When making jasmine rice, using the right ratio of rice to water is important for properly cooking the rice. For 2 cups of jasmine rice, the typical water to rice ratio is 2:1. This means for every 1 cup of jasmine rice, you need 2 cups of water.
Quick Answer
For 2 cups of uncooked jasmine rice, you will need 4 cups of water.
The Details
Here is a more detailed breakdown of how much water you need for cooking 2 cups of jasmine rice:
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice = 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice = 4 cups water
So if you are cooking 2 cups (16 ounces) of uncooked jasmine rice, you will need 4 cups (32 ounces) of water. The standard conversion is 1 cup of uncooked rice to 2 cups of water.
Why the 2:1 Rice to Water Ratio?
This 2:1 ratio of water to rice is recommended for jasmine and other long grain white rices because:
- It allows enough water for the rice to absorb during cooking.
- Prevents the rice from turning out mushy from too much water.
- Results in fluffy, separate, cooked rice grains.
While jasmine rice is steaming, the rice grains absorb and gelatinize the water. Using the proper amount allows for full absorption and expansion of the rice.
Tips for Cooking the Rice
Here are some tips for successfully cooking jasmine rice using the 2:1 water to rice ratio:
- Use a pot with a tight fitting lid to prevent excess evaporation.
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Bring the water to a boil, then add the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5-10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Measuring Tip
Use a liquid measuring cup to accurately measure both the rice and the water. Here is a helpful rice and water measurement conversion table:
| Uncooked Rice | Water |
|---|---|
| 1⁄4 cup | 1⁄2 cup |
| 1⁄3 cup | 2⁄3 cup |
| 1⁄2 cup | 1 cup |
| 2⁄3 cup | 11⁄3 cups |
| 3⁄4 cup | 11⁄2 cups |
| 1 cup | 2 cups |
| 11⁄2 cups | 3 cups |
| 2 cups | 4 cups |
| 3 cups | 6 cups |
| 4 cups | 8 cups |
Cooking More or Less Rice
No matter how much rice you need to cook, always use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Here are some examples:
- 1 cup rice = 2 cups water
- 3 cups rice = 6 cups water
- 4 cups rice = 8 cups water
- 6 cups rice = 12 cups water
So remember for every 1 cup of uncooked jasmine or long grain white rice, you simply need 2 cups of water. Measure precisely using liquid measuring cups for the perfect fluffy rice every time.
What About Brown Jasmine Rice?
Brown jasmine rice has a slightly different ratio than regular white jasmine rice. Due to the extra bran layers on brown rice, it requires a bit more water. Here is the ratio:
- 1 cup brown jasmine rice = 21⁄4 cups water
So for every 1 cup of uncooked brown jasmine rice, use 21⁄4 cups of water. The cooking method is the same, just with a bit more water to sufficiently soften the bran layers.
What if I’m Using a Rice Cooker?
Rice cookers are a convenient way to cook perfect rice easily. Here are some tips for using a 2:1 water to rice ratio with a rice cooker:
- Use the provided rice cooker cup as your standard 1 cup measure.
- Fill the inner pot with rice and then water to the 2 cup line for 1 rice cooker cup.
- For 2 rice cooker cups of rice, fill water to the 4 cup line.
- Let the rice cooker do the work of perfectly cooking the rice!
Most rice cookers have handy measurement lines inside the inner cooking pot to follow the 2:1 ratio. Always fill with rice first, then add the corresponding amount of water as indicated in the pot.
Cooking Jasmine Rice on the Stove
While a rice cooker is convenient, you can also easily make great jasmine rice on the stovetop. Here is a simple stovetop method:
- Rinse 2 cups jasmine rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the rinsed rice. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Remove pan from heat and let stand covered for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve.
Stovetop Cooking Tips
- Use a saucepan with a tight fitting lid.
- Resist lifting the lid during cooking to allow steam to properly cook the rice.
- Use medium low heat once simmering for even cooking.
How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has made cooking rice fast and easy. Here is how to cook jasmine rice in the Instant Pot:
- Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice.
- Add rinsed rice and 4 cups water to the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Secure the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is sealed.
- Select the Rice or Manual setting and set to High pressure for 4 minutes.
- Allow 10 minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open Instant Pot, fluff rice with a fork and serve!
Instant Pot Rice Tips
- Always use a 2:1 rice to water ratio
- Natural release for at least 10 minutes
- Quick release prevents overcooking
- Fluff and serve rice immediately for best texture
Cooking Jasmine Rice in the Microwave
It is possible to cook jasmine rice in the microwave but it takes some technique. Here is a microwave method:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups jasmine rice and 4 cups water.
- Microwave uncovered on High for 10 minutes.
- Stir rice, re-cover bowl.
- Microwave on Medium power for 15 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
Microwave Rice Tips
- Use a large microwave-safe bowl to allow rice room to expand.
- Stir rice halfway through cooking.
- Always allow standing time to finish steaming rice.
- Adjust cook times as needed based on your microwave power.
How to Store Leftover Jasmine Rice
Cooked jasmine rice should be cooled and refrigerated within 1-2 hours of cooking. Here are some storage tips:
- Let rice come to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store rice in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or stir-fry rice.
- Also consider freezing rice for longer storage.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, cooked jasmine rice will keep fresh for several days to enjoy in recipes all week long.
Tips for Perfect Jasmine Rice
Follow these helpful tips when cooking jasmine rice for fluffy, fragrant and delicious results every time:
- Always use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- precisely measure rice and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently until water is absorbed.
- Allow rice to steam off heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with fork before serving.
Common Questions
Does rinsing the rice wash away nutrients?
Rinsing removes just the loose, excess starch on the surface of the grains. The nutrients remain intact inside the rice. Rinsing helps prevent rice from getting gummy from excess starch.
Can I use a 1:1 rice to water ratio?
You can try a 1:1 ratio but the rice often turns out quite soggy and mushy. With less water, the rice grains don’t fully expand and absorb water properly during steaming. It’s best to stick with the standard 2:1 ratio.
Do I have to use measuring cups for rice and water?
Measuring out the rice and water is highly recommended for accurate portions. Eyeballing ingredients can lead to errors in ratios and cause the rice to be undercooked, soggy or burnt.
How can I flavor the rice?
Try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar to the cooking water for a tangy flavor. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water for more flavor.
Can I cook jasmine rice in an air fryer?
Yes, jasmine rice can be made in an air fryer! Follow a 2:1 ratio, using the air fryer basket as your cup measure. Set air fryer to 370°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, fluffing halfway.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct water amount is essential for cooking delicious fluffy jasmine rice. By following the simple 2:1 ratio of 2 cups water for every 1 cup of rice, you are guaranteed perfectly cooked rice every time. With the right technique, you can easily make great rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker or Instant Pot.
Next time your recipe calls for jasmine rice, you’ll know exactly how much water is needed. Just remember for every 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice, use 2 cups of fresh water. Rinse, boil, then simmer until the water is fully absorbed. Allow to steam off heat for light, tender grains.
With the proper rice to water ratio, you can enjoy restaurant-quality jasmine rice at home to complement any meal.
