Ginger Rice
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This fragrant and fluffy ginger rice will spice up any meal. It’s a versatile recipe that uses mostly pantry ingredients, and it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
This ginger rice is one of those easy side dishes I come back to again and again. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and turns out perfectly every time—all you need is a saucepan with a lid. No rice cooker required, just a little stovetop magic.
I start with butter (or olive oil if that’s what I have on hand), then sauté fresh ginger and garlic until fragrant. Basmati rice gets stirred in and cooked with stock—chicken or vegetable both work well—so every grain is fluffy and infused with flavor instead of plain water. A pinch of sea salt brings everything together.
Once the rice is cooked, I finish it with sliced green onions for a pop of color and a mild, fresh bite. It’s proof that with a few simple ingredients and very little effort, you can make rice that’s anything but boring.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of rice should I use?
In this recipe, we use basmati rice. It’s our favorite variety of rice, and we use it almost exclusively. It’s the same long-grain white rice variety we use in our basmati rice recipe.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Definitely, but cooking times will vary, so be sure to check out the directions on the packaging.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Yes! Cooked rice freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. We love these reusable Stasher freezer bags to store just about everything in our freezer, including this garlic butter rice.
Ideas for serving ginger rice
This rice is super versatile and the perfect pairing for Asian and Indian-inspired meals like curries, stir-fries, or meat and vegetable mains.
I love it with my creamy coconut lentil curry, mango chicken curry, salt and pepper fish, or sweet hoisin meatballs to name a few. If you love ginger, you can’t go wrong with this savory ginger rice!
Ginger Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (can sub oil)
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Chopped green onions (to serve)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds.1 tablespoon butter , 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 1 clove garlic
- Add the stock, rice, and salt to the pot and bring it to a boil. Stir the rice then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 12 minutes then remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.1 ½ cups stock, 1 cup basmati rice, 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Serve the ginger rice topped with green onions.Chopped green onions
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Such a quick and easy side dish. I served with sticky chicken thighs. Everyone said it was delicious.
Sounds like a delicious meal!
This is amazing! I used organic chicken bone broth and added fresh turmeric! Yum!
Thanks, Jen! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
My go to method for 90% of the times I make rice. I add a teaspoon of honey at the end for just a hint of sweet.
That’s such a great idea!
Delicious every time I’ve made it… easy peasy recipe.
Thanks, Gary!!
Wonderfully EASY
Thanks, Piers!
Perfect rice! Served with lettuce wraps, but would go with so many dishes. Thanks for a great recipe!
You’re very welcome, Vivian!
I’ve made this so many times since I found this recipe after having ginger rice in Chinatown for the first time in NYC. It is delicious and this recipe is so easy to make.