Java Rice is an excellent use for day-old rice! This Filipino-style fried rice seasoned with turmeric and annatto powder is a colorful and flavorful side dish that pairs with grilled meat, chicken, or fish.
One of the weekend activities that G and I both enjoy is grilling outdoors. Whether amid hot summers or cold winters, we like to BBQ in our backyard patio.
G doesn't eat a lot of our Filipino food, but he loves to pair his steaks with a generous heap of java rice. With its signature yellow color and subtle flavor, this dish is another delicious way to breathe new life into last night's leftover rice.
Said to have originated from the Aristocrat restaurant chain, it makes the perfect accompaniment to grilled meat (BBQ pork on a stick, pretty please!), chicken, or fish. I also like to serve it with my breakfast pork tocino or longganisa with equally happy tummy results.
Not only is it tasty, but also easy to make and budget-friendly. All you need are twenty minutes and a simple list of ingredients to turn day-old steamed rice into a mouthwatering side dish packed with flavor the whole family will love!
Rice to use
- Use day-old cooked rice. Leaving the rice in the refrigerator for at least a day helps to rid of excess moisture and allows the grains to firm up and separate easier.
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate to completely cool.
Cooking tips
- Making fried rice is a quick process. Have all your ingredients are prepared and ready to go.
- A wok is best but a wide pan with slanted will also do the trick.
Cook on high heat to prevent the rice from sticking to the surface and adds a nice toasty flavor. - Add soy sauce sparingly as excess liquid or moisture might turn the rice mushy. Correct the taste with salt as needed.
Storage instructions
- Allow to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap to warm up from the freezer or refrigerator, leaving the side loose for venting. Heat in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals, carefully fluffing the rice with a fork between intervals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ยฝ red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- ยฝ teaspoon annatto powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, break rice to separate grains.
- In a wok or wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat, combine butter and oil. Heat until butter is melted.
- Add shallots, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring regularly until softened.
- Add annatto powder and turmeric powder. Continue to cook, stirring regularly for about 30 seconds.
- Add rice and gently toss to fully coat. Spread the rice on entire cooking surface of pan for about 45 seconds or until grains start to sizzle and then toss again to redistribute.
- Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook, tossing gently, for about 1 to 2 minutes or until rice grains are heated through and evenly colored. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use day-old cooked rice. Leaving the rice in the refrigerator for at least a day helps rid of excess moisture and allows the grains to firm up and separate easier.
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread on a baking sheet, and refrigerate to completely cool.
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Nathalie says
I love this recipe so much! I make Java rice each time we have grilled food in our main course. It's so easy and so delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe, Ms. Lalaine! We look forward to try your recipes online!
Jean says
Hi I was wondering if you have recipe for ground beef steamed buns, friend of ours when I was a kid used to make them.
Rudy B says
First time to make a Java rice yummy. Thank you for sharing the recipe. My lunch today is Java rice with Steak pork bbq perfect combo
Owie says
Paired this with your beef tapa and it was amazing. Thanks Lalaine for sharing your recipes. I feel like a pro. ๐ Trying to put a rating to every recipes I tried in your website so people would know how amazing your recipes are.
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you, Owie. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review of the recipes.
Jimmy Lichtenstein says
Dis rice is bery good! Yes! I like de yelo color. Itโs bery beautipul!
mel reyes says
I tried this java rice and yes indeed it's perfect,it give more flavor adding the butter.My family is teasing me that i'm becoming a good cook.thanks to you.also my leche flan,the best ever...thanks for always sharing.
Lalaine says
I am glad you find the recipes useful in your home cooking ๐
Bham says
I love Java rice together with chicken or pork Barbecue!again, thank you for the"NOTE"!
Lalaine says
You're welcome, Bham ๐
Princes says
Would love to try this. My 18 year old son love his rice especially fried rice. Teens are very hard to feed but if offered food for the gods" like this Java rice I'm sure I will fill his belly and mom would get lots of hugs and kisses if I will make this for him tonight. Thank you KAWALING PINOY- kudos to your never ending supply of recipe and sharing your talent with us! Mabuhay ka kabayan!โค๏ธ
Lalaine says
Hello Princes
I hope you give this Java rice a try, it's delicious. I actually ate the leftovers this morning for breakfast and enjoyed it by itself with no meat accompaniment. Yummy ๐ For the picky eater in the family, you can add chopped tocino or ham and some green peas/carrots for a delicious one pot meal.
Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it.