20 Japanese Rice Recipe Ideas They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, rice is a staple ingredient that is used in a variety of dishes. From sushi to donburi, rice is a versatile and essential part of Japanese cooking. However, sometimes it can be challenging to come up with new and creative ways to incorporate rice into your meals. In this article, we will explore some Japanese rice recipe ideas that will elevate your meals and introduce you to new and exciting flavors.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are compact and portable, making them perfect for on-the-go meals or as a snack. One popular variation of onigiri is the salmon and black sesame onigiri, which combines the rich flavor of salmon with the nutty crunch of black sesame seeds.
To make this delicious onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. Once the rice is cooked, mix in some soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar to give it a savory and slightly tangy flavor. Then, add in some flaked salmon and black sesame seeds, and mix everything together.
Next, wet your hands and form the rice mixture into triangular or cylindrical shapes, pressing firmly to ensure the onigiri holds its shape. You can also use plastic wrap to help mold the onigiri if you prefer. Finally, wrap the onigiri in a sheet of nori seaweed and your delicious salmon and black sesame onigiri is ready to be enjoyed.
Onigiri is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Traditionally, onigiri is made with just rice and a filling, but modern variations have become popular, such as adding different ingredients to the rice or using different types of rice.
Another popular way to enjoy onigiri is by grilling or pan-frying it, known as yaki onigiri. This creates a crispy and slightly charred exterior, giving the onigiri a whole new level of texture and flavor. Yaki onigiri can be enjoyed as is, or with some soy sauce or other dipping sauces.
Onigiri can also be made into larger sizes and used as a base for other dishes, such as onigirazu, which is like a Japanese rice sandwich. Onigirazu can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as tuna and kimchi, and then wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed and sliced into individual portions.
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Edamame Dip with Homemade Japanese Rice Crakers...
Main Ingredients: Beans, Red Onion, Red Miso, Garlic Clove, Cilantro
Looking for a unique and tasty appetizer? Look no further than edamame dip with homemade Japanese rice crackers. This dish combines the creaminess of edamame with the crunch of homemade rice crackers for a flavor and texture explosion.
To make the edamame dip, simply blend cooked and shelled edamame with some garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you have a delicious and healthy dip that pairs perfectly with the homemade rice crackers.
To make the rice crackers, cook Japanese rice and mix in some sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Spread the rice mixture thinly on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. Once cooled, break the rice into crackers and serve with the edamame dip. This unique dish is sure to impress your guests.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri is a popular and convenient lunch option in Japan, often eaten on picnics or as a quick and easy meal. There are many variations of onigiri, but one of the most classic and beloved is the simple and delicious Japanese rice ball onigiri.
To make this traditional onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice and mixing in some salt. Then, wet your hands and form the rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes. You can also add a filling, such as pickled plum or grilled salmon, to the center of the rice before shaping.
Finally, wrap the onigiri in a sheet of nori seaweed and your Japanese rice ball onigiri is ready to be enjoyed. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack, and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy grab-and-go meals.
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How To Cook Japanese Rice With Your Pot
Main Ingredients: Rice, Soft Water
Cooking Japanese rice may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple and can be done with just a pot and some water. First, rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then add the rice and water to a pot at a 1:1.2 ratio (1 cup of rice to 1.2 cups of water).
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for about 18 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the rice to steam and fully absorb the water.
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and your perfectly cooked Japanese rice is ready to be enjoyed. You can also add in seasonings or other ingredients to the rice while it is cooking, such as soy sauce, mirin, or furikake seasoning.
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How to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Onigiri is a popular and versatile dish in Japan, and it's also easy to make at home. To make onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice and mixing it with some rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. This will give the rice a slightly tangy and savory flavor.
Next, wet your hands and form the rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes, adding a filling if desired. Some popular fillings include pickled plum, grilled salmon, or tuna mixed with mayonnaise. You can also wrap the onigiri in a sheet of nori seaweed for added flavor and texture.
Onigiri can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a day. It's a simple and delicious dish that can be customized to your liking.
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Tori Zosui—Japanese Rice & Chicken Porridge
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Dashi Kombu, Coarsely Ground Black
Tori zosui, also known as Japanese rice and chicken porridge, is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for colder days or when you're feeling under the weather. It's essentially a rice-based soup with chicken, vegetables, and an egg mixed in.
