Everyone is guilty of cooking too much rice. But that doesn’t mean it should go to waste. Although delicious when made fresh, this is one of the few ingredients that get tastier when cooked a second time. Leftover rice is a great ingredient for some of Asia’s favourite comfort foods.
Discover the different ways to transform leftover rice by exploring Asia.
Kimchi Bokkeumbap
Kimchi bokkeumbap, otherwise known as kimchi fried rice, has grown in popularity for being heavily featured in Korean dramas and variety shows. The spicy-sour taste of kimchi pairs well with the almost bland taste of rice. Aside from this, kimchi bokkeumbap is easy to make.
Simply cut up your kimchi into bite-sized pieces before frying it in a pan. Add in your rice and before seasoning with pepper paste, sesame oil, and kimchi juice. Once everything is combined, serve on a plate and top with a half-fried egg.
Khao Kluk Kapi
Khao kluk kapi is a Thai fried rice dish that uses shrimp paste. If this ingredient intimidates you, Barrio Fiesta Shrimp Paste comes in several flavors to suit different palettes. Choose the one you prefer and make yourself a bowl of this delicious dish.
In a pan, stir-fry chopped garlic with a spoonful of shrimp paste and your choice of protein. Once the meat is cooked, pour in a bowl of rice and mix until combined. Season how you like before serving. You can top it with thinly sliced green mangoes for additional taste and texture.
Tamago Kake Gohan
Tamago kake gohan is a popular hangover meal in Japan. It combines three simple ingredients for a delicious meal that will absorb some of that alcohol you consumed. Try it out next time you spend a fun night out with friends.
All you need for this dish is leftover rice, an egg, and soy sauce. Reheat your rice in the microwave before cracking the egg on top of it. Then, pour in a couple of drops of soy sauce for seasoning. Mix everything until combined and enjoy.
Báizhà u
Báizhà u, otherwise known as congee, is one of the simplest ways to prepare leftover rice. This Chinese rice porridge is a popular dish because of how easy it is to customize. With its plain base, you can add any ingredient to elevate this dish without going overboard with flavor.
Depending on how you want to make it, you can use water or stock for this dish. Pour in two cups of your preferred liquid to every cup of rice. Combine in a pot with white pepper, sliced ginger, and one bouillon cube. Simmer until the broth becomes thick Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng is Indonesia’s national dish. It uses pantry staples to elevate leftover rice into a delicious new dish. Cook it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a filling meal.
Although there are several variations to this dish, the traditional recipe uses rice, typical Asian flavors, and egg. Fry the rice with garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, chilies, and soy sauce. Add your preferred protein, but shrimp and chicken are often used. Once everything is combined and cooked, serve with a fried egg on top.
Make the most out of your leftover rice by trying out these recipes. Aside from learning new dishes, you create less food waste. The above dishes can also have microwaved alternatives so a good source for commercial microwaves can be important.
