Master the art of perfect sushi rice with this simple yet essential recipe for Japanese Rice, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. Crafted from fragrant Japanese short-grain rice, its unique sticky texture and slightly sweet flavor make it ideal for a variety of dishes, from sushi rolls to hearty donburi bowls. This recipe outlines a foolproof method for achieving that signature fluffiness—starting with precise rinsing to remove excess starch and a recommended soaking time to enhance the rice's texture and taste. Whether you're using a rice cooker or the stovetop, this versatile recipe will help you recreate an authentic dining experience right at home. Serve it as a comforting side or the foundation for your favorite Japanese-inspired meals.
Measure 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice and place it in a large bowl or the rice cooker pot.
Rinse the rice by covering it with cold water and swirling it gently with your hand to remove excess starch. Drain the cloudy water completely and repeat the process 3-4 times until the water is mostly clear.
After rinsing, drain the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer and return it to the pot.
Add 2 cups of water to the rice cooker pot or an equivalent amount to match the rice in a regular pot. Let the rice soak for 30 minutes to improve texture and flavor (optional but recommended).
If using a rice cooker, close the lid and select the cooking cycle for white rice. Allow the rice to cook automatically.
If cooking on the stovetop, place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After the rice is done cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly.
Fluff the rice gently with a rice paddle or fork, and serve hot as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Japanese dishes.
Serving size | 880 grams (880.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 520 |
Total Fat 0.80g | 1% |
Saturated Fat 0.40g | 2% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 14mg | 1% |
Total Carbohydrate 114.80g | 42% |
Dietary Fiber 1.20g | 4% |
Total Sugars 0.40g | |
Protein 9.60g | 19% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 41mg | 3% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 140mg | 3% |
Source of Calories