To make this dish, start by cooking Japanese rice in a pot with some water. Once the rice is partially cooked, add in diced chicken, carrots, and mushrooms. Continue cooking until the rice and chicken are fully cooked, then crack an egg into the pot and mix it in.
Season with some soy sauce and other seasonings, and let the egg cook for a few minutes until it becomes silky and adds a creamy texture to the soup. Tori zosui is a simple and comforting dish that is sure to warm you up and fill you up.
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Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)
Main Ingredients: Stock, Cooked Rice, Beaten Eggs, Shallots, Dashi Stock
Zosui is a traditional Japanese rice soup that is often eaten as a light meal or as a way to use up leftover rice. It's a simple dish that is highly customizable and can be made with a variety of ingredients.
To make zosui, start by cooking Japanese rice in a pot with some water. Once the rice is partially cooked, add in your choice of protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and some vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and spinach.
Season with some soy sauce, mirin, and other seasonings, and let the ingredients cook until the rice is fully cooked and the soup has thickened. Zosui is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
Salmon is a popular and delicious filling for onigiri, and it's easy to see why. The rich and slightly oily flavor of salmon pairs perfectly with the simple and savory flavor of Japanese rice, making for a tasty and filling snack or meal.
To make salmon onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice and mixing it with some soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar. Once the rice is cooled, flake some cooked salmon and mix it in with the rice.
Shape the rice and salmon mixture into onigiri, adding more salmon on top if desired, and wrap with a sheet of nori seaweed. You can also add some furikake seasoning to the rice for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your tasty and protein-packed salmon onigiri.
Onigiri is a simple and versatile dish that is loved by many in Japan. It's essentially a ball or triangle of rice with a filling, wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed. Onigiri can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or as part of a main meal.
One popular way to enjoy onigiri is by adding a filling, such as grilled chicken, tuna salad, or pickled plum, to the center of the rice before shaping. This adds a burst of flavor and texture to the otherwise plain rice.
Onigiri can also be made into larger sizes and used as a base for other dishes, such as onigirazu, which is like a Japanese rice sandwich. Onigirazu can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as teriyaki beef or vegetables, and then wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed and sliced into individual portions.
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Seasoned Japanese Rice with Furikake
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Furikake, Brown Rice, Water
Furikake is a popular Japanese seasoning that is often sprinkled over rice to add flavor and texture. It typically contains ingredients such as seaweed, sesame seeds, dried fish, and bonito flakes.
To make seasoned Japanese rice with furikake, start by cooking Japanese rice in a pot with some water. Once the rice is cooked, mix in the furikake seasoning and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect as a side dish or as a base for other dishes, such as sushi or onigiri. You can also add other ingredients to the rice, such as diced vegetables or cooked protein, to make it a complete meal.
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Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup – Ojiya)
Main Ingredients: Stock, Cooked Rice, Beaten Eggs, Shallots, Dashi Stock
Zosui, also known as Japanese rice soup or ojiya, is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for using up leftover rice. It's essentially a rice-based soup that is often eaten as a light meal or as a way to warm up on a cold day.
To make zosui, start by cooking Japanese rice in a pot with some water. Once the rice is partially cooked, add in your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, and some vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and spinach.
Season with some soy sauce, mirin, and other seasonings, and let the ingredients cook until the rice is fully cooked and the soup has thickened. Zosui is a simple and comforting dish that can be customized to your liking.
Onigiri is a popular and convenient dish in Japan, often eaten on picnics or as a quick and easy meal. There are many variations of onigiri, but one of the most classic and beloved is the simple and delicious Japanese rice ball onigiri.
To make this traditional onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice and mixing it with some salt. Then, wet your hands and form the rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes. You can also add a filling, such as pickled plum or grilled salmon, to the center of the rice before shaping.
Finally, wrap the onigiri in a sheet of nori seaweed and your Japanese rice ball onigiri is ready to be enjoyed. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack, and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy grab-and-go meals.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
Yaki onigiri, or grilled Japanese rice balls, are a popular way to enjoy onigiri in Japan. The grilling gives the onigiri a crispy and slightly charred exterior, adding a whole new level of texture and flavor to the dish. This vegan version uses a miso glaze for extra flavor.
