Description
Japanese Corn Rice is a simple and comforting one-pot rice dish made with sweet corn, Japanese short-grain rice, and savory seasonings. Lightly sweet, fragrant, and buttery, it makes an easy side dish or satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Rice and Seasonings
- 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Corn and Garnishes
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels, from about 2–3 ears
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice several times under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy cooked rice.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water into a rice cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot. Stir in the soy sauce, sake, and salt gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add Corn: Spread the corn kernels evenly over the surface of the rice without stirring them in to maintain texture.
- Cook the Rice: If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to cook the rice. If using the stovetop, bring the pot to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: After cooking, let the rice rest covered for 10 minutes to allow moisture to distribute evenly for fluffier rice.
- Add Butter and Fluff: Add the butter on top and gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle or fork to mix in the butter and corn slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving to add nutty flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Fresh summer corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works well too.
- For extra flavor, cook the rice with the stripped corn cobs and remove them before serving.
- Add a little black pepper or shichimi togarashi for gentle heat and spice.
- This rice pairs especially well with grilled fish, chicken, or Japanese-style vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Rice
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
