Kama Meshi Yokokawa Style Rice Casserole

Savor the comforting flavors of Japan with this exquisite Kama Meshi Yokokawa Style Rice Casserole, a one-pot wonder that's both hearty and wholesome. This traditional dish combines tender, bite-sized chicken thighs, fragrant shiitake mushrooms, sweet carrots, and crunchy bamboo shoots, all steamed to perfection with short-grain Japanese rice in a flavorful dashi-based broth. With umami-rich soy sauce, mirin, and sake enhancing every bite, this recipe is a symphony of authentic Japanese flavors. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s an easy yet satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour. Garnish with green onions for a fresh, aromatic touch, and serve piping hot for a comforting meal that transports you straight to Japan. Keywords: Japanese rice casserole, Kama Meshi recipe, Yokokawa-style dish, one-pot meal, traditional Japanese cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Short-grain Japanese rice
• 200 grams Chicken thigh (boneless, skinless)
• 1 medium Carrot
• 4 pieces Shiitake mushrooms
• 100 grams Bamboo shoots (canned or fresh)
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Mirin
• 2 tablespoons Sake
• 400 ml Dashi stock
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 stalks Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

Cut the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces. Peel and julienne the carrot. Slice the shiitake mushrooms thinly and cut the bamboo shoots into matchstick-sized strips.

Step 3

In a medium-sized pot or rice cooker, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and salt. Mix well to create the cooking broth.

Step 4

Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot or rice cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 5

Layer the chicken pieces evenly over the rice, followed by the carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.

Step 6

Pour the prepared cooking broth over the rice and toppings, ensuring the liquid just covers the ingredients.

Step 7

If using a rice cooker, set it to the standard white rice setting and start cooking. If using a pot, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 8

Once the rice is cooked, let it rest (covered) for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Gently fluff the rice and mix the ingredients together using a rice paddle or wooden spoon, being careful not to mash the rice.

Step 10

Serve the Kama Meshi in bowls, garnished with finely chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1370.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1178.1

Total Fat 23.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 250mg	0%
Sodium 5149.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 154.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.0g
Protein 72.8g	0%

Vitamin D 10.8IU	0%
Calcium 131.3mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 1850.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.1%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 55.0%