Ginger Rice Recipe

Cook your rice with bite with this Ginger Rice recipe—fresh ginger root and bay leaves combine to make your basmati and savory side.

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I admit it: I don’t cook enough with ginger. Garlic? Oh, all the time. That stuff hits my pan at the same time I pour my olive oil. But garlic doesn’t enter my mind when I think of savory roots and bulbs that can raise the flavor game of the dishes I prepare.

Regular visitors to FFF will be aware of how much I try to change up my rice. I’ve made Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice, Greek Lemon Rice, and many more. My approach is to paint the blank canvas that is rice with whichever flavor and color I can get my hands on. Today, those hands have found ginger.

You taste ginger in the back of your throat after every bite. It’s sharp yet warm (those who drink ginger tea probably can’t get enough of this sensation). So why should they have all the fun?

Is Ginger Rice Healthy?

Rice contains carbs, which some avoid as part of their diet. If so, you will want to replace the basmati with cauliflower rice. Butter, when used in moderation, can be a healthy fat that contributes to a well-balanced diet. As for ginger, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Use olive oil instead of butter to make it suitable for a Mediterranean diet. If you do go with cauliflower rice, the dish would be suitable for a paleo diet (replace the butter with ghee) and a keto diet; if you ensure the stock and butter is gluten-free then you can enjoy as part of a gluten-free diet. Vegetarians can eat the rice if they switch out the chicken stock and use vegetable stock (or water) instead.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups chicken stock
¼ tsp salt
2 bay leaves
2 green onions, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté

In a pot over MEDIUM heat, melt the butter. Sauté the ginger for 5 minutes.

Simmer

Add the rice to the pot along with the stock, salt, and bay leaves. Stir then cover. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for another 15 minutes.

Steam

Once the water has cooked away, turn off the heat and leave the rice covered to steam in its heat for 5 minutes.

Fluff

Fluff the rice, then add the sliced green onions and toss.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Ginger Rice

Use a microplane grater. Your ginger will come out super-fine and blend well with the rice.
Add the other ingredients once the ginger is aromatic; don’t risk burning it, which can happen before you know it.
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove the starch and reduce the odds the rice will be overly sticky.
I find store-bought chicken stock a bit salty so I make my own. Do so if you have the means. If not, shop for a high-quality stock.
Add the rice a few minutes before adding the stock to let the ginger/butter infuse the rice with more flavor.

FAQs

is chicken stock and chicken broth the same thing?

No, broth is derived from meat, seasoning, and veggies, while stock uses bones (with or without meat). The latter is usually darker, thicker (it can be gelatinous), and richer in flavor.

can i use a different rice?

A long-grain rice is preferable. So use either basmati rice or jasmine rice.

what else can i use as garnish?

A lime slice; its juice will add a citrusy zest to will work in tandem with the ginger. You can also chop up some cilantro and scatter it over your rice.

what should i look for when choosing ginger?

Tight, wrinkle-free skin, a firm touch, a consistent light color, and plump knobs (i.e., those “fingers” attached to the main piece of ginger).

Are ginger shoots edible?

Yep, those buds are indeed edible. Include them if you don’t mind the texture change.

do i need to remove the bay leaves before serving?

You can let your guests do it or you can do it. Either way, bay leaves should not make it to your mouth.

Serving Suggestions

Ginger rice goes really well with chicken curry, like this Thai Pineapple Paleo Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk, as well as Asian Turkey Meatballs, which are served with an Asian peanut sauce. If you prefer seafood, this Asian Salmon (with soy and ginger) will complement the rice (or vice versa), as would Cilantro Lime Shrimp. If you’d prefer to avoid all meat, these Tasty Tofu Tacos will hit the spot.

How To Store Ginger Rice

Let the rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge where it will last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the rice for up to 2 months. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you have time, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If not, reheating straight from frozen is fine. Add water or stock if the rice looks parched.