Introduction
Looking for a delicious and healthy rice dish? This recipe for rice and ginger is perfect for you! One of the most popular Chinese dishes, Ginger Rice, is closely tied to the culture of New Year’s celebrations. Though not exclusive to only this time of year, Ginger Rice is traditionally served at dinner and encased in a formal round container called dongxing. This dish typically uses red meat like pork to ensure that it provides warmth before the arrival of cold winter months and embodies prosperity.
This dish is a traditional Chinese recipe that is both flavorful and nutritious. It is easy to prepare and can be cooked in various ways. We will discuss how to make this dish. So whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal or something more elaborate, this recipe has you covered!
What Is Ginger Rice, And Where Does It Come From?
Ginger rice is one of the most famous dishes in Chinese cuisine that originated in China. Ginger Rice is served during celebrations and traditions like the Lantern Festival and New Year’s Eve in China. This dish is one of the most fulfilling ways to combine two popular ingredients: ginger and rice!
Ginger Rice is a type of hot & fragrant steamed porridge that only contains ginger, rice, and condiments (such as vinegar or soy sauce) to make this dish fragrant. Many people eat this dish with plain or sticky rice, but you can also find it with various ingredients. Some common additions include chicken, shrimp, fish, pork, and celery or cabbage.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Ginger Rice
Ginger rice is a very healthy dish with many health benefits. Red meat has always been at the top of the list of most beneficial foods. Red meat is a good source of protein and iron, essential for proper body functioning. Ginger also serves as an excellent flavor enhancer that can increase the taste of various dishes. Ginger contains many nutrients, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, copper, and niacin. In addition to these commonly known nutrients, ginger contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. Finally, ginger rice also has many more nutrients that are not as widely known.
Ginger rice is straightforward to prepare and only takes a few minutes. This dish is usually served with plain white rice or sticky rice. Ginger rice is also commonly served with chicken, fish, and beef. When filled with red meat, ginger rice can help improve the dish’s flavor while enhancing its nutritional value. This is particularly helpful because red meat can be bland without additional flavoring. Ginger provides precisely that!
How To Make Ginger Rice
Like any other dish, Ginger rice can be prepared using various cooking techniques. One important thing to remember is that you should always wash your ginger before cooking it. This is important because you will be eating the ginger later, and washing it ensures that everything you cook with it will not make your ginger taste bad.
Ginger Rice takes 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. For the ingredients, you will need one cup of uncooked long-grain rice, either white or jasmine rice, and four whole medium-sized pieces of ginger.
1. Wash the ginger and remove the skin (if there are bruises).
2. Place the washed ginger in a pan, then add some water and bring to a boil.
3. When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with foil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
5. Add the rice to a saucepan. Pour in enough water to cover the rice by ½ inch. (If the rice is soaked, then add in additional water)
6. Add salt and oil to taste and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed into the rice, stirring occasionally.
8. When done, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. It can be filled with eggs and fresh fruit (optional).
Variations On The Traditional Recipe
You can vary this dish to fit your taste and style. The recipe usually calls for fresh ginger and rice, but some people may use dried ginger or rice vinegar with dehydrated ginger. There are also many ways in which this dish can be served. You can mix it with chicken, fish, or pork and even vegetables such as celery or cabbage.
You can use any kind of meat you prefer and any vegetable. Some things that go well with this dish include eggs, corn, carrots, cabbage, and bamboo shoots. Different types of ginger rice can be prepared with seafood, spicy ingredients, or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Ginger rice goes very well with a variety of things. Once it is made, the rice can be served with eggs, meat, chicken, or another type of meat. The dish is both a main dish and an appetizer, so it’s great for entertaining. This is also a typical breakfast dish many enjoy in the morning.
Conclusion
This is just a small selection of several dishes commonly prepared in China that use ginger. Many claim ginger rice is one of the best dishes they have ever tasted and can never stop eating it. More and more Chinese restaurants are adding this dish to their menus, so if you want to try it, it’s never too late.
Ginger rice is a very delicious and simple dish that anyone can enjoy. You can also add your own personal touches to the dish and vary it to meet your taste. This is a great go-to recipe whenever you’re in the mood for something mild or spicy, depending on what you like!