If you’ve ever wanted a vibrant, flavorful twist on your regular jasmine rice, this Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe is going to blow you away. It’s a beautiful medley of fragrant jasmine rice cooked with tender purple cabbage, all gently bathed in rich garlic butter and perfectly seasoned vegetable stock. This dish not only delights with its gorgeous color but also offers a savory depth that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you want a stunning side or a colorful base for your meal, this recipe is an absolute must-try that’s simple yet irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list — each element plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious flavor and texture that defines this dish. From the silky vegetables to the buttery garlic aroma, everything comes together perfectly with the fragrant jasmine rice.
- Unsalted butter (30g / 2 tbsp): The foundation of rich, luscious flavor and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Brings that irresistible aromatic punch that perfectly complements the cabbage and rice.
- Onion (1/2, finely diced): Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor, rounding out the savory notes.
- Red cabbage (3 cups, finely shredded, tightly packed): Provides that gorgeous purple hue and a wonderful tender-crisp texture.
- Cooking salt (1/2 tsp kosher salt): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a hint of gentle heat and complexity.
- Jasmine rice (1 cup, no need to rinse or soak): The star grain here, known for its fragrant, fluffy qualities once cooked.
- Vegetable stock (1 1/4 cups, low sodium): Imparts a savory base that infuses every grain with extra flavor — you can also substitute with chicken stock or water and a stock cube.
- Green onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): The fresh finishing touch adding color and a subtle sharpness.
How to Make Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe
Step 1: Melt the butter
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan or small pot over medium heat. This step sets the stage for all the wonderful flavors to come, warming the pan and creating a silky base to sauté your vegetables in.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Add the diced onion and finely minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute, just until the onion softens and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. Then add the shredded purple cabbage along with the kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften but still holds a little crunch — this preserves a nice texture since it will cook further when combined with the rice.
Step 3: Coat the rice
Now add your jasmine rice directly to the pan and stir it thoroughly to coat each grain with the garlicky, buttery vegetable mixture. This step ensures that every bite has a burst of flavor and that the rice cooks evenly with all those beautiful ingredients melded together.
Step 4: Add the vegetable stock
Pour in the vegetable stock slowly, scraping down the sides of the pan to collect all those caramelized bits. Then gently press the cabbage-rice mixture down so the rice is fully submerged in the liquid—this is key to perfect, even cooking.
Step 5: Simmer the rice
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low (or low on a strong burner). Let the rice cook undisturbed for 12 minutes—no peeking or stirring! This undisturbed steam cooking will give the rice that fluffy, tender texture.
Step 6: Let it rest
Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and carefully remove the saucepan from the stove. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for another 10 minutes. This resting step allows any remaining steam to continue cooking the rice and helps those flavors fully develop.
Step 7: Fluff and serve
After resting, use a rubber spatula or rice paddle to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains without mashing them. Transfer the vibrant purple cabbage and garlic butter jasmine rice to a serving dish, then sprinkle generously with chopped green onion for a fresh, zesty finish. It’s ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the already stunning Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe, fresh garnishes are your best friends. Think fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, additional chopped green onions, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft rice.
Side Dishes
This rice is a fantastic companion for a variety of mains. It pairs marvelously with grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or roasted veggies, its sweet and savory flavor providing a deliciously balanced backdrop. Vegetarian options like tofu stir-fry or hearty lentil curries also match wonderfully with its color and flavor complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving this purple rice in individual bowls lined with crisp lettuce leaves, or use it as a base for a vibrant rice bowl topped with a mix of colorful vegetables and protein. You could mold the rice into shapes using small bowls or ramekins for an elegant presentation, then drizzle with a little soy sauce or chili oil for added punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This rice holds up well for up to 3 days, maintaining its vibrant color and lovely texture when chilled properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It keeps well for up to 1 month in the freezer without losing much of its flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice in a covered microwave-safe dish with a splash of water to help it steam, or reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Adding a little extra butter or a drizzle of oil during reheating can refresh the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
While jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can substitute with basmati or long-grain rice if needed. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly based on the rice you use.
Is it necessary to use butter in this recipe?
Butter adds richness and depth, but if you prefer, olive oil or another cooking oil can be used. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative or use olive oil. Ensure your stock is vegetable-based to keep it fully vegan.
What if I don’t have vegetable stock?
You can use water with a bouillon cube or powder, or chicken stock if you’re not vegetarian. The stock enhances flavor but you can also make it with plain water as a last resort.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas along with the cabbage to add more texture and nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe a try at home. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and approachable, with its captivating color and comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this recipe promises to bring delicious joy and a splash of vibrance to your table.
Print
Purple Cabbage and Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Purple Rice dish featuring jasmine rice cooked with red cabbage, garlic, and onions, enhanced with butter and vegetable stock for a savory and colorful side. This easy stovetop recipe delivers tender, aromatic rice with a beautiful purple tint and a subtle sweetness from the cabbage.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage (tightly packed)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup jasmine rice (no need to rinse or soak)
- 1 1/4 cup vegetable stock (low sodium; or chicken stock or water + 1 stock cube)
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Melting Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan or small pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until softened. Then, incorporate the shredded red cabbage, cooking salt, and black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but remains slightly firm, ensuring it doesn’t become too floppy as it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Coating the Rice: Add the jasmine rice to the cabbage mixture and stir thoroughly to coat every grain in the flavorful buttery vegetable mix.
- Adding Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock, scraping down the sides of the pot as needed. Press the cabbage-rice mixture down so that all the rice is submerged under the liquid for even cooking.
- Cooking Rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low or low (depending on your stove’s strength) and cook undisturbed for 12 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the stock and flavors.
- Resting: Turn off the heat and remove the saucepan from the stove, keeping the lid on. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes to finish cooking gently and to allow steam to distribute evenly.
- Fluffing & Serving: Use a rubber spatula or rice paddle to fluff the rice gently, then transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle the finely chopped green onions on top and serve immediately for a delicious and colorful side dish.
Notes
- Jasmine rice is preferred for this recipe due to its fragrance and texture; if using other types of rice, adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
- Low sodium vegetable stock provides control over saltiness, but chicken stock or water with a stock cube are good alternatives.
- Melt the butter carefully over medium heat to avoid browning it, which could alter the flavor.
- Do not stir the rice during cooking to prevent it from becoming gummy or unevenly cooked.
- Resting the rice with the lid on is crucial for perfect texture as it allows the steam to finish the cooking process.
