Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy jasmine rice cooked with fresh ginger and bright citrus zest for an aromatic and flavorful side dish. This asian-inspired rice & grains (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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (5 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Ginger Infused Jasmine Rice Pilaf vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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