Rice Cooker Cheesy Buldak Chicken Rice is a mouthwatering Korean-inspired dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the spicy kick of Buldak sauce, all nestled in a bed of fluffy cooked rice. This recipe is a game-changer for those who love the convenience of rice cookers, as it allows for a hands-off cooking experience that yields a perfectly cooked meal. By using a rice cooker, you can achieve a precise balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a deliciously savory and aromatic dish every time. With this recipe, you'll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience again.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup of uncooked white or brown rice
* 2 cups of water
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tbsp of Buldak sauce (or gochujang for a similar spicy paste)
* 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 tsp of ground black pepper
* Salt to taste
* Optional ingredients for variations: sliced bell peppers, diced kimchi, chopped green onions, or grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Steps:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then add it to the rice cooker with 2 cups of water. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Buldak sauce (or gochujang) to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to combine with the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Once the rice is cooked, add the chicken and sauce mixture on top of the rice. Stir gently to combine.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot and garnish with optional ingredients for added flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations:
* For a spicier dish, add more Buldak sauce or gochujang to taste.
* For a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce mixture before adding the chicken.
* To add some crunch, top the dish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with diced tofu or tempeh.
* To make individual servings, cook the rice and sauce mixture in ramekins or small bowls.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or feta, for unique flavor profiles.