Japanese gohan rice

Story behind the dish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked Japanese rice — it’s the heart of many meals and a canvas for countless flavors. This gohan rice recipe takes you on a journey to simple, authentic Japanese comfort food, where every grain is tender and just slightly sticky, ready to be paired with pickles, fresh garnishes, or enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional rice bowl or a side for your favorite entree, mastering this technique will elevate your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (7 oz or 200 g) sushi rice
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• Garnish: pickle juice
• Garnish: sliced spring onions

Step-by-step

1. Rinse and soak your rice: Measure the sushi rice into a bowl, cover with cold water, and gently massage the grains with your fingers until the water turns cloudy. Drain and rinse with fresh water. Repeat this process five more times, or until the water runs clear, to ensure extra-clean grains.
2. Cook the rice: Transfer the rinsed rice to a saucepan and add 1 2/3 cups (13.3 oz or 400 ml) water, or a mix of 3/4 cup (6 oz or 200 ml) dashi and 3/4 cup (6 oz or 200 ml) water for more umami flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid that has a steam hole. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
3. Rest and flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 15 minutes without lifting the lid — this allows the grain to finish steaming and ensures a lovely texture. After the resting period, stir in the mirin for a subtle sweetness. Remove the lid, give the rice a gentle stir, and serve topped with pickled juice and spring onions or any preferred garnishes.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• Use high-quality sushi rice for the best texture and flavor, and feel free to customize the garnishes with your favorite pickles or herbs.
• Serve this rice alongside grilled fish, steamed vegetables, or as the base for a hearty rice bowl — the world is your oyster!

Closing thoughts

Cooking rice perfectly can seem daunting, but with patience and attention to detail, you’ll discover the wonderful textures and flavors that Japanese rice has to offer. Each fluffy, slightly sticky grain is a testament to simple precision and love for good food. Enjoy every bite!