Simple Japanese White Rice

Achieve the perfect bowl of fluffy, aromatic rice with this Simple Japanese White Rice recipe, a staple in Japanese cuisine that pairs beautifully with any meal. Using just two essential ingredients—authentic Japanese short-grain white rice and water—this recipe emphasizes the importance of proper rinsing and soaking techniques to remove excess starch and create a slightly sticky yet light texture. Whether prepared in a traditional rice cooker or on the stovetop, the result is a tender, perfectly cooked rice that serves as the ideal accompaniment to sushi, stir-fries, or savory bowls. Ready in just 30 minutes, this foolproof method guarantees consistently delicious results, making it a must-have for your collection of Japanese side dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain white rice
• 1.25 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Measure 1 cup of Japanese short-grain white rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer or bowl.

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold running water. Gently rub the grains together with your hands in a circular motion while rinsing to remove excess surface starch. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear, about 3 to 5 cycles.

Step 3

Drain the rice thoroughly and transfer it to a medium-sized pot or a rice cooker bowl.

Step 4

Add 1.25 cups of water to the rinsed rice. If time allows, let the rice soak in the water for 20 to 30 minutes to achieve a fluffier texture.

Step 5

If using a rice cooker: Close the lid, select the appropriate setting for white rice, and start cooking. If using a pot: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place it over medium heat until it begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 6

When the cooking time is finished, turn off the heat and let the rice sit (still covered) for 10 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 7

Fluff the rice gently with a rice paddle or fork, being careful not to mash the grains.

Step 8

Serve the rice warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Japanese dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(500g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	260

Total Fat 0.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 11mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 4.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 24mg	0%
Iron 0.4mg	0%
Potassium 70mg	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: 1.4%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 91.0%