pepper mill will do.

The sharp, pungent flavor of the pepper will add a nice depth of flavor to the rice.

Plus, it’s a quick and easy way to dress up plain rice.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try other types of pepper such as white or green peppercorns.

Or, for a bit of heat, add in some crushed red pepper flakes. Just be careful not to overdo it – a little goes a long way.

20. Lime Juice

Lime juice is super underrated when it comes to adding flavor to any rice dish, but it really shines with jasmine rice.

The citrusy acidity of the lime juice helps to brighten up the flavors of the dish and makes it more interesting to eat.

Plus, it’s such a quick and easy way to add flavor.

Just squeeze fresh lime juice over cooked jasmine rice, and give it a good stir.

You can also add in some chopped cilantro for an extra boost of flavor.

21. Lemon Juice

Similar to lime juice, lemon juice is a great way to add a citrusy brightness to jasmine rice.

The acidity of the lemon juice will help to balance out the richness of the rice, and it pairs particularly well with fish or chicken dishes.

To add lemon juice to your rice, simply squeeze the juice of one lemon into your cooked rice and stir it in until evenly distributed.

You can also add a bit of zest for extra flavor.

However, be careful not to add too much, as the lemon flavor can quickly become overwhelming.

22. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is often used in Asian cooking to add a richness of flavor to dishes.

It can be used in place of water when cooking jasmine rice, and it will give the rice a lovely coconut flavor.

Simply replace the water in your recipe with an equal amount of coconut milk.

You can also add a bit of salt to taste.

Another option is to cook the rice in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

This will also add some extra flavor to the rice.

But be sure to use low-sodium broth so that your dish doesn’t end up being too salty.

23. Chicken Broth

I often use chicken broth when I’m cooking for my family.

It’s a great way to add flavor to jasmine rice.

Just add a cup of chicken broth for every cup of rice that you’re cooking.

The rice will absorb the chicken flavor as it cooks, making it much more delicious than if you simply boiled it in water.

24. Beef Broth

Beef broth is a great way to add flavor to jasmine rice.

Simply replace the water with beef broth when cooking the rice according to package instructions.

The beef broth will give the rice a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.

Try it with stir-fries, curries, or even just a simple grilled steak.

If you want to really take your rice to the next level, try simmering it in beef broth before cooking.

This will infuse the rice with even more flavor.

Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly so that the rice doesn’t end up too dry.

25. Vegetable Broth

If you don’t want to use chicken broth or beef broth, you can always opt for vegetable broth.

It’s a great way to add flavor to jasmine rice without adding any meat or animal products.

Simply simmer the rice in the broth instead of water, and you’ll end up with a flavorful, fragrant dish.

You can also add in some chopped vegetables, such as carrots, onions, or celery, for even more flavor.

26. Safran

Although a little more expensive than some other spices, a few threads of saffron go a long way in terms of flavor.

Saffron is often used in Spanish and Indian dishes, and it has a distinctively earthy flavor.

If you’re looking to add a bit of interest to your jasmine rice, saffron is a great option.

To use, simply add a few threads of saffron to the pot when you’re cooking the rice.

The saffron will infuse the rice with its flavor as it cooks.

You can also add other spices like cumin or turmeric to further enhance the flavor.

27. Raisins

Raisins are not often talked about as a rice flavoring, but they can actually be quite good.

The sweetness of the raisins pairs well with the subtle flavor of jasmine rice.

To add raisins to your rice, simply stir them in after the rice has finished cooking.

For a more pronounced flavor, soak the raisins in water or juice for a few minutes before adding them to the rice.

You can also try other dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries.

Just be sure to adjust the amount you use, as these fruits are often much sweeter than raisins.

28. Cinnamon

Although this might seem like an odd pairing, cinnamon and rice actually go quite well together.

The warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon complements the neutral taste of rice perfectly.

To add some cinnamon flavor to your jasmine rice, simply add a teaspoon (or more, to taste) of ground cinnamon to the pot when you’re cooking the rice.

You can also add a cinnamon stick to the pot for even more flavor.

Be sure to remove the stick before serving.

What Meat Goes Good with Jasmine Rice?

There are many types of meat that go well with jasmine rice. Some examples include chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp. You can also serve jasmine rice with tofu for a vegetarian option.

What to Serve with Jasmine Rice?

There are many options for what to serve with jasmine rice. You can keep it simple with just a protein and some steamed vegetables. Or, you can go for a more complex dish and include jasmine rice as part of a stir-fry or curry. Some other ideas include using jasmine rice in a soup, or as a base for a salad.

What to Add to Jasmine Rice in Rice Cooker?

There are many things you can add to jasmine rice in a rice cooker to give it flavor and make it more interesting.

Some things you might want to try include: adding sauteed onions, garlic, and ginger; using broth instead of water; adding diced tomatoes, peas, or other vegetables; or stirring in coconut milk, peanuts, or cashews. You can also experiment with different spices, such as turmeric, cumin, or curry powder.

What to Add to Plain Jasmine Rice?

If you want to add some flavor to your plain jasmine rice, here are some ideas:

• Add sautéed onions, garlic, or shallots
• Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken, beef, or pork
• Mix in some cooked vegetables, like peas, carrots, or corn
• Stir in a spoonful of tomato sauce or salsa
• Add a dollop of coconut milk

What Herbs to Add to Jasmine Rice?

There are many different herbs that go well with jasmine rice. Some of the most popular ones include cilantro, basil, mint, and parsley. You can also add green onions, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. If you want to give the rice a more intense flavor, you can also add curry powder or turmeric.

What Seasoning to Add to Jasmine Rice?

There are many different seasonings that you can add to jasmine rice, depending on your preference. Some common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, ginger, and basil. You can also add other spices such as cumin, turmeric, or chili powder. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to the rice, you can add honey or brown sugar.

What to Add to Cooked Jasmine Rice?

There are many different things you can add to cooked jasmine rice.

Some popular options include vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), meats (such as chicken, beef, and pork), seafood (such as shrimp and lobster), and sauces (such as soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry sauce). You can also add other seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

What to Add to Brown Jasmine Rice?

Some good things to add to brown jasmine rice include vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), meats (such as chicken, beef, or pork), seafood (such as shrimp or lobster), and spices (such as curry powder or ginger). You can also add fruit to brown jasmine rice for more sweetness.

What Sauce Goes Good with Jasmine Rice?

There are many different sauces that go well with jasmine rice. Some common ones include soy sauce, fish sauce, and curry. If you are looking for something more specific, then you can try one of the many Asian-inspired sauces that are out there.