If you’re like many people, then you enjoy a good teriyaki dish once in a while. If you love its sweet glazy taste, then you’ll love this quick and easy Teriyaki Japanese rice bowl recipe that is guaranteed to satisfy those cravings after a long day at work.

No need to pick up the phone and order take-out; now, you can make a fantastic Japanese-inspired rice dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also impress the family with your exceptional culinary skills!

With only a small list of ingredients usually found in the pantry, this Japanese rice bowl recipe makes for a great last-minute choice when you are lacking time and inspiration. For a vegetarian-friendly recipe, replace the chicken with your favourite high-protein ingredient, like tofu.

What is the best type of rice to make a Japanese rice bowl?

While some recipes can be made using various grains of rice without altering the recipe’s taste, when creating the perfect Japanese rice bowl, you need to use rice with the right texture and fragrance. In fact, for any Japanese-inspired rice recipe, you need to work with plump, sticky rice instead of a dry and fluffy long grain rice.

Dainty’s Kimora Premium Calrose Rice is a top-grade Japanese-style rice that is perfect to use with any poke bowl or Asian-inspired recipe. With a slightly sweet flavour, this Japanese white rice will blend well with the sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce of this recipe.

Should I rinse Japanese-inspired Kimora Calrose rice?

While it has become a standard practice to rinse rice before cooking it, rinsing or soaking your rice will not affect its taste or texture. Once Dainty rice is imported, it is cleaned at our mill, and any foreign materials are removed, making rinsing unnecessary. However, if you prefer to rinse your rice or let your rice soak before cooking it, then continue doing so.

Japanese-Inspired Rice Bowl Recipe

  • 15 - 30Min
  • Easy
  • 2-4
  • Vegan adaptable
  • Vegetarian

a japanese rice bowl on the table

Ingredients

Rice

  • 2 Cups Dainty Kimora Premium Calrose Rice
  • 3 Cups Water

Japanese Teriyaki Sauce with Chicken

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast, cubed
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Cup Water
  • ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • ½ tsp Ginger powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbsp Flour (or cornstarch)
  • 2 tbsp Water

Garnishes (optional)

  • Green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds, roasted

Preparation

1

Add rice and water to the bowl of your rice cooker or follow package directions for stovetop cooking.

2

While the rice is cooking get out a sauté pan. Heat the pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and then the chicken. Cook until the chicken turns white and is cooked through. Approximately 5 minutes. Place chicken in a clean bowl and set aside.

3

In the same pan, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.

4

In a cup combine flour and 2 tbsp water and stir until it forms a thick paste. Pour into hot sauce mixture and stir.

5

Now add the chicken back to the sauté pan with the teriyaki sauce, and coat the chicken well.

6

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide equally into four bowls.

7

Pour equal amounts of the teriyaki chicken and sauce over each bowl.

8

Garnish with chopped green onions and roasted sesame seeds if desired.

I am a vegetarian. Can I make this Japanese-inspired rice bowl without adding chicken?

Absolutely. You can omit the chicken and replace it with another type of protein, such as tofu, shiitake mushrooms, or seafood. What makes this Japanese rice bowl so remarkable is its simplicity and ability to go well with various foods or leftovers in your fridge.

Also, you could simply eat your bowl of rice with only the sauce to create a sweet and satisfying rice dish all on its own.

In addition, vegans can substitute honey for agave, making this dish 100% vegan-friendly.

Which vegetables would go well with this Japanese rice dish?

Add your favourite stir-fry-style vegetables for an authentic Asian-inspired bowl packed with nutrients. Almost any type of vegetable will work well with the teriyaki sauce’s sweetness, making this dish kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters.

Some of our favourite vegetables to serve on the side include

  • Snow peas
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Spinach
  • Red bell pepper

Cut the vegetables into thin slices or julienne style to give your dish an authentic Japanese food look. Not only is the cooking time faster, but your Japanese chicken and rice bowl will also look visually appealing.

Should I use a rice cooker to make a Japanese rice bowl?

Using a rice cooker for any kind of recipe is always an easy idea. In fact, a rice cooker is the ultimate kitchen tool that saves you time and assures great meals and perfect rice bowls. Getting that perfect rice on the stovetop can be challenging as every stove and pot reacts differently to heat. Undercooked or overcooked rice can put a real damper on any evening meal and ruin a perfectly good recipe.

Kimora Calrose rice is, by default, very sticky rice. Getting the perfect texture is essential for this recipe to succeed. Also, pre-cooking a big batch the day before will not affect the outcome of your final dish. To learn more about how a rice cooker can save you time and guarantee the perfect rice, learn more about quick and easy rice cooker methods.

How long does a Japanese rice bowl keep in the fridge?

Luckily, this Japanese-inspired rice bowl stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

If, however, you find that your rice is a little dry, which tends to happen if air gets into the bowl, simply reheat using a few tablespoons of water or rice vinegar for moisture, turn the oven on, and cover with a lid or foil. You should end up with rice that is sticky and moist, and just as delicious as the day you made it.

If your tastebuds enjoy Dainty Kimora Calrose rice‘s sweet and sticky texture, then try our Salmon Poke Bowl and Hawaiian Tofu Musubi recipes – we promise you won’t be disappointed!