Nut-Free Thunder Tea Rice

Experience a wholesome twist on a traditional favorite with this Nut-Free Thunder Tea Rice—a nourishing and allergy-friendly take on the beloved Hakka dish. Packed with vibrant, leafy greens like basil, mint, cilantro, and Thai parsley, this recipe creates a beautifully aromatic Thunder Tea paste that pairs perfectly with tender stir-fried vegetables, golden tofu cubes, and your choice of brown or white rice. The signature herbaceous tea broth is enhanced with freshly brewed green tea, adding a gentle earthy depth to the dish. Ideal for plant-based diets, this nut-free version is free of allergens while retaining all the comforting, umami-rich flavors. Serve it piping hot, accompanied by a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture, and enjoy this nutritious, one-of-a-kind meal that is as satisfying as it is vibrant. Perfect for busy weeknights or mindful eating, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups brown rice (or white rice)
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons green tea leaves (loose or in bags)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup fresh Thai parsley (flat-leaf parsley as alternative)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1.5 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 300 grams tofu, diced into 1/2 inch cubes (firm)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 cup green beans, finely chopped
• 1 cup okra, thinly sliced
• 1 cup long beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, substitute if necessary for allergies)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice in 6 cups of water (or according to package instructions) until tender. Set aside.

Step 2

Prepare the Thunder Tea paste by blending the basil, mint, cilantro, Thai parsley, baby spinach, vegetable stock, garlic, and salt in a blender until smooth. Pass the mixture through a sieve if you prefer a smoother consistency.

Step 3

Brew the green tea leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and mix the brewed tea into the herb paste. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir-fry the green beans, okra, and long beans for 4-5 minutes or until tender but still crisp. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.

Step 6

Optional: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.

Step 7

To assemble, divide the cooked rice into bowls. Arrange the stir-fried vegetables and pan-fried tofu cubes around the rice. Add the prepared Thunder Tea soup to the side of the bowl or pour it over the rice, depending on preference.

Step 8

Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (if using), and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3974.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2048.0

Total Fat 71.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5517.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 67.6g	0%
Total Sugars 37.8g
Protein 104.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2707.4mg	0%
Iron 57.4mg	0%
Potassium 5915.0mg	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: 29.3%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 51.6%