Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the rice in cold water 3–4 times. Drain and soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes or more. Remove the tomato stem and make 8 cuts to help it break down while cooking.
Boil the Water: After soaking the rice, drain it and add 2 cups of fresh water to the pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Cook the Rice: Stir in the salt and vegetable bouillon powder until well combined. Place the prepared tomato in the center of the pot, ensuring it sits on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12 minutes.
Steam: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
Mix and Serve: Remove the lid, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle black pepper over the rice. Using a rice paddle, gently fluff the rice while crushing the softened tomato into the rice to distribute it evenly. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with extra black pepper if desired.
Notes
Storage: Wrap the takikomi gohan tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. When ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave until warm.
Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This step ensures the rice cooks evenly and avoids an undercooked core.
Avoid opening the pot immediately after cooking, as the rice will still be mushy. The steaming step allows the rice to finish absorbing moisture, resulting in a fluffy, perfectly cooked texture.
This recipe can be easily adapted for a rice cooker. Simply use the regular white rice setting.
Add freshly chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of soy sauce for additional flavor.