How to Cook Thai Jasmine Rice in the Microwave – Perfect Every Time

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

How to Cook Thai Jasmine Rice in the Microwave – Perfect Every Time

If you love fragrant, fluffy Thai Jasmine rice but don’t have a rice cooker or Instant Pot on hand, don’t worry! Cooking Jasmine rice in the microwave is quick, easy, and perfect for small portions or solo meals. This method gives you the same soft, slightly sweet, and aromatic rice you’d expect from traditional Thai cooking—without any fuss. Whether you’re at home, traveling, or just craving a taste of Thailand, you’ll have perfect Jasmine rice every time.

Ingredients

Steps

  • Cooking Jasmine Rice in the Microwave:

    1. Place the rice in a bowl and rinse under cold water. Swirl gently with your hand, then drain. Repeat until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.

      Pouring water into a container with jasmine rice above a big bowlA left hand is holding a container of jasmine rice with water and a right hand is rubbing jasmine rice above a bowlA hand rinse water out of a container of jasmine riceA container of washed jasmine rice

    2. Transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe container (or microwave rice cooker if you have one). Then add 2 cups water for every 1 cup rice.

      A bowl of water above uncooked jasmine rice.A container with jasmine rice with water inside a microwave.

    3. Microwave on high power for 15–20 minutes. (15 minutes = softer, stickier rice. OR 20 minutes = drier, fluffier rice.)

      A microwave.

    4. Once cooking time is done, let the rice sit in the microwave for a couple minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

      A container of cooked Thai Jasmine Rice.A big spoon is in jasmine rice container

Recipe Notes

Tips

This microwave method for cooking Jasmine rice is simple, quick, and easy—no rice cooker, Instant Pot, or special equipment needed.

In just 15–20 minutes, you’ll have soft, fragrant, and perfectly fluffy rice ready to enjoy.

Perfect for small portions, solo meals, or when you’re short on time.

Enjoy cooking!