Easy to make and versatile, this rice recipe is one you’ll never get tired of; it makes the perfect accompaniment to any Asian inspired meal.
With just a few minutes of extra effort, you can transform your favorite Asian dishes into a complete meal. Enjoy Asian rice with Asian Steak Bites or Honey Soy Chicken for a meal that’s better than take-out.
Salty and savory, this rice is a perfect pairing for Sticky Asian Chicken or any of these stir fry recipes. I served this rice with the Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry last week – you know, the vegetable one that is also loaded with chicken and bacon.
With or without the optional peas, this bowl of rice was declared two thumbs up by all of my boys. My youngest emptied his bowl twice and still asked for more.
Asian Rice Recipe
I discovered this way of making rice when I was looking for something a little more flavorful than a plain bowl of white rice to serve with dinner. We eat quite a bit of Asian food around here, so rice is a staple.
Of course, I love rice with lots of things in it, like this Shrimp and Vegetable Fried Rice and this Mushroom and Pepper Rice Pilaf. But sometimes you need a side dish that’s going to be tasty enough to stand on its own without taking all the attention away from the main dish.
Simple Asian Rice is cooked in chicken stock to impart every grain with savory flavor. After cooking, you season the rice with soy sauce, sesame oil. Thinly sliced green onions are sprinkled on top to finish this side dish.
How to Make Asian Rice
To make Asian rice, bring jasmine rice and chicken stock to a boil in a large sauce pan or skillet. Cover and simmer for about 18 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed.
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then toss to coat. If you don’t have sesame oil, peanut oil or other vegetable oils will do. However, the sesame oil really does add the best flavor in my opinion.
The first time I made this, I also added frozen peas after the soy sauce and let the heat of the rice cook them through for a couple of minutes.
We all really enjoyed the flavor and color the peas added but they are completely optional. Feel free to leave them out if your family doesn’t love peas!
Serve the rice topped with sliced green onions.
Love Asian rice? Try this Thai Coconut Mango Rice, Pineapple Rice with Cilantro and Lime and this Fried Rice with Ham and Vegetables next! This Cauliflower Asian Rice looks like a great spin on this idea, whether you need a low-carb side or just love cauliflower.
Rice Recipes
Looking for the perfect rice to serve with a Mexican meal? We love Chipotle Lime Rice and Spanish Rice with our tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Cauliflower Fried Rice offers a grain-free alternative to rice that’s delicious in its own right. Italian Herb Rice goes well with just about any entree and Turmeric Butter Rice is heavenly with Indian Chicken Bites.
I love the freshness cilantro adds to rice, so I’m looking forward to giving Foodie With Family’s Scallion Cilantro Rice a try too.
Simple Asian Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, only as needed
- 2 green onions, very thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine the rice and the chicken stock in a large saucepan or skillet, cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18 minutes.
- At the end of the cooking time, stir the rice and check the rice for tenderness. If the liquid has been absorbed, drizzle with the soy sauce and sesame oil and toss well to coat.
- Add frozen peas, if desired, and stir to combine. The heat of the rice will cook them in just a minute or two. Taste the rice, and add salt, only if needed. Add the green onions, stir and keep covered until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally published 9/28/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/29/20}
Pam says
Since rice is one of my all-time favorites, I can't believe I haven't tried something like this yet. What a great simple way to elevate rice!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I have thought about buying a rice maker and this would be perfect to make. You could serve this with anything. Add a scrambled egg and peas and done again! Have a great weekend Mary.
Velva says
I love rice and with a fried egg on top this would be perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Velva
Big Dude says
I can see this and the chicken making an excellent meal. I saw rice growing for the first time the other day while passing thru MO.
Blond Duck says
I always thought I had to have a rice cooker for fluffy rice!
Chris says
Jasmine rice always smells so good when it's cooking, doesn't it?
Gina F. says
This was an excellent rice. I added the english peas and served it in a large white platter along with glazed carrots. It made for a delicious and also a gorgeous presentation. I took your suggestion at using a large sauce pan (instead of my usual small one) and the rice came out a much better texture than mine usually does. Thanks for the lovely recipe.
Ayo says
I made this for my family tonight. They loved it. There’s nothing left for leftovers.
Erin says
How many does this recipe serve? Thanks!
Mary says
4-6 servings, depending on size. The full recipe makes about 3 cups of cooked rice.
Cc says
Can you make this a day in advance?
Mary says
Yes, I often make rice ahead of time. I typically reheat in the microwave with a tablespoon or so of water.
Danielle says
My go to rice dish now!!
Family loves it
Mary says
I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe, Danielle!
Brenda says
Can this recipe be made with vegetables stock so it is vegetarian?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, that will work nicely, Brenda.
Andre says
Add fresh garlic to it while cooking to make it more Asian.
Mary Younkin says
Mmmm, I bet that’s really good, Andre.
debbie says
what cooking changes would need to be made to make this with brown rice?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Debbie. This recipe should work fine with brown rice. Simply swap the chicken broth for the usual water and cook the brown rice as you typically would. Then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Debra says
Very delicious and easy. Leftovers are great too. With leftovers we chop up whatever cooked meat we have on hand and stir it in. Simple and delicious!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the recipe so much, Debra!
Anne says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. Unfortunately, my family didn’t love this. I feel like the sesame oil measurement should be less. We won’t make again.
Mary Younkin says
That’s a bummer you weren’t fans. We really love it, Anne. Better luck with another option or reduced sesame oil.
Sherene says
Can this rice be made with Sticky Sushi rice?
Mary Younkin says
Sure, Sherene. This will work nicely with any rice.
Denise says
I had an air fryer recipe for sesame chicken thighs and needed a side dish. The chicken turned out okay but this side dish was AWESOME. I used my own chicken stock I had in the freezer. This recipe even trumped the recipe on the rice bag! Definitely a keeper.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the rice so much, Denise!