Description
A flavorful Vietnamese Tomato Rice recipe that combines jasmine rice with aromatic garlic, rich tomato paste, and savory soy sauce for a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot dish perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups jasmine rice (rinsed well and drained)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 bouillon cube of your choice (chicken, vegetable, or beef, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch. Drain well to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté Rice: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often to coat the rice and slightly toast it.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute until the tomato paste evenly coats the rice and its color darkens slightly, enhancing flavor.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the water, soy sauce (or tamari), add the bouillon cube if using, and sprinkle the kosher salt. Stir once gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors and liquid.
- Rest Rice: Turn off the heat but keep the saucepan covered. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes to finish steaming and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains. Serve the flavorful Vietnamese Tomato Rice warm as a delicious side or main dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Using a bouillon cube is optional but adds an extra depth of savory flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce amount depending on salt preference or dietary needs.
- Resting the rice after cooking ensures better texture and fluffiness.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own.
