Asian Sesame Scallion Rice Recipe in 20 Minutes
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Sesame Scallion Rice is so incredibly fragrant and delicious, filled with a nutty aroma and flavor. Enjoy a bowl on its own or dish up scallion rice as a side to your favorite Asian recipes. This recipe makes 4 servings in just 30 minutes!
This is just much better than plain rice! I love adding lots of scallions to this dish, because they not only offer flavor, but they give a satisfying crunch.
This simple, new recipe can be paired with foods like Korean fried chicken or any type of main entree.
And if you want to add yummy extra toppings, you can!
Topping with red pepper flakes, diced red bell pepper, a tbsp soy sauce (or more), and even some sesame seeds create a fun texture and flavor to every bite!
My family loves adding a drizzle of Asian sweet chili sauce for a burst of fun flavor.
Table of Contents
Sesame Scallion Rice
Asian sesame rice is so incredibly fragrant and delicious. From the moment the jasmine rice comes to a boil, the nutty aroma floods your senses.
And, it’s only enhanced once you add the toasted sesame oil!
All of this is building up to the pure satisfaction of diving into a bowl of this fabulous sesame scallion rice. You are going to love it!!
Rice is such an affordable staple, and there’s no shortage of ways to add a tasty twist.
For another amazing Asian recipe, try my Copycat PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps!
Whether you’re craving Mexican, Chinese, or a creamy dessert, I’ve got a recipe for you!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Gather the simple ingredients needed from grocery stores and keep them on hand. Home cooks know that making your favorite recipes are easy when you’re prepared!
- Jasmine Rice – This has a lightly floral taste compared to plain white rice. Any long-grain variety will work for sesame rice, but basmati is the best substitute.
- Chicken Stock – I like to use a low-sodium version, though feel free to use what you have. If not low-sodium, you may want to skip the added salt.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Meant for drizzling, not cooking! Pay close attention to the color, as it’s not always labeled as “toasted” — it will be a deep amber color.
A little goes a very long way to add a bold nutty taste and aroma! - Scallions – Also known as green onions, combine these with rice and sesame seeds for some color, crunch, and slight peppery flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – If you can’t find them already toasted, toss plain seeds into a dry skillet over medium-low heat.
Move them around frequently until they start to brown and become fragrant. You can also add some fresh ginger or even peanut oil if you need to alter the flavor a bit.
I typically let everyone add their own flavors and toppings to their individual bowls, but it’s totally up to you.
Tips and Trips to Make Perfect Sesame Rice
- Use high-quality ingredients.
Especially for the sesame oil and jasmine rice — trust me, it makes a big difference in terms of flavor!
- Avoid mushy results.
Use the correct ratio of rice to liquid and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
It can help to let the rice rest (covered) off the heat for a few minutes just be sure.
Then, fluff cooked rice with a fork before adding the other ingredients so every grain is evenly mixed and coated.
- Take a little extra time to enhance the flavors.
While the rice is cooking, sauté the scallions in a little oil — you can use regular (untoasted) sesame oil or another neutral option, but don’t use the toasted version!
- Give it a taste before serving!
As with all dishes, have a little taste test before you step away from the stove. You can make adjustments as needed so you don’t have to get up from the table later!
Prep Ahead
- Rinse and drain rice
- Chop scallions
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Medium Saucepan – Heats evenly and is easy to clean too.
- Sieve – Use for draining rinsed rice, pasta, or liquid from canned goods!
- Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
Serving Suggestions
Pair scallion rice with ginger beef stir fry or my crockpot Mongolian beef. Even pairing this with your favorite savory sandwich is going to be a win!
For a vegetarian option, whip up some sweet chili Brussels sprouts and toss in some tofu or a handful of chickpeas for protein.
You can also stir in or top with green beans. The scallion greens paired with other veggies add a nice pop of flavor!
You can also toss leftover sesame rice into a cast-iron skillet with scrambled egg, diced meat, or veggies to make a savory scallion fried rice!
I especially like to make a bowl of rice and sesame seeds with saucy teriyaki meatballs on top when I’m craving comfort food with Asian flavors.
Storing and Reheating Scallion Rice
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month — just know the texture may change slightly when thawed.
To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth. You can also warm rice in a skillet on the stove.
Scallion Fried Rice FAQ
With traditional recipes, you’ll find scallions sliced at an angle into long segments — about ½-inch in length. I prefer smaller pieces in my scallion rice. Just chop them up like you usually would!
Sure! Simply cook the rice ahead of time, then cool and refrigerate for later. Warm on the stovetop before tossing in the rest of the ingredients.
You can also make scallion fried rice with day-old white rice, though the flavor will be slightly different if it was cooked with water instead of stock.
Minced garlic or ginger are popular additions, while toasted slivered almonds will further enhance the nutty flavor.
Try mixing in some frozen peas and carrots (steamed first), and why not toss some air fried shrimp in while you’re at it?
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Asian Recipes
Asian Sesame Scallion Rice Recipe in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine rice and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
- Add toasted sesame oil to the rice and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in chopped scallions, kosher salt, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published October 2012, updated and republished March 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
I LOVE anything with sesame oil! I can smell the goodness from here!
It's just barely breakfast time and I'm craving some rice now. I adore jasmine rice and can only imagine how much more divine it is with sesame oil drizzled in and scallions on top!
Jasmine rice is our favorite rice of all and I think this elegant but simple preparation rocks.
Simple, elegant and absolutely delicious!
I love a good jasmine rice recipe and this did not disappoint! Made some orange chicken to go with it and it was amazing!