Get ready to transform your ordinary rice into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Asia! This Sesame Rice with Cucumber and Chive is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the nutty richness of sesame, the crisp freshness of cucumber, and the delicate bite of chives. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a food enthusiast seeking a quick and delicious recipe, this dish promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rice
- Cucumber
- Chives
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse 2 cups of rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, finely dice one medium cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Thinly slice fresh chives into delicate rings.
- Once rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over the rice and gently mix to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Fold in the diced cucumber and chopped chives into the warm rice.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the rice mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while the rice is still warm, garnishing with additional chives and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain is perfectly separated and fluffy.
- Water-to-Rice Ratio Matters: Use the
- 25:1 water-to-rice ratio for perfectly cooked, tender rice that's not too sticky or dry.
- Low and Slow Cooking: After bringing rice to a boil, reduce heat to the lowest setting to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow steam to redistribute, making your rice light and fluffy.
- Sesame Oil Tip: Add sesame oil after cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter during cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh chives and cucumber for the brightest flavor and crispest texture.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: If possible, lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
