Sweet & Spicy Caramelized Onion Jasmine Rice
Delight your taste buds with this aromatic jasmine rice infused with the intricate balance of sweetness and spice. Caramelized green onions add a rich, savory depth to the dish while roasted peanuts deliver a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a side dish or a lightly spiced main course, this Asian-inspired recipe is a unique twist on classic rice. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions. Don't forget the garnishes; they elevate the dish to a whole new level!
5
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 3/4 cups (measured)
jasmine rice
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
salt
1/2 teaspoon, divided (measured)
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
green onions
2 cups (chopped into 1/2-inch slices)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
sambal oelek
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (measured)
sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (measured)
roasted peanuts or cashews
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped, salted)
Instructions
1
Start by prepping the peanuts. If they aren't already roasted, lightly roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, then coarsely chop them—remember, you want them chunky, not ground!
2
In a rice cooker, combine 1 ¾ cups of water, 1 cup of jasmine rice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions. Once cooking is complete, keep the rice warm.
3
In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium-low heat. Add the 2 cups of chopped green onions and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of sambal oelek, adjusting based on your spice preference. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the green onions are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4
Increase the heat to medium and add 1 ½ tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture begins to caramelize, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5
Finally, fold in the cooked jasmine rice and the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Serve warm, garnished with extra peanuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
14
Fat
26
Carbs
6
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Spicy Caramelized Onion Jasmine Rice?
It is an aromatic jasmine rice dish featuring a balance of sweetness and spice, enriched with caramelized green onions and crunchy roasted peanuts.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for jasmine rice, which is rinsed and drained before cooking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe produces approximately 5 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains 240 calories, 14g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.
What is the water-to-rice ratio for this recipe?
The ratio used is 1 3/4 cups of water to 1 cup of jasmine rice.
How should the peanuts be prepared?
Peanuts should be lightly roasted in a dry skillet until golden and then coarsely chopped so they remain chunky.
Can I substitute peanuts with another nut?
Yes, roasted cashews are a recommended substitute for peanuts in this recipe.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of peanut oil for sautéing the aromatics.
How much green onion is required?
You will need 2 cups of green onions chopped into 1/2-inch slices.
How is the spice level controlled in this dish?
The spice comes from sambal oelek; you can use between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon depending on your heat preference.
How much garlic should be added?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What ingredients create the caramelization?
A combination of 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar are used to caramelize the onion mixture.
How long do I sauté the green onions and garlic?
Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant before adding the caramelizing agents.
How long does the caramelization process take?
Once the vinegar and sugar are added, stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to caramelize.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the rice cooker and the sauté pan.
What is the recommended cooking method for the rice?
The recipe recommends using a rice cooker for the jasmine rice to ensure it is cooked perfectly.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning during caramelization?
You should stir continuously and keep a close eye on the pan as the mixture caramelizes.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
The dish should be served warm, immediately after folding the rice and nuts into the onion mixture.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, while it works great as a side dish, it can also be served as a lightly spiced main course.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features soft, aromatic rice combined with savory-sweet onions and a satisfying crunch from roasted peanuts.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is suitable for casual weeknight meals.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste used in this recipe to provide heat and depth.
How do I combine the rice and the seasonings?
Gently fold the cooked rice and chopped peanuts into the sauté pan with the caramelized onions until evenly combined.
Does the rice need any seasoning while cooking?
Yes, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the rice cooker along with the water and jasmine rice.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients including staples like water, salt, and sugar.
What should I do if my peanuts are not roasted?
Lightly roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden before chopping.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by sweet, spicy, and savory (umami) flavors with an Asian-inspired profile.
Can I add more peanuts at the end?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with extra peanuts before serving to add more crunch.
What heat setting is used for the onions?
Start with medium-low heat to soften the onions, then increase to medium heat for the caramelization phase.