Japanese Rice Recipes

JAPANESE RICE/GOHAN

Steps:

• Rinsing and soaking your rice is key to achieving the perfect texture. Measure the rice into a bowl, cover with cold water, then use your fingers to massage the grains of rice - the water will become cloudy. Drain and rinse again with fresh water. Repeat five more times until the water stays clear.
• Tip the rinsed rice into a saucepan with 400ml water, or 200ml dashi and 200ml water, bring to the boil, then turn down the heat to a low simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid with a steam hole and cook for 15 mins. Remove from the heat and leave to sit for another 15 mins, then stir through the mirin. Remove the lid and give it a good stir. Serve with any or all of the optional toppings.

JAPANESE FRIED RICE

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine soy sauce and sake. In a separate bowl combine butter and minced garlic. Set both aside.
• Heat a large cast iron pan or wok over high until very hot, about 2 minutes (a sprinkle of water should evaporate immediately). Add 2 teaspoons oil and swirl to coat. Beat together eggs and 1 teaspoon soy mixture. Add egg mixture; cook until set, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer cooked eggs to a cutting board (reserve skillet); roll up, and thinly slice eggs crosswise. Set aside.
• Increase heat to high, add chicken in one layer; season with salt. Add half the butter mixture. Cook turning once until browned on both sides, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon soy mixture; stir to coat. Remove to board with eggs. Add onion, carrot, scallion, and remaining butter mixture; cook 2 minutes until just beginning to brown. Add rice, cook, tossing occasionally and scraping rice from bottom of pan, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Add back chicken and scrambled egg and remaining soy sauce mixture. Toss to coat and heat through. Stir in scallion greens. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with additional scallion greens.

EASY JAPANESE FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Place rice, chicken stock, and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove from the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggs and scramble, stirring often to chop chunks of egg into small bits with a spatula.
• Place rice in a large mixing bowl, add eggs, and toss together.
• Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Dump rice mixture into the hot pan. Add sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 8 minutes.
• Taste and add more butter or soy sauce as desired. Serve.