Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs

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

Fluffy jasmine rice steamed with fresh citrus zest and herbs, creating a fragrant and bright side dish perfect for pairing with Asian-inspired meals. This asian-inspired rice & grains ready in about 30 minutes pairs jasmine rice, water, orange zest 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: Combine the rinsed rice with 2.5 cups water, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lime zest, and 1 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint until the butter is melted and herbs are evenly distributed.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm as a fragrant side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs 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 Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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 Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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 Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs 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 Steamed Citrus-Infused Jasmine Rice with Fresh Herbs?

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.

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