Green Tea Rice
The ultimate comfort food, Green Tea Rice is an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor. Infused with delicate green tea and topped with fresh scallions, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Frying Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked steamed rice such as jasmine or short-grain sushi
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons green tea leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- some scallions thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted white and black sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. It’s important to monitor the temperature to ensure it doesn’t boil vigorously, as this can affect the flavor of the tea.
- Once the water is simmering, add the green tea leaves and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for about ten minutes. During this time, you'll notice the water changing color as it absorbs the flavor of the tea leaves.
- After ten minutes, carefully strain the tea using a fine mesh sieve to separate the green tea leaves from the liquid. Discard the leaves, and set the tea aside.
- Next, take a large shallow bowl and add the prepared rice. It’s crucial to use freshly cooked rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Now, pour the strained green tea over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This step infuses the rice with the delicate flavor of the tea.
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top of the rice. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation.
- Give everything a gentle mix to combine the ingredients without breaking the rice.
- Finally, serve the Green Tea Rice immediately, enjoying the fragrant aroma and the delightful flavor combination.
- To enhance the experience, serve this dish warm alongside your favorite protein or vegetable dish.
Notes
- Tip 1: Always use good-quality green tea leaves for the best flavor. Shincha leaves are particularly recommended for their fresh taste.
- Tip 2: Use short-grain rice like sushi rice for a stickier texture, which holds the flavors better.
- Tip 3: Feel free to adjust the salt according to your taste preferences; a little more can enhance the flavors of the tea.
- Tip 4: This dish is best served warm. If it cools down, you can briefly reheat it while adding a splash of water to keep it moist.