Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

Fluffy jasmine rice cooked with fresh ginger and bright citrus zest for an aromatic and flavorful side dish. This Asian-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs jasmine rice, water, fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly with a lid.
4. Step 4: Simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, then remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if using, fluffing the rice gently with a fork before serving.