Garlic Herb Jasmine Rice (Printable)
Fragrant jasmine rice with garlic-herb butter and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes—an easy vegetarian side or light main.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Rice
01 - 1 cup jasmine rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Roasted Tomatoes
05 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garlic & Herb Mixture
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
13 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - Zest of 1 lemon
15 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
03 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
04 - In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add rinsed rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat each grain.
05 - Add 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and water has absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
06 - While rice finishes steaming, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in parsley, basil, thyme, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
07 - Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Gently fold in the garlic and herb mixture until evenly incorporated.
08 - Transfer rice to a serving platter or bowl. Top with the warm roasted tomatoes and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted tomatoes become little bursts of sweet intensity that make plain rice feel extraordinary
- Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like you fussed over it much longer
02 -
- Dont skip rinsing the rice or you will end up with gummy grains instead of fluffy separate ones
- The garlic can turn bitter if it browns so keep the heat low and watch it closely
03 -
- Use plant based butter to make this completely vegan without losing any richness
- If making ahead keep the herb butter separate and warm it gently before folding in