Ginger Rice is a simple side dish recipe made with fresh ginger and garlic. This aromatic rice is the perfect base or accompaniment to a variety of dishes and pairs especially well with Indian and Asian inspired meals.
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We eat a lot of homemade Indian and Asian meals, and usually serve them over cooked rice. It’s usually a plain white rice, like you’d get in most restaurants, or Garlic Rice.
However, I decided that I wanted to add even more flavor that would compliment these types of main dishes even better.
This Ginger Rice is absolutely perfect to not only pair a huge variety of dishes as a base, but also as a flavorful side dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This is a really quick and easy recipe. It’s as simple as making a pot of rice, but with one additional step of cooking the ginger and garlic, that just takes a minute or two longer.
It’s a more flavorful option than basic plain white rice that will give your favorite dishes even more flavor.
Ginger rice can be used in a variety of ways. It’s the perfect base to top with a variety of dishes, like Coconut Curry Shrimp, Ginger Beef Stir Fry or Butter Chicken or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful side, especially to ethnic dishes like Indian or Asian meals.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated): fresh ginger will give you the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup basmati rice: if you use a different type of rice, you may need to adjust the amount of water needed for 1 cup, per the package instructions.
- 1 teaspoon salt
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Peel and grate the ginger and mince the garlic.
Create!
Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
Add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
Add the water and raise the heat to bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt.
Cover and reduce the heat to simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Present!
Serve as desired.
Tips and Techniques
- If you choose to use a rice other than basmati rice, check the label to find the amount of water needed for 1 cup.
- Fresh ginger and garlic will give you the best flavor, but bottled ginger or garlic can be used, if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
Can You Freeze Cooked Rice?
Yes, cooked rice can be frozen. Place the rice in the refrigerator to cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or airtight containers and freezing. Frozen rice is best when eaten within 6 months.
More Rice Recipes
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Ginger Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup water (see notes)
- 1 cup basmati rice (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.1 tablespoon ginger, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the water and raise the heat to bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt.3/4 cup water, 1 cup basmati rice, 1 teaspoon salt
- Cover and reduce the heat to simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- If you choose to use a rice other than basmati rice, check the label to find the amount of water needed for 1 cup.
- Fresh ginger and garlic will give you the best flavor, but bottled ginger or garlic can be used, if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-5 days.
Charah says
Another way to enjoy rice, best when shared with the family. thanks for sharing
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this ginger rice with dinner last night and it was delicious! The perfect side for nearly any meal!
suja md says
wow I didn’t expect this kind of recipe. Awesome.
Andrea says
This aromatic rice sounds marvelous. It’s a versatile side dish and my family are going to love it.
Paula says
This ginger rice had INCREDIBLE flavor!! Can’t get enough!