Ochazuke Recipe (Japanese Rice Soup with Green Tea)

5 from 3 votes

Servings

Ochazuke is a traditional Japanese dish where hot tea is poured over steamed rice with various toppings. It’s a quick and easy dish enjoyed for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Dive into the warmth of this rice bowl at home!

Looking for simple rice dishes? Try my Zosui, Tamago Don, or Kakiage Don!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick Meal Idea – Have a comforting bowl of rice ready in just 10 minutes.
Endless Topping Options – Mix and match your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
Comfort in a Bowl – Ideal for chilly mornings or relaxing evenings at home.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Japanese Ochazuke Recipe:

Cooked Rice: If you have leftover rice, it’s perfect for this recipe! Japanese short-grain rice gives the most authentic flavor, but long-grain rice works just fine too. For step-by-step instructions, check out “How to Cook Japanese Rice on the Stove.“
Green Tea: While there are many variations, Sencha is a popular choice for ochazuke among most Japanese people. If you prefer low-caffeine tea options, consider deep-roasted Hojicha or Genmai cha. In this recipe, I use loose tea leaves, but tea bags work just as well for convenience.
Toppings: I chose umeboshi and natto for their salty and savory flavors, then added scallions, shredded nori, and toasted sesame seeds for freshness and texture. Check out more topping ideas below!

How To Make Ochazuke: STEP BY STEP

Here’s a quick visual guide! Check the recipe card below for the video and full details!

Step 1

Prepare toppings.

Step 2

Place green tea leaves into a teapot and brew the tea.

Step 3

Place the cooked rice in a bowl and arrange the toppings on top.

Step 4

Pour the hot green tea over the rice.

Here is the umeboshi ochazuke! Umeboshi comes with seeds, so enjoy it by taking off the pulp around the seeds and mixing it with rice!

Here’s another version of ochazuke featuring natto! It’s best enjoyed immediately while the rice is warm and the flavors are fresh.

Recipe Tips

If the flavor is too mild for your liking, feel free to add half a tablespoon of soy sauce or a pinch of salt to adjust the taste.
If you prefer a firmer texture of rice, place the rice in a colander and rinse it under running water. This helps eliminate any stickiness, resulting in a smoother ochazuke.

Substitutions

For topping substitutions, try these flavorful and salty options: cod roe, salmon roe, salmon flakes, parmesan cheese, furikake (rice seasoning), takuan (Japanese pickles), wasabi (Japanese horseradish), yuzu (small citrus fruit), olive oil, and sesame oil.
You can also swap the tea for dashi stock. Dashi, a Japanese soup base made from bonito flakes and kelp, adds a rich flavor. This variation of ochazuke, known as Dashi Chazuke, is also popular. Learn more about dashi broth here: What Is Dashi? A Quick Guide To Japanese Soup Stock.

Instant Ochazuke Packets

If you’re looking for a quick option, this instant ochazuke soup pack makes the process a breeze. Just prepare your rice, add the packet, pour in hot water, and it’s ready to eat! It’s my favorite go-to for a quick breakfast, especially on cold mornings.

The Nagatanien Ochazuke packet is a popular choice in Japan. It comes with rice crackers, nori, and green tea powder, giving it a rich, savory flavor. You can easily find it at most Japanese or Asian grocery stores.

Your Questions Answered

What does ochazuke taste like?

It doesn’t include seasoning, so ochazuke has a fairly light taste. The key to determining the flavor lies in adding salty or savory toppings. You can customize it further by adding salt or soy sauce to suit your preferences.

What does ochazuke mean in Japanese?

“Ochazuke” translates to pouring hot tea over rice. The term is derived from “ocha,” meaning tea, and “zuke,” signifying pouring or soaking.

Can kids eat ochazuke?

Absolutely! Ochazuke is a kid-friendly dish. Children delight in its mild taste and diverse toppings. It’s a breakfast favorite for our kids.

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