Soy Sauce Flavoured Chicken Rice

Japanese rice is quite unlike any other variety, with a distinctive combination of a sticky texture and smooth, slightly sweet, taste. Unlike many other rice-based food cultures, rice will often be enjoyed on its own in Japan, so extra attention is paid during the growing process to ensure optimum taste. Yume Nishiki is one of the most popular Japanese rice brands, used widely in top Japanese restaurants as well as in the home. Despite being a koshihikari-type premium rice, prices are kept family-friendly by producing the rice in Italy, under the direction of masters of traditional Japanese rice cultivation techniques. Try our simple recipe below to experience its great taste.

Rinse the rice carefully two or three times before cooking; try not to break the bran. Soak the rinsed rice in water for 30 mins, then drain. Add one part water to one part rice to a pan, bring to the boil on a high heat, then simmer on a medium heat for 10 mins. Remove from the heat and leave for 10 mins before serving. Perfectly cooked Japanese rice is delicious with the simplest of toppings; try temptingly sticky teriyaki chicken.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

• 540g Yume Nishiki rice
• 4 tbsp white wine or sake
• 100g chicken thigh
• 420ml water
• 4 tbsp soy sauce

METHOD

1. Pour plenty of water in a large bowl. Place the rice in a sieve and lower into the water, then rinse two or three times using a rubbing motion. Drain the water from the rice. Soak for 30 minnutes.
2. Cut the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces. Combine the soy sauce and wine or sake in a small bowl.
3. Add the drained rice, 420ml water, soy sauce and wine / sake mixture and chicken to a saucepan with a well-fi tting lid. Cover with the lid and bring to the boil on a high heat.
4. Once boiled, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Leave without removing the lid for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, and serve immediately.

Try substituting chicken for 150g seafood mix. Add a few drops of sesame oil to the soy sauce mixture for a warm, nutty aroma.

The Nishiki series is perfect for sushi and other Japanese dishes, making it popular among Japanese restaurants and residents in the UK. Standard Nishiki and Brown Rice Nishiki are also available.

Available at most major Japanese / Oriental grocery stores. For direct trade and professional enquiries, click here.