If you’re looking to elevate your rice game, my Soy Garlic Rice is the perfect addition to your table! This simple bowl of fresh steamed rice is infused with a delicious Japanese-inspired homemade soy garlic sauce that packs a savory umami punch in just 2 minutes! It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with all kinds of Japanese dishes, making it a must-try that you’ll want to whip up again and again!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted my Soy Garlic Rice as a simple way to infuse delicious Japanese-style flavors into your bowl of rice! This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a fuss-free side dish that packs their rice with savory garlic and umami goodness in just 2 minutes. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it pairs with so many Japanese meals!
Simply pour your rice of choice into a bowl, drizzle my handcrafted Soy Garlic Sauce, mix it up, and top with freshly chopped green onions and pair that with my Soy Garlic Beef Cubes or Soy Garlic Chicken for a perfect and complete Japanese inspired meal! So if you’re ready to level up your rice game, give this recipe a try now and experience the flavor explosion!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Steamed White Rice – freshly made steamed white rice. Can also use other rice like brown rice or jasmine rice if preferred.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Garlic– fresh whole garlic cloves.
- Bonito Flakes – made from shaved Dried Bonito fish. Provides the majority of the umami flavor found in the sauce. Can also use 1/2 tsp of Hondashi as a direct replacement.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion, diced.
- Green Onions – chopped green onion scallions used as a topping.
🍶 Mirin Note
While Mirin, can be used to make this soy garlic sauce, we’ve modified this recipe to accommodate areas where mirin might not be readily available by adjusting the amounts of sake and sweetener used instead.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Start by boiling out Japanese sake in a skillet for 15-20 seconds.
🍶Boiling Sake Pro Tip
For a quicker alternative to boiling sake, you can simply Microwave for 30-45 Seconds.
Step 2 Combine boiled sake, soy sauce, sweetener, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi in a blender. Blend for 5-10 seconds until all the ingredients are well mixed.
🥢 Sauce Pro Tip
For optimal flavor development, Prepare in Advance and Refrigerate it. Allowing the sauce to rest in the fridge will enhance its flavors.
Step 3 Drizzle 1/2 to 1 tbsp of garlic sauce on top of rice and mix. Top with green onions and serve hot.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an enhanced presentation, consider garnishing with Toasted Sesame Seeds.
🥢 Flavoring Pro Tip
I recommend adjusting the flavor intensity in Increments of 1/2 TBSP at a time.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking for a different variation of flavor to add to your rice, you can easily switch things up by using my Miso Garlic Sauce, which infuses your rice with rich miso flavors. For those who prefer a bit more heat, try my Pepper Lunch Sauce or my Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce to create a vibrant Spicy Garlic Rice Bowl!
Alternatively, you can use my Korean BBQ Chadol Sauce for a delicious Korean-style twist on your rice. Each option offers a unique taste experience that elevates your bowl of rice while keeping it simple!
Pairing Recommendations
This flavored rice bowl pairs beautifully with a variety of Japanese-style dishes, enhancing your meal with delightful combinations. You can serve it alongside my Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry or the rich and savory Japanese Pork Belly Stir Fry for a satisfying and balanced meal. If you’re in the mood for grilled fish, my Baked Hamachi Yellowtail or Japanese Baked Salmon Belly make excellent companions, bringing fresh flavors to the table. To complete the Japanese dining experience, don’t forget to add a warm bowl of Miso Soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rice should I use?
I recommend using freshly made white rice for the best flavor, but you can also use other types like brown rice or long-grain rice if you prefer.
Can I make the soy garlic sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the soy garlic sauce in advance, and I actually recommend doing so! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 30 days, and you'll have it ready to elevate your bowl of rice whenever you need it!
Is there a gluten-free alternative for soy sauce?
Yes, if you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, you can use tamari soy sauce.
Storage Tips
While this dish is best enjoyed freshly made, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it back up in the microwave for 45-60 seconds for a quick and convenient meal.
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Watch How To Make It
Soy Garlic Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Cup Rice freshly made
- 2 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Bonito Flakes can sub with 1/4 tsp Hondashi
- 1/4 tbsp Onion diced for measuring
- 1 Stalk Green Onions chopped
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Add Japanese sake to a skillet and let it boil for 15-20 seconds.
- In a blender, mix together boiled sake, soy sauce, sweetener, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi. Blend for 5-10 seconds until everything is fully combined.
- Drizzle 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of garlic sauce over the rice and mix it in. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
