Imagine transforming your humble rice cooker into a gourmet cooking station that produces a mouthwatering Japanese-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance! This Scallop Butter Rice is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with rich, buttery rice that melts in your mouth. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 6 scallops, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Drain well.
- Transfer the rinsed rice to a rice cooker pot. Add water and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season scallops with salt.
- Cut butter into small cubes and distribute evenly over the rice surface.
- Gently place the seasoned scallops on top of the rice, ensuring they are not submerged completely.
- Close the rice cooker lid and select the white rice or standard cooking setting.
- Once the rice cooker completes its cycle, let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid closed to allow steam to redistribute.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and sesame oil to create a quick sauce.
- Carefully remove scallops and slice them if desired. Fluff the rice gently with a rice paddle.
- Plate the buttery rice, arrange scallops on top, and drizzle with the soy-sesame sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Always use sushi rice for the best texture and authentic flavor. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy results.
- Scallop Selection: Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best taste and texture. Pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden sear.
- Butter Distribution: Cut butter into small cubes and spread evenly to ensure each grain of rice gets that luxurious, rich flavor.
- Don't Overcook Scallops: Place them gently on top of the rice and avoid submerging them completely to maintain their delicate texture.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow steam to redistribute, creating perfectly cooked rice.
- Sauce Hack: The quick soy-sesame sauce adds depth and umami flavor, elevating the entire dish.
- Garnish Fresh: Sprinkle chopped chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