To make yaki onigiri, shape cooked Japanese rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes and brush with a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin. Grill the onigiri until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
This dish can be enjoyed as is, or with some dipping sauces, and is perfect for a quick and tasty meal or snack. You can also add a filling, such as seasoned tofu or vegetables, to the rice before grilling for added flavor and nutrition.
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Mushroom and Egg "Gyudon" Japanese Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: King Mushrooms, Yellow Onions, Sugar, Eggs, Neutral
Gyudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish that features thinly sliced beef cooked in a savory sauce and served over rice. This vegetarian version uses mushrooms and eggs for a delicious and protein-packed alternative.
To make this dish, sauté sliced mushrooms with some onions and garlic, then add in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create a flavorful sauce. Crack eggs into the pan and cook until they are set, then serve the mixture over a bed of Japanese rice.
This dish is quick and easy to make, and can be customized with your choice of vegetables and protein. It's a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you're craving some Japanese comfort food.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Veggie, Seasoning
Onigiri is a popular and versatile dish in Japan, and it's also easy to make at home. To make onigiri, start by cooking Japanese rice and mixing it with some rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. This will give the rice a slightly tangy and savory flavor.
Next, wet your hands and form the rice into triangular or cylindrical shapes, adding a filling if desired. Some popular fillings include pickled plum, grilled salmon, or tuna mixed with mayonnaise. You can also wrap the onigiri in a sheet of nori seaweed for added flavor and texture.
Onigiri can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a day. It's a simple and delicious dish that can be customized to your liking.
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Portobello Mushroom Katsu Curry with Japanese Rice
Main Ingredients: Portobello Mushrooms, Soy Yogurt, Breadcrumbs
Katsu curry is a popular dish in Japan, featuring breaded and fried meat or vegetables served with a flavorful curry sauce. This vegetarian version uses portobello mushrooms for a hearty and delicious meal.
To make this dish, bread and fry sliced portobello mushrooms until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve the mushrooms over a bed of Japanese rice and top with a rich and savory curry sauce, made with a combination of curry powder, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
This dish is a great alternative to traditional katsu curry and is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a healthier option. It's also easy to make and can be customized with your choice of protein and seasonings.
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Sanshoku Bento (Tri-coloured Japanese Rice Bowl)
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Beef Mince, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Sake
Sanshoku bento is a popular and visually appealing Japanese rice bowl dish that features three different colors of rice. The colors come from different seasonings and ingredients, giving the dish a beautiful and delicious appearance.
To make this dish, cook three different batches of Japanese rice, each with a different seasoning or ingredient. For example, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and mirin for one batch, turmeric for another, and matcha powder for the third.
Unagi Donburi
Ingredients:
Rice
Unagi (grilled eel)
Soy sauce
Sugar
Mirin
Rice vinegar
Cucumber
Nori (seaweed)
Sesame seeds
Unagi Donburi, also known as eel rice bowl, is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. The rich and savory flavors of the grilled eel paired with the sweetness of the sauce make this dish a true delight. To make this dish, start by cooking rice according to your preference. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens. In a separate pan, grill the unagi until it is heated through and slightly crispy. Slice a cucumber and set aside. Once the rice is cooked, place it in a bowl and top it with the grilled unagi, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of the sauce. Garnish with nori and sesame seeds, and your Unagi Donburi is ready to be enjoyed.
Tamagoyaki Onigiri
Ingredients:
Rice
Eggs
Soy sauce
Sugar
Mirin
Scallions
Tamagoyaki Onigiri is a twist on the traditional Japanese rice ball, onigiri. This dish combines the sweetness of tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) with the savory flavors of onigiri, making it a delicious and satisfying meal or snack. Start by cooking rice and letting it cool. In a small bowl, beat eggs with a splash of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Heat a non-stick pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook until the bottom is set, then roll it up and push it to one side of the pan. Pour more egg mixture into the empty side and repeat the rolling process. Once the omelet is cooked, let it cool and slice it into strips. Take a handful of rice and form it into a triangle shape. Place a strip of tamagoyaki on top and wrap the rice around it. Garnish with chopped scallions and enjoy your Tamagoyaki Onigiri.
These are just a few of the many Japanese rice recipe ideas that you can try at home. With the right ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can elevate your meals and add new and exciting flavors to your cooking. So next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, remember that rice can be so much more than just a side dish. Give these recipes a try and discover the delicious world of Japanese cuisine.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
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