Java Rice Recipe

Java Rice is a yellowish to reddish rice that is usually served with grilled or fried main dishes. Not to be mistaken with any rice variation in Indonesia, this Java Rice recipe that we have here is Filipino Style which is suited for the Filipino taste.

When you search for Java Rice recipe in the internet