How to Cook Costco Jasmine Rice

Kirkland Signature Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice is a long grain white rice from Thailand sold at Costco in 25-pound bags.

It has a natural floral aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked right.

The bulk bag serves roughly 100+ portions, making it a pantry staple for families or meal prep enthusiasts.

This guide covers three cooking methods: stovetop, rice cooker, and Instant Pot.

Cooking times range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your equipment.

Product Details

Product: Kirkland Signature Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice

Type: Dry long grain white rice (not pre-cooked)

Package Size: 25 lbs (11.3 kg), approximately 100+ servings

Price: $17.99 at Costco (Updated December 2024)

Storage: Cool, dry place. Keeps up to 2 years unopened.

Calories per Serving: 205 calories per 1 cup cooked (158g)

Main Ingredients: 100% Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice

Item Number: 100334875

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Rice cooker for consistent results with zero monitoring required.

Method 1: Rice Cooker (Recommended)

A rice cooker produces fluffy jasmine rice every time with minimal effort.

Total time runs about 25-30 minutes including the automatic keep-warm cycle. Works for 1-6 cups of dry rice depending on cooker size.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Rice?

Rinse the rice to remove excess starch. This prevents gummy, clumpy results.

Instructions:

1. Measure desired amount of dry rice using a standard measuring cup (not the small cup that comes with some cookers)
2. Place rice in a fine mesh strainer
3. Rinse under cold running water, swirling with your hand
4. Continue until water runs mostly clear (about 3-4 rinses)
5. Shake off excess water and transfer to rice cooker pot

Equipment: Fine mesh strainer, measuring cup, rice cooker

Step 2: What Water Ratio Do You Use?

Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water for rice cookers. One cup rice, one cup water.

Instructions:

1. Add cold water using the same measuring cup you used for rice
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of rice (optional)
3. Wipe any moisture from the outside bottom of the inner pot before placing in cooker

Water Ratio: 1 cup rice : 1 cup water

Step 3: What Setting Do You Use?

Most rice cookers have a white rice or jasmine rice setting. Either works fine.

Instructions:

1. Close the lid securely
2. Select white rice or jasmine setting
3. Press start
4. Do not open lid during cooking

Time: 15-25 minutes (varies by cooker model)

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The rice cooker switches to “warm” automatically when finished.

Instructions:

1. Let rice rest in cooker for 10 minutes after it switches to warm
2. Open lid and fluff gently with a rice paddle or fork
3. Grains should be separate, tender, and aromatic

Visual Indicator: Steam rising, grains plump and glistening, no visible water remaining

Method 2: Stovetop

Stovetop cooking gives you more control over texture. It takes about 22-25 minutes total including resting time.

You need a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Rice?

Same rinsing process as the rice cooker method. Don’t skip this step for stovetop cooking.

Instructions:

1. Measure 1 cup of dry jasmine rice
2. Rinse in cold water until mostly clear
3. Drain thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer

Equipment: Heavy pot with tight lid, fine mesh strainer

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

High heat to boil, then low heat to simmer. The absorption method works best here.

Instructions:

1. Add 1 cup rinsed rice and 1.25 cups cold water to pot
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt if desired
3. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, uncovered
4. Stir once when boiling
5. Cover immediately and reduce heat to lowest setting

Temperature: High to boil, then lowest setting

Time: 12-15 minutes covered simmer

Step 3: When Do You Check the Rice?

Do not lift the lid during cooking. Seriously. The steam does the work.

Instructions:

1. Set a timer for 12 minutes
2. Keep lid on the entire time
3. After 12 minutes, check quickly. If water remains, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes.

Checkpoint: 12-minute mark (quick peek only)

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

No water at the bottom. Grains should be tender but not mushy.

Instructions:

1. Remove from heat
2. Keep covered and let rest for 10 minutes
3. Fluff with fork or rice paddle
4. Serve immediately or cover to keep warm

Visual Indicator: Small steam holes on surface, no liquid pooling, fragrant aroma

Method 3: Instant Pot

Pressure cooking jasmine rice takes 3-5 minutes of actual cook time. But add 10 minutes for pressurizing and 10 for natural release.

Total time runs about 23-25 minutes. Good for larger batches.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Rice?

Rinse well to prevent the Instant Pot from foaming and sputtering during pressure release.

Instructions:

1. Measure 2 cups of dry rice (minimum recommended for Instant Pot)
2. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
3. Drain completely
4. Add rice to Instant Pot insert

Equipment: Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, fine mesh strainer

Step 2: What Pressure Setting and Time Do You Use?

High pressure for 3-4 minutes. The 1:1 ratio works because no steam escapes during pressure cooking.

Instructions:

1. Add 2 cups cold water (same amount as rice)
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon oil (optional, helps prevent sticking)
3. Close lid, turn valve to sealing position
4. Select Pressure Cook on High for 3 minutes

Pressure: High

Time: 3-4 minutes

Step 3: How Do You Release Pressure?

Natural release is key. Quick release makes the rice gummy.

Instructions:

1. When timer beeps, do nothing for 10 minutes
2. After 10 minutes, turn valve to venting to release remaining pressure
3. Wait for float valve to drop

Checkpoint: 10 minutes natural release, then quick release remaining pressure

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Grains should be fluffy and separate easily.

Instructions:

1. Open lid carefully (steam will escape)
2. Fluff rice with fork or rice paddle
3. Serve immediately. Do not use keep warm setting as rice will dry out.

