This umeboshi takikomi gohan isa savory Japanese seasoned rice dish simmered with pickled plums, soy sauce, and dashi. Light, tangy, and refreshing, it’s my family’s favorite, especially during the summer!
Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the rice in cold water 3–4 times. Drain and soak the rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add 2 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer: Stir in the sake, soy sauce, and dashi powder. Place the umeboshi over the rice. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 12 minutes.
Steam: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, remove the umeboshi seeds and gently mix the umeboshi into the rice. Serve in a bowl, top with chopped scallions, and enjoy!
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 30 minutes to an hour—this helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
Don’t open the lid right after cooking! Let it steam so the rice turns out fluffy, not mushy.
Using a rice cooker? Simply add the rice, seasonings, water, and umeboshi, then select the regular white rice setting.