Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
Fragrant jasmine rice gently cooked with plumeria flower water and studded with toasted almonds for a subtle floral and nutty side dish. This asian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs (200 g), rinsed jasmine rice, (300 ml) plumeria flower water, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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 (200 g), rinsed jasmine rice
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) plumeria flower water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small, finely chopped shallot
- 1/4 cup (25 g) toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup rinsed jasmine rice to the saucepan and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains with oil and shallot flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 1/4 cups plumeria flower water and add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let the rice steam covered for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking.
- Step 6: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if using, adding a fresh herbal brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?
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 (200 g), rinsed jasmine rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?
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 Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds 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.
What goes well with Plumeria-Scented Jasmine Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?
Asian rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
