Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it steals the spotlight from your main course - that's exactly what this Snow Pea and Sesame Rice Pilaf promises! Bursting with vibrant flavors, delicate snow peas, and nutty sesame undertones, this quick and easy recipe will transport your taste buds straight to a gourmet Asian kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this pilaf is about to become your new secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality meals in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the rice becomes slightly fragrant and turns a light golden color.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the toasted rice. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, trim the ends of the snow peas and slice them diagonally into thin, elegant strips to ensure even cooking and visual appeal.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently fold the sliced snow peas into the rice. Replace the lid and let it steam for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peas are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot, directly from the pan, as a vibrant and aromatic side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall texture.
- Use fresh, crisp snow peas for the best color and crunch.
- Keep the lid tightly sealed while cooking to ensure perfectly steamed rice.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow for optimal moisture absorption.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.
- Experiment with adding small amounts of minced garlic or ginger during the toasting phase for more depth.
- Choose high-quality sesame oil for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
