Garnished Rice with Green Tea (Ocha-Zuke) Recipe
Description:
Ocha-Zuke is a beloved Japanese dish that brings together the simplicity of rice and green tea with flavorful garnishes like nori, sesame seeds, and your choice of chicken or salmon. A perfect solution for leftover rice, this light meal is quick to prepare and wonderfully soothing. Commonly served as a snack or light meal, it pairs perfectly with crisp Japanese pickles. This version, inspired by “At Home with Japanese Cooking” by Elizabeth Andoh, introduces a refreshing way to enjoy rice while highlighting traditional Japanese flavors. Perfect for a simple, nourishing meal in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 3 cups |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Nori (seaweed sheet) | 1 sheet |
| Cooked chicken breast (optional) | 1 piece (cut into chunks) |
| Cooked salmon (optional) | 2-3 ounces |
| Wasabi | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh ginger (finely grated) | 2 teaspoons |
| Nutritional Information per serving (without optional protein) |
|————————-|———|
| Calories | 194.8 |
| Fat | 1.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
Recipe Instructions:
-
Prepare the rice:
Divide the cooked rice evenly into 4 deep bowls. This will serve as the base of your Ocha-Zuke. -
Roast the sesame seeds:
In a small skillet, dry roast the sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue stirring until they turn a light golden brown and release a nutty aroma, which should take around 2-3 minutes. If desired, lightly crush the roasted sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle to release even more flavor. Set aside. -
Roast the nori:
Using tongs, carefully wave the nori sheet over an open medium flame, such as a gas stove, for about 1 minute. The heat will lightly toast the nori, making it more aromatic and crispy. After toasting, fold the nori sheet and tear it into small rectangular pieces, approximately 20 pieces in total. Place 5 pieces of nori into each bowl over the rice. -
Add your choice of protein (optional):
For added heartiness, you can incorporate chunks of cooked chicken breast or salmon into the dish. Simply scatter the protein on top of the rice and nori in each bowl. -
Garnish the rice:
Add a small dollop of wasabi to each bowl, or finely grate some fresh ginger as an alternative. Both options will provide a mild heat that complements the other flavors. If you’d like a bit of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped coriander can be added as well. -
Pour the tea:
Heat 2 cups of green tea to just below boiling. Pour 1/2 cup of green tea over the rice and garnishes in each bowl. The hot tea will warm the rice and release the flavors from the nori, sesame, and other ingredients. -
Serve immediately:
Ocha-Zuke is best enjoyed right away while the tea is still hot and the nori retains its crispness. Serve alongside a plate of pickled vegetables for a more complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Ocha-Zuke is highly customizable. While chicken and salmon are common protein additions, you can also experiment with other toppings like umeboshi (pickled plum), grilled eel, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Pair this dish with Japanese-style pickles (such as takuan or tsukemono) for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the rice and tea.
Cooking Tips:
- Nori roasting: Be careful not to burn the nori when waving it over the flame. Use tongs and keep the sheet moving to prevent scorching.
- Green tea: Opt for a high-quality green tea like sencha or genmaicha, which will enhance the flavor of the rice. Avoid teas with added flavors or sweeteners.
- Seasoning: If you find the dish too mild, a light drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of furikake (a Japanese seasoning blend) can add an extra dimension of flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Ocha-Zuke: Replace the chicken or salmon with firm tofu or shiitake mushrooms sautéed with a dash of soy sauce.
- Seafood Ocha-Zuke: Instead of chicken or salmon, use grilled or smoked mackerel for a more robust flavor.
This dish is perfect for a light meal or when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and nourishing. It’s a great way to utilize leftovers while treating yourself to a traditional Japanese comfort dish.
