Ginger Rice

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.

A white bowl of ginger rice with a knob of ginger and a blue and white towel in the background.

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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 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

Ingredients needed to make ginger rice on a marble background with text overlay,

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!

Minced ginger and garlic cooking in butter in a silver pot.

Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.

Add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.

Rice, water, ginger and garlic in a silver pot.

Add the water and raise the heat to bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt.

Cooked ginger rice in a silver pot over a marble background.

Cover and reduce the heat to simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

Present!

Ginger rice on a fork held up in front of a white bowl of rice with a striped towel and ginger in the background.

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

Nutmeg Rice

Aromatic nutmeg, warming cinnamon, creamy milk, and a bit of brown sugar combine to create this incredibly delicious fall flavored side dish.

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Creamy Coconut Rice

This Creamy Coconut Rice recipe is full of delicious coconut flavor and you won’t believe how easy the recipe is!

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Garlic Rice

This simple, family friendly recipe for Garlic Rice elevates plain rice without any extra effort. It is buttery, delicious, and quick to prepare. Garlic Butter Rice is a wonderful pairing to most entrees.

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If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating. I would really appreciate it!

Ginger rice on a fork held up in front of a white bowl of rice.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 198kcal