First things first. Place the jasmine rice in a bowl and rinse it under cold water. I usually do this for about two minutes. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Rinsing is a small but mighty step in achieving that fluffy texture we all crave.

Next, grab your steamer basket or a heat-proof colander. Make sure it fits snugly over a pot. Add 2/3 cup of filtered water to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Using a pot with a lid is crucial. This creates a steamy environment, making sure your rice cooks evenly.

Once your water is simmering, transfer the rinsed rice into the steamer basket. If you want to add flavor, drizzle that teaspoon of olive oil over the rice and sprinkle on the sea salt. Spread the rice evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Now, cover the pot tightly with the lid and steam the rice for about 20 minutes. Don’t peek! Lifting the lid lets the steam escape, which can throw off the cooking time.

When the time's up, carefully remove the lid. Steam will escape, so be cautious. Let the rice sit for another 5 minutes, covered, off the heat. This is key! It allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.

Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This step makes all the difference. Serve it up with your favorite dishes or just eat it plain. I promise, you'll be proud of this accomplishment.