Whole Broccoli and Pork Belly Takikomi Gohan
An easy rice cooker recipe made with a whole head of broccoli and juicy pork belly. Butter and consommé give the rice a rich, savory flavor while the tender broccoli blends beautifully into every bite.
If you are looking for an easy rice cooker dinner that is both comforting and packed with vegetables, this whole broccoli and pork belly takikomi gohan is a great one to try.
The broccoli cooks directly on top of the rice until wonderfully tender, while the pork belly releases its savory juices into the grains. Once everything is cooked, simply break up the broccoli and mix it through the rice. Butter and consommé add richness without requiring a complicated seasoning blend.
It is an easy, satisfying dish for family dinners, busy weeknights, or whenever you want a flavorful Japanese style rice dish with minimal prep.
What you'll need
- 2 cups Japanese short grain rice, about 300 g uncooked
- 1 whole broccoli, about 1 medium head
- 150 g pork belly
- 2 tsp granulated consommé or chicken bouillon
- 1 tbsp white wine or cooking sake
- 4 bay leaves, optional
- ⅔ tsp salt
- 40 g butter
How to make it
Rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in the rice cooker. Add water to the regular 2 cup marking, then add the white wine or cooking sake.
Separate the thick broccoli stem from the florets and peel away the tough outer layer of the stem. Cut the pork belly into bite sized pieces.
Add the consommé and salt to the rice and stir gently. Place the broccoli, pork belly, butter and bay leaves on top. Cook using the regular white rice setting.
When the rice is ready, remove the bay leaves. Gently break up the tender broccoli with a rice paddle and fold everything together until evenly combined. Serve hot.
Tips
- Keep the broccoli fairly large rather than cutting it into small florets before cooking. It becomes very tender in the rice cooker and can easily be broken up afterward.
- Pork belly adds plenty of richness, so there is no need to sauté it beforehand. Its fat and savory juices flavor the rice as it cooks.
- For the best texture, gently fold the rice after cooking instead of vigorously stirring it. This keeps the grains fluffy while distributing the broccoli evenly.
What to drink with it