Visual Indicator: Fluffy texture, distinct grains, steam rising

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Cool Quickly: Refrigerate cooked rice within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth
• Reheat Properly: Heat leftovers to steaming hot (165F) before eating
• Storage Limit: Discard cooked rice after 4-6 days in the fridge

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Aroma: Subtle floral, popcorn-like fragrance
• Texture: Tender but slightly firm, not mushy
• Appearance: Grains separate easily, slight sheen
• Color: Bright white, not translucent or gray

Signs of Overcooking:

• Mushy, porridge-like consistency
• Grains break apart when stirred
• Water pooling at bottom of pot
• Burnt or brown crust on bottom (stovetop method)

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1/2 to 1 cup cooked rice per person (1 cup dry rice yields about 3 cups cooked)

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with Costco orange chicken for a quick weeknight meal
• Serve alongside Costco teriyaki chicken with steamed vegetables
• Use as a base for homemade fried rice using day-old rice
• Top with Costco bulgogi for Korean-style rice bowls

Pairing Recommendations:

• Costco edamame as a side
• Costco frozen shrimp stir-fried with garlic
• Costco potstickers for a complete Asian-style meal
• Costco tikka masala spooned over rice

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Cool rice to room temperature within 1 hour
• Transfer to airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 4-6 days
• Freeze in flat layers for up to 3 months

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Add 1-2 tablespoons water per cup of rice. Cover and heat 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Add splash of water to pan, add rice, cover and heat on low for 3-5 minutes.
• From Frozen: Microwave directly from freezer, no need to thaw. Add extra water and heat 3-4 minutes.

Target Temperature: 165F (steaming hot throughout)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Rice is mushy and sticky

Cause: Too much water or cooked too long

Solution: Reduce water by 2 tablespoons per cup. For jasmine rice specifically, use less water than package directions suggest. The 1:1.25 ratio works better than 1:1.5 or 1:2.

Issue: Rice is hard or crunchy in the center

Cause: Not enough water or insufficient resting time

Solution: Add 2-3 tablespoons water, cover, and let steam off heat for 5-10 more minutes. Always let rice rest covered after cooking.

Issue: Rice sticks to pot bottom

Cause: Heat too high during simmering phase (stovetop) or skipped oil (Instant Pot)

Solution: Use lowest heat setting after boiling. Add 1 teaspoon oil to Instant Pot before cooking. Use non-stick pot if available.

Issue: Rice smells off or has no aroma

Cause: Old rice or improper storage of dry rice

Solution: Check package date. Store dry rice in cool, dry place. The fragrance diminishes about 8 weeks after harvest, but properly stored rice stays good for cooking up to 2 years.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Products:

• Kirkland Basmati Rice – Longer grains, less sticky, pairs well with Indian dishes
• Costco Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb alternative, different cooking method
• Royal Jasmine Rice (also sold at Costco) – Similar quality, different brand

Cooking Time Adjustments:

• Brown jasmine rice requires more water (1:1.5 ratio) and longer cook time (40-45 minutes stovetop)
• Smaller quantities cook slightly faster. Reduce time by 1-2 minutes for single cup batches.
• High altitude: Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time and slightly more water

Jasmine rice also works great as a base for rice bowls topped with Costco street tacos filling or Costco carnitas.

For a quick lunch, pair with Costco gyro meat and fresh vegetables.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Jasmine Rice

What Is the Correct Water to Rice Ratio for Kirkland Jasmine Rice?

The rice to water ratio depends on your cooking method.

For stovetop, use 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water. Rice cookers and Instant Pots work best with a 1:1 ratio since less steam escapes during cooking.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Jasmine Rice?

Stovetop takes 22-25 minutes total. Rice cookers run 25-30 minutes.

The Instant Pot method needs about 23-25 minutes including pressurizing and natural release. All methods require 10 minutes of resting time after cooking.

Do You Need to Rinse Costco Jasmine Rice Before Cooking?

Yes. Rinsing removes excess starch from the long grain rice.

Without rinsing, your cooked rice turns gummy and sticky. Swirl the grains under cold water 3-4 times until the water runs mostly clear.

Can You Cook Kirkland Signature Jasmine Rice in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. The pressure cooker method works great for this Thai Hom Mali rice.

Use a 1:1 ratio, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes. Minimum batch is 2 cups dry rice.

Why Is My Jasmine Rice Mushy?

Too much water is the usual culprit. Jasmine rice needs less water than other white rice varieties.

Also check if you skipped rinsing or let it sit on the keep warm setting too long. Both cause mushy texture.

How Do You Store Cooked Jasmine Rice?

Cool the rice within 1-2 hours and transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4-6 days. For longer storage, spread in flat layers in freezer bags. Frozen rice keeps for 3 months.

How Many Servings Are in a 25-Pound Bag of Costco Jasmine Rice?

Roughly 100+ servings based on 1/4 cup dry rice per person.

One cup of dry jasmine rice yields about 3 cups cooked. The bulk bag from Costco Wholesale offers serious value for large families or meal prep routines.

What Is the Difference Between Jasmine Rice and Basmati Rice?

Jasmine rice is softer with a slightly sticky texture and floral aroma. It comes from Thailand.

Basmati has longer, firmer grains and a nuttier flavor. It originates from India. Both are aromatic long grain varieties.

Can You Freeze Cooked Jasmine Rice?

Yes. Freezing works perfectly for batch cooking.

Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Flatten for faster thawing. The fluffy rice texture holds up well. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave with a splash of water.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Jasmine Rice?

Microwave is fastest. Add 1-2 tablespoons water per cup, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Stovetop works too. Add a splash of water, cover, and warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes until steaming throughout.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco jasmine rice comes down to three things: proper rinsing, the right water ratio, and letting it rest before fluffing with a fork.

The Kirkland Signature 25-pound bag is a solid pantry staple for batch cooking or weekly meal prep.

Whether you use a rice cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, you can get fluffy texture and fragrant steam every time.

Pair it with Thai cuisine, stir fry dishes, or use it as a simple side dish. Once you nail the technique, perfect jasmine rice takes zero guesswork.