Recipe: Ochazuke (Green Tea Over Rice)

This is the ultimate Japanese "comfort food" dish. It's mild, warming, and magically brings out the umami of the tea. It's also a beautiful way to serve tea when entertaining guests.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 servings freshly cooked Japanese short-grain rice

• 3–4 dl freshly brewed high-quality Sencha (brewed according to the method in the previous post)

• Topping suggestions:

  • Salt-cured salmon (pan-fried in small pieces) or smoked salmon

  • A pinch of Nori (roasted seaweed strips)

  • Sesame seeds (preferably toasted, can be omitted)

  • A small dollop of Wasabi (for a fresh kick)

  • Flaky sea salt or a little Japanese soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: Divide the warm rice into two deep bowls.

2. Add saltiness: Place your chosen topping in the center of the rice. The saltiness of the salmon provides a fantastic contrast to the grassy notes of the tea.

3. Brew the tea: Brew a pot of Sencha. Remember to keep the temperature around 70–80°C so that the tea is smooth and not bitter.

4. Serving: At the table, carefully pour the hot tea along the edge of the bowl until the rice is half covered.

5. Make it beautiful: Top with nori strips, sesame seeds, and a small dollop of wasabi on top of the salmon.