Ochazuke is a traditional Japanese dish that combines green tea (ocha) with cooked rice (zuke), creating a simple yet flavorful meal. It's a comforting dish often enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a quick snack. Here's how you can make this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
To make a basic ochazuke, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked white rice
- 1 cup of hot green tea (preferably genmaicha or sencha)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons of mirin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) or toasted sesame seeds
- Pickled plum (umeboshi), salted salmon flakes, or other toppings (such as nori, wasabi, or green onions)
Preparation Instructions
Cook the Rice: If you don't have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of uncooked white rice according to the package instructions. You will need about 2 cups of cooked rice.
Prepare the Green Tea: Brew 1 cup of green tea. Genmaicha (green tea with roasted brown rice) or sencha are commonly used for their rich flavor.
Season the Rice: In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with soy sauce and mirin if using. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
Assemble the Ochazuke:
- Divide the rice into individual bowls.
- Pour the hot green tea over the rice until it is partially submerged.
- Sprinkle furikake or toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
Add Toppings: Place your chosen toppings on the rice. Popular options include a small piece of salted salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), strips of nori (seaweed), a dab of wasabi, or sliced green onions.
Serve Immediately: Ochazuke is best enjoyed hot. Serve immediately while the tea is still warm.
Tips
- Use Freshly Cooked Rice: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly cooked rice. However, leftover rice can also be used and is a great way to reduce waste.
- Experiment with Teas: While green tea is traditional, you can experiment with other teas such as hojicha (roasted green tea) for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust Seasonings: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and mirin according to your taste preference.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Variations
- Seafood Ochazuke: Add shrimp, crab meat, or a piece of grilled mackerel.
- Vegetarian Ochazuke: Use tofu, mushrooms, or assorted vegetables like spinach and carrots.
- Spicy Ochazuke: Add a dash of chili oil or a spoonful of spicy pickled vegetables.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of ochazuke can vary based on the toppings and portion sizes. On average, a basic bowl with rice, green tea, soy sauce, and a small piece of salted salmon contains approximately:
- Rice (1 cup cooked): 200 calories
- Green Tea (1 cup): 2 calories
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): 10 calories
- Mirin (1 teaspoon, optional): 20 calories
- Furikake (1 tablespoon): 15 calories
- Salted Salmon (1 small piece): 50 calories
Total: Approximately 297 calories per serving.
Conclusion
Ochazuke is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Its simplicity makes it a convenient meal option, whether you're looking to use up leftovers or enjoy a light and nutritious dish. Experiment with different toppings and teas to discover your favorite combination. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of ochazuke anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal.
