Get ready to elevate your meals with my Spicy Garlic Rice! This simple bowl of fresh steamed rice is infused with my homemade Japanese-inspired spicy soy garlic sauce that brings savory heat packed umami flavors in just 2 minutes! Perfect for pairing with all your favorite Japanese dishes, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip up this delicious side dish again and again!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes my Spicy Garlic Rice so great is takes your standard bowl of rice to a whole new level! This Japanese-inspired side dish is designed to complement your meals effortlessly, turning plain rice into a spicy, savory delight packed with umami flavors. By mixing in my blended Spicy Soy Garlic Sauce with freshly made rice, just like I do in my Soy Garlic Rice Bowl, then adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and voilà , it is ready!
This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a fuss-free recipe that adds a kick to their rice in under 2 minutes! It pairs beautifully with proteins like my Soy Garlic Chicken and Soy Garlic Beef, making it an ideal companion for a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you taste this spicy, garlic-infused rice, you’ll want to make it again and again! So, let’s get cooking and elevate your rice game today!
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. Used as the base of the sauce.
- 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. Used as the base flavor of the sauce.
- 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.
- Chili Oil – also known as “La Yu” and can be found in most Asian supermarkets. Add the spiciness to the sauce.
- Green Onions – chopped green onion scallions used as a topping.
🍶 Mirin Note
While Mirin, can be used to make this spicy 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, chili oil, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi in a blender. Blend for 5-10 seconds until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3 Drizzle 1/2 tbsp of garlic sauce on top of rice and mix. Top with green onions and serve hot.
🥢 Flavoring Pro Tip
I recommend adjusting the amount of sauce by adding it in Increments of 1/2 TBSP at a time.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an enhanced presentation, consider garnishing with Toasted Sesame Seeds or Red Pepper Flakes.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to adjust the heat level, consider using my Soy Garlic Sauce instead of the spicy variation for a milder option that still delivers incredible flavor. This swap allows you to create my Soy Garlic Rice dish, providing the same elevated experience without the extra kick!
Pairing Recommendations
The great thing about my Spicy Garlic Rice is how well it pairs with various dishes! Enjoy it alongside my Pork and Onion Stir Fry or Japanese Wafu Steak for a satisfying meal. You can also add my Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms for an earthy touch or serve it with a green salad tossed in my Japanese Sesame Dressing for a refreshing balance. Complete your meal with a warm bowl of Japanese Style Chicken Soup, and you’ll have a delicious Japanese-inspired feast bursting with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is the sauce?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili oil you use. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat.
What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
Any type of rice works well, but short-grain white rice is ideal as it aligns perfectly with the Japanese style of this dish.
Can the sauce be made in advanced?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 30 days, making it easy to flavor your rice whenever you want.
Storage Tips
Best enjoyed freshly made, however leftover can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. warm back up in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice
- Japanese Pork Fried Rice
- Garlic Butter Vegetable Fried Rice
- Japanese Scrambled Egg Rice Bowl
Watch How To Make It
Spicy 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
- 1/2 tsp Chili Oil la yu
- 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, chili oil, garlic, onions, and bonito flakes or hondashi. Blend for 5-10 seconds until everything is fully combined.
- Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of spicy garlic sauce over the rice and mix it in. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
