Ochazuke

Introduction

Ochazuke is a simple and comforting Japanese dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over steamed rice, and then topping it with flavorful ingredients. Instead of proper mealtime food, the Japanese enjoy this dish more as a quick meal or to fill up at the end of the meal. Comforting and gentle on the stomach, Ochazuke is a go-to dish when we’re feeling unwell or when ingredients for other meals are scarce. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, relying entirely on common staples found in a Japanese pantry.

Ingredients for 2 serves

1.For the rice

• 2 cups of Japanese rice (preferably day-old rice) – cook well (how to cook rice with or without a cooker. )
• The leftover can be used but you need to reheat before eating.

2. For the Broth

• 1.5 cups green tea (sencha or genmaicha works well), dashi, or hot water
• ½ tsp soy sauce (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tsp mirin (optional, for sweetness)
• Toppings (Choose any combination):
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips
• 2 tbsp salted salmon, flaked (grilled or baked)
• 1 tbsp pickled plum (umeboshi), pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp tsukemono (Japanese pickles)
• 1 tsp wasabi paste (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 1 tbsp furikake (rice seasoning)
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or parsley
• Small pieces of tempura or rice crackers (for texture)

Steps to make Ochazuke

1. Make the Broth

Brew green tea or prepare dashi (if using instant dashi powder, dissolve it in hot water following the package instructions). Mix in soy sauce and mirin if

2. Prepare the rice bowl

• Scoop rice into a bowl
• Arrange your toppings on top of the rice in each bowl.
• You can mix and match to your taste – popular options include flaked salmon, pickled plum, and seaweed

3. Pour the Broth

• Gently pour the hot tea, dashi, or water over the rice and toppings.
• The liquid should cover about half to two-thirds of the rice.

4. Serve Ochazuke

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, furikake, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
• Add a small dab of wasabi if you like a bit of spice.
• Stir gently with your chopsticks and enjoy immediately while it’s hot!

Tips

• Proteins: For a heartier version, you can add grilled fish, shrimp, or a poached egg.
• Quick Version: Use pre-packaged ochazuke seasoning, available at Asian grocery stores, and simply pour hot water or tea over it with rice.
• Leftovers: Ochazuke is an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice and toppings like salmon or pickles.

This dish is a warm, soothing meal that’s incredibly versatile and customizable. Enjoy!