Name: Salmon Ochazuke
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 250 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice; 180 g cooked or grilled salmon, flaked; 400 ml hot green tea or light dashi; 1 sheet nori, cut into fine strips; 2 spring onions, thinly sliced; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tsp soy sauce, optional; Wasabi or pickles, to serve

← All recipesTotal: 20 min

Ingredients

250 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice
180 g cooked or grilled salmon, flaked
400 ml hot green tea or light dashi
1 sheet nori, cut into fine strips
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp soy sauce, optional
Wasabi or pickles, to serve

Instructions

Divide the hot rice between two deep bowls.
Arrange the flaked salmon over the rice and add nori, spring onions and sesame seeds.
Brew the green tea, or heat the dashi, until very hot.
Pour the hot liquid around and over the rice just before serving.
Season lightly with soy sauce if needed and serve with wasabi or pickles.

Kitchen note: Salmon thickness and cooking equipment vary. Check the thickest part for doneness and follow the food-safety guidance where you live.

Why you'll like this recipe

It is one of the quickest ways to turn leftover rice and salmon into a complete meal.
The hot tea or dashi makes the bowl light and soothing instead of saucy.
Nori and sesame provide plenty of flavor with very little preparation.

Tips for better results

Use a mild green tea rather than an aggressively bitter brew.
Keep the salmon in flakes so it does not disappear into the rice.
Pour the hot liquid only when everyone is ready to eat.

What to serve with it

Serve immediately with Japanese pickles, wasabi or a small cucumber salad.

Storage

Store rice and salmon separately in the refrigerator and assemble with freshly brewed hot tea or dashi.

Common questions

Do you really pour tea over rice?

Yes. Ochazuke is a Japanese preparation in which hot tea, dashi or a combination is poured over rice and toppings.

Can I use leftover salmon?

Absolutely. Cooked leftover salmon is particularly convenient for this dish.

Salmon Ochazuke