Japanese mushroom rice (kinoko gohan)

You'll be amazed at how the simple seasonings in this Japanese mushroom rice add so much umami, earthy, delicious flavor. This easy side dish works so well alongside both Asian and many other meals.

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Mushrooms are one of those things that I sometimes love, and other times can't think what to do with. We're big fans of my carbonara with mushrooms and mushroom stroganoff is another comforting meal. But as a side, I often just cook it with garlic and not much else. Not that that's bad, of course, but variety is never a bad thing. 

When I came across Japanese mushroom rice, kinoko gohan, I knew I needed to try it. I was intrigued by the simple flavors, but could see them working. And they really, really do. 

What is kinoko gohan?

Kinoko gohan is a simple variation on takikomi gohan, which is a Japanese mixed rice dish combining rice, vegetables and meat. This dish keeps things much simpler with just a few seasonings and mushrooms in with the rice, but the result tastes so much more than the parts.

The mushrooms are cooked in with the rice so they let their flavor out into the broth that the rice absorbs as it cooks. Along with the soy, mirin and sake, it gives a deliciously umami, earthy flavor. 

What kind of mushrooms are best?

There is no set formula for the kind of mushrooms - most recipes use a mix of shitake plus one or more others. Some use dried shitake mushrooms and rehydrate them, then you use the soaking liquid as well. Others use fresh, as I have here.

I would suggest using at least some shitake then whatever other Asian mushrooms you can find. For me, that was oyster mushrooms.

Steps to make Japanese mushroom rice

• Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch.
• Trim the stems off the mushrooms, removing any woody parts, and cut into thin slices. 
• Put the rice, water, salt, soy sauce, mirin, sake and mushrooms in a pan and cover.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked. Serve warm.

What can you serve with this?

As I mention above, I think there are a lot of options to pair with this rice. Traditionally, it would be a side to things like grilled fish, but it can be used pretty broadly, and not just with Japanese foods.

We had it with pan fried soft shell crab and an Asian-style slaw. Bear in mind the flavors are earthy, but if that would work, give it a try to pair with.

This Japanese mushroom rice dish is easy to make, and so much more interesting than plain old rice. It's not heavy but has a great depth of flavor. Give it a try, and enjoy the tasty surprise!

Looking for more international rice dishes? Try these!

• Vegetarian bibimbap (Korean rice and vegetables)
• Persian herb rice with fish (sabzi polow mahi)
• Spanish black rice paella (arroz negro)
• Saffron risotto
• South African yellow rice
• Plus get more side dishes  and Japanese recipes in the archives.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Japanese mushroom rice (kinoko gohan)

This Japanese mushroom rice is incredibly simple but with amazing, earthy flavors. A delicious versatile side.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Servings: 2

Calories: 296kcal

Author: Caroline's Cooking

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Ingredients

• ¾ cup sushi rice 175g (can use other short grain rice)
• 1 oz shitake mushrooms 30g (fresh)
• 1 ½ oz oyster mushrooms 45g (or other Asian mushrooms)
• 1 cup water 240ml
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin (rice wine)
• 1 tbsp sake

Instructions

• Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch.
• Trim the stems off the mushrooms, removing any woody parts, and cut into thin slices.
• Put the rice, water, salt, soy sauce, mirin, sake and mushrooms in a pan and cover.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked. Serve warm.

Notes

Many recipes use a rice cooker to cook this - if you choose to do so, the method is much the same but liquid level and timing should be as per rice cooker's instructions. Add the mushrooms after getting the liquid level right.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 604mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1.6mg

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