Japanese Rice Recipes

Rice is a popular dish for Japanese people. Due to its versatility, it makes an appearance in various Japanese dishes, from curry to sushi. Japanese rice is short grain and white, with a slightly sticky and fluffy texture. Since Japanese rice grains stick together when cooked, they hold it together, making it easy to pick up a mouthful with chopsticks. If you want to achieve the desired consistency, ensure you cook it the right way.

Choosing the rice: If you want to cook authentic Japanese rice, the first step is to choose a suitable rice grain and brand. Since you need a sticky and fluffy texture, short-grain rice is the best variety to try out. You can find Koshihikari rice brands renowned for their sweet taste and fluffy texture. There are various varieties of Koshihikari rice in New Zealand. Other varieties to look out for include Sasanishiki and Tsuyahime, but they are hard to find. Sasanishiki is best suited for sushi Japanese rice recipes.

Cooking the rice: With Japanese rice dishes, the trick is to achieve the right consistency. Wash the rice thoroughly to remove the powder around it, which makes it stickier. Instead of boiling the rice like pasta, you need to let it soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes. If the rice absorbs water, it will cook to the core of the grains. When the rice is ready to cook, measure 200 ml of water for 1 cup of rice and simmer it over low heat for 10 minutes. You should also allow it to rest for 10 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture. If you have a rice cooker, you can achieve the right consistency with minimal effort.

Creating your dish: When your Japanese rice is cooked and ready to serve, you can combine it with various dishes to spice it up. Perhaps try out the Teriyaki pork & mushroom rice bowl, or create an indulgent meal with zesty salmon & sunny veggie toss. You can pair rice with various dishes, from seafood to beef and pork.