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Glossary - Ingredients

White Rice

GlossaryWhiteRice

Refined rice, the most commonly eaten staple food in Japanese cuisine

What is white rice?

White rice (白米 in Japanese) is polished rice with the seed coat removed, leaving only grain. Primarily cooked in a rice cooker in Japan. Eaten with other dishes, or as is with a seasoned dried condiment for rice called furikake flakes sprinkled on top.

Nutrition facts

White rice is mainly composed of carbohydrates, and 98% is completely digested and converted into energy, making it a very efficient source of energy. It also contains small amounts of protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium. When white rice is cooked in water, it becomes 2.1 to 2.3 times heavier. Since white rice is primarily eaten in large portions at one time (about 150 g / 5.3 oz. per bowl after steaming), it is also a source of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamin B1.
Eating rice with meat or soy products, which are rich in lysine, increases the absorption of nutrients.  Vitamin B1, which promotes carbohydrate metabolism, is mainly found in the germ of the rice. But as white rice has the germ scraped off, eating it with pork or eggs, which are rich in vitamin B1, helps with carbohydrate metabolism. While staple foods such as bread and noodles contain salt, white rice does not. For those concerned about sodium intake, choosing white rice as your primary staple is a sensible option.

Storage to prevent food loss

Can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place when uncooked. Place 2 to 3 dried red chili peppers into the rice container as an insect repellent. Steamed white rice can be stored in the freezer for around 1 month if wrapped in separate small portions with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.

Trivia

Japan’s tradition of eating rice dates back to ancient times; however, polished white rice only appeared during the Nara period (710–794). At that time, it was considered a luxury reserved for the nobility, while the common people ate rice with minimal polishing or mixed with millet.

Cooking Basics

White rice - how to cook

Ingredients (servings: 4)

rice
360 g (12.7 oz.)
water
480 ml (13.5 ~ 16.2 fl. oz.)

※Cooking time: 40 minutes

Directions

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  1. 1Place a smaller sized colander into a bowl and add in the rice.
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  1. 2 Pour in some water and lightly mix and moisten the rice with your hands, then drain the rice and throw away the water.
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  1. 3Make a claw with your hand and use this to stir the rice in a circular motion about 20 times.
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  1. 4Pour in water, rinse and then throw away the starchy water.
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  1. 5Repeat steps (4) several times until the water becomes less starchy and almost clear.

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  1. 6Place the washed rice into a pot, add in the specified amount of water and then set aside for 30 minutes.
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  1. 7Place the pot over medium heat uncovered. Once fully boiling, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes over very low heat.
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  1. 8Turn off the heat and leave to steam for 15 minutes. Once cooked, lightly toss the rice with a rice paddle or wooden spoon.
Sushi rice - how to prepare

Ingredients

Rice
360 g (12.7 oz.)
Water
340 ml (11.5 fl. oz.)
Kombu/kelp (as desired)
5 cm (2 in.)
Vinegar Mixture
(4 Tbsp of rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of salt)

Directions


1

Rinse the rice.


2

Place the rice into a colander and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.


3

Transfer the rice into the inner pot of a rice cooker, add the indicated amount of water and kombu and cook as usual.


4

Prepare the vinegar mixture. Place the cooked rice into a bowl, pour the vinegar mixture over the rice and let sit for 1 minute.


5

Mix with a rice paddle while fanning with an uchiwa fan (paddle-shaped fan). Mix the rice in a manner as though breaking it apart to prevent it from becoming sticky and mushy. Once the rice has a glossy shine and is cooled, it is ready.

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