Ochazuke: The Comforting Japanese Tea Rice Bowl

Ochazuke (お茶漬け) is a simple yet deeply satisfying Japanese dish that combines two staples of Japanese cuisine: steamed rice and green tea.

This humble comfort food transforms leftover rice into a soothing meal by pouring hot tea or dashi broth over rice, then garnishing with savory toppings.

Perfect for late nights, cold weather, or whenever you need a gentle, warming meal, ochazuke balances simplicity with complex flavors in true Japanese fashion.

Traditional Ochazuke

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (freshly cooked or leftover)
• 1 cup hot green tea (sencha or hojicha work well) or dashi broth
• 2 tablespoons Japanese tea leaves for brewing (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)

Classic Toppings (choose 3-4):

• 1 umeboshi (pickled plum), pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon salted salmon flakes
• 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon wasabi
• 2 teaspoons bubu arare (rice crackers)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or 1-2 teaspoons Japanese rice seasoning (furikake)

Instructions:

1. Place warm cooked rice in a bowl
2. Arrange your chosen toppings attractively on top of the rice
3. Brew green tea (stronger than drinking strength) or warm dashi broth
4. Pour the hot tea or broth over the rice and toppings
5. Season with a drop of soy sauce if desired
6. Enjoy immediately while hot

Salmon Ochazuke (Sake Chazuke)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
• 1 filet of salted salmon (about 4 oz)
• 1 cup hot green tea or dashi
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon wasabi paste
• 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon bubu arare (tiny rice crackers)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill or broil the salted salmon until cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side)
2. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces
3. Place warm rice in a bowl
4. Top with salmon flakes and other toppings
5. Pour hot tea or dashi over the rice
6. Serve immediately

Umeboshi Ochazuke

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
• 2 umeboshi (pickled plums), pitted and chopped
• 1 cup hot green tea
• 1 tablespoon shredded shiso leaves (if available)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Thin strips of nori seaweed
• 1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place warm rice in a serving bowl
2. Top with chopped umeboshi, shiso leaves, and sesame seeds
3. Pour hot tea over the rice
4. Garnish with nori strips
5. Add a small dab of wasabi on the side if desired

Contemporary Variations

Seafood Ochazuke

• Use additions like flaked grilled unagi (eel), small pieces of sashimi-grade tuna, or cooked shrimp
• Pour hot dashi instead of tea for a more savory base
• Add a few drops of yuzu juice for brightness

Vegetarian Ochazuke

• Top rice with tempeh or small cubes of grilled tofu
• Add sliced avocado and cucumber
• Use kombu dashi for the broth
• Garnish with microgreens and toasted nuts

Breakfast Ochazuke

• Top rice with a soft-boiled egg
• Add sautéed spinach or other greens
• Use hojicha (roasted green tea) for a more robust flavor
• Finish with furikake seasoning and a drizzle of sesame oil

Tips for Perfect Ochazuke

• Temperature balance: Rice should be warm but not scalding; tea should be hot but not boiling
• Texture variety: Combine soft, chewy, and crunchy elements for the most satisfying experience
• Broth clarity: For the best presentation, make sure your tea or dashi is clear, not cloudy
• Quick assembly: Have all toppings ready before pouring the liquid to maintain their distinct textures
• Seasonal adjustments: Use lighter toppings and cooler tea in summer, heartier components in winter

Ochazuke embodies the Japanese concept of mottainai (avoiding waste) by transforming leftover rice into a delicious new dish. Its adaptability makes it perfect for using up small amounts of ingredients, while its comforting nature has ensured its place in Japanese cuisine for centuries—from imperial courts to modern convenience stores.

Whether you enjoy it as a late-night snack, a hangover cure, or a light meal, ochazuke offers a taste of authentic Japanese home cooking that’s both accessible and deeply satisfying.