Hello and welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious and healthy recipe for Japanese Asparagus Rice. This savory dish combines the unique texture of asparagus with the nutty flavor of brown rice, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal that is perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. So, let’s get started! We’ve made this japanese asparagus rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

japanese asparagus rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Drain well and transfer the rice to a medium-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Add the water and salt to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. While the rice is cooking, trim the tough ends of the asparagus, cut them into 1-inch pieces, and blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 1-2 minutes or until crisp-tender.
  6. Drain and rinse the asparagus under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and vegetable oil.
  8. Once the rice is done, use a fork to fluff it, and stir in the soy sauce mixture and asparagus.
  9. Cover the pot and let the rice sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  10. Transfer the rice to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onion.
  11. Serve hot.

japanese asparagus rice

How long does japanese asparagus rice last in the fridge?

Jasmine rice, which is commonly used in Japanese asparagus rice, can be stored in the fridge for up to four days after cooking. However, it’s important to store it properly in an airtight container to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When reheating the rice, it’s recommended to add a bit of water or broth and cover it to prevent it from drying out. Asparagus can also be stored in the fridge for up to four days after cooking, although the longer it sits, the more its texture and flavor will deteriorate. Overall, it’s best to consume Japanese asparagus rice within a couple of days for optimal freshness and taste.

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Low calorie japanese asparagus rice recipe substitutions

Here are some possible substitutions that could make this Japanese Asparagus Rice recipe lower in calories:1. Reduce the amount of rice used in the recipe and increase the amount of asparagus proportionally. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and it can provide a satisfying amount of bulk to the dish.2. Use a lower-calorie seasoning mixture by replacing the vegetable oil with a small amount of cooking spray or a dash of vegetable broth. You could also reduce the amount of soy sauce and mirin or use a lower-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.3. Toast the sesame seeds without any oil to reduce the calorie density of the dish. This will still give the sesame seeds a nice nutty flavor and aroma.Overall, these substitutions can help make the dish lower in calories while still preserving its delicious flavors and textures.

What to serve with a japanese asparagus rice?

If you’re serving Japanese Asparagus Rice as a main dish, you could pair it with a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with a light ginger dressing. Alternatively, you could serve it as a side dish alongside grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken. You can also add some pickled vegetables, such as daikon or cucumber, to add some tanginess to the meal. Additionally, miso soup or a seaweed salad could also be great sides to complement the Japanese flavor profile.

Whats the best sauce for a japanese asparagus rice?

There are several sauce options to go with Japanese asparagus rice, but one of the best sauces is a simple miso dressing. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that has a salty, savory flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of the rice and the earthy flavor of the asparagus. To make the miso dressing, whisk together 2 tablespoons of white miso paste, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil until well combined. Drizzle this dressing over the rice and asparagus before serving, and garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a delicious, nutritious, and flavorful meal.

Japanese asparagus rice health benefits

Japanese asparagus rice can be a healthy option as it is a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, and is high in fiber, which can improve digestion and help prevent constipation. Rice provides carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Japanese asparagus rice can be a filling and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, you may try quinoa salad with grilled vegetables, which is a high-protein dish with a variety of vegetables, and can be customized to your taste with different dressings.

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