As a chef with a passion for Japanese cuisine, I was delighted to discover a dish that combines two of my favorite ingredients – green tea and rice. Ochazuke recipe, also known as Japanese green tea over rice, is the ultimate comfort food that is surprisingly easy to make at home.
When I return home after a long day, I crave meals that are soothing, revitalizing, and reconnect me with my love of food. Rice with green teachecks all those boxes. The interplay of flavors and textures – fluffy rice, savory toppings like salmon or umeboshi plum, and the grassy taste of quality Japanese green tea – makes this the ideal dish when you seek restoration.
Beyond the taste, I appreciate the ritualistic nature of ochazuke’s preparation and presentation. As I carefully layer the components in the bowl, I focus on my breathing and feel the worries of the day slowly melt away. The Japanese tea ceremony has long extolled the meditative, relaxing properties of making and sharing tea. Ochazuke allows me to tap into this tradition in my own kitchen.
When shared with friends and family, ochazuke facilitates connection. The dish prompts storytelling as we reminisce about travels to Japan or places that serve exceptional green tea. It also sparks curiosity in novice tasters, leading to rich conversations about Japanese culture. Japanese Matcha Green Tea brings people together through the universal language of food.
I hope you’ll join me on this How to make matcha green tea from powder Guide and discover why ochazuke has become my weekday reset button and weekend social ritual. This versatile one-bowl meal will nourish your body and soul.
Best Ochazuke Recipes
The Japanese Green Tea Rice recipe is easy to make and is a delicious way to incorporate green tea into your diet. It’s a great addition to soups, and you’ll feel great just by consuming it. The recipe includes all the ingredients you need to make a delicious and nourishing bowl of rice. It’s easy to prepare! The rice is best served hot, but you can also serve it cold. The broth is rich in antioxidants and caffeine.
Japanese Matcha Green Tea Rice - Ochazuke
Equipment
Ingredients
- Some thinly sliced scallions
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup steamed rice
Instructions
- Take the water to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Insert the tea leaves and salt and remove them from the oven.
- Allow 10 minutes to pass.
- The tea should be drained and filtered. Remove the green leaves and toss them out. Place the steamed rice in a big shallow bowl.
- Cover with the scallions and sesame seeds. Instantly pour the tea over and eat.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Preparation Method: Rice Cooker Bliss
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon high-quality matcha powder
- A pinch of salt
- Toppings of your choice (nori seaweed, pickled plums, toasted sesame seeds, etc.)
Instructions:
- Rinse and Soak:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Allow the rice to soak in water for about 30 minutes, then drain it.
- Matcha Infusion:
- In a separate bowl, mix the matcha powder with a few tablespoons of hot water to form a smooth paste.
- In your rice cooker, add the soaked and drained rice, the matcha paste, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together gently.
- Cooking Process:
- Add 2 cups of water to the rice cooker, which is the typical water-to-rice ratio for most rice cookers.
- Start the rice cooker and let it work its magic. It will automatically adjust the cooking time based on the moisture content.
- Fluff and Serve:
- Once the rice cooker completes its cycle, let the rice sit for about 10 minutes with the lid closed. This allows for even moisture distribution.
- Open the lid, fluff the rice with a wooden spatula, and give it a gentle mix to distribute the matcha evenly.
- Toppings and Enjoy:
- Serve your Japanese Green Tea Rice in individual bowls.
- Add your preferred toppings, like nori seaweed strips, umeboshi, toasted sesame seeds, or any other favorites.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking Tips for Ochazuke Recipe
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color. It’s worth the investment.
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky.
- Soak and Drain: Soaking the rice for about 30 minutes before cooking enhances its texture. Drain well before cooking.
- The Right Ratio: When cooking on the stovetop, maintain a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. For a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Gentle Mixing: Be gentle when mixing in the matcha paste to avoid damaging the rice grains.
- Patience Pays: After cooking, let the rice sit with the lid on for about 10 minutes. This helps distribute moisture evenly.
- Fluff with Care: When fluffing the rice, use a wooden spatula and be delicate to maintain the integrity of the grains.
- Cooling Technique: If making sushi or onigiri, use a fan or a wooden fan to cool the rice while mixing in the vinegar mixture. It’ll give the rice the perfect stickiness.
Serving Suggestions for Your Culinary Masterpiece
Japanese Green Tea Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your ochazuke experience:
- Top with savory proteins like grilled salmon, tuna tataki, or teriyaki chicken for a more substantial meal. The umami flavors pair nicely with the green tea.
- For vegetarians, try avocado, soft-boiled egg, fried tofu, edamame, or sautéed mushrooms as plant-based protein options.
- Mix in some crunchy textures with julienned cucumbers, carrots, radishes, bean sprouts or shredded cabbage.
- Umeboshi (pickled plums) offer a delightful salty-sour contrast. Other pickled veggies like kimchi or takuan (daikon radish) also work well.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or shredded nori seaweed for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- For spice, add a dash of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese seven spice blend, or grated ginger.
- For sweetness, top with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of furikake, a Japanese rice seasoning with dried fish, sesame seeds and sweetened seaweed.
I recommend starting simple to let the green tea and rice shine. Then get creative with mix-ins to make ochazuke your own! Adjust textures and flavors based on your preferences.
FAQs for Your Japanese Green Tea over Rice Mastery
- Can I use any type of rice for this recipe? For the most authentic result, use Japanese short-grain rice. It’s sticky and perfect for creating that delightful texture.
- Why is my rice too sticky? Sticky rice can result from overcooking or not rinsing the rice thoroughly. Ensure you follow the recommended cooking time and rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- How can I store leftover green tea rice? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To retain its freshness, you can sprinkle a little water on top when reheating.
- What can I do if I don’t have matcha powder? Matcha is essential for the distinct flavor and color. If you don’t have matcha, consider making plain Japanese rice and using green tea as a beverage instead.
- Can I freeze this Japanese dish? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as rice can become overly mushy upon thawing.
Conclution
In closing, I hope this post has inspired you to give ochazuke recipe a try. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors represents the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Beyond taste, japanese rice matcha tea offers a way to unwind and connect more deeply – with your inner self, loved ones, and an ancient culture halfway around the world.
So put on a pot of green tea, cook some rice, and gather an assortment of favorite toppings. As you mindfully prepare and savor this soothing one-bowl meal, I invite you to experience ochazuke’s restorative magic. Let it transport you to a peaceful state of being that lingers long after the last grain is gone.
Kanpai – to your health, happiness and continued journey of culinary discovery!
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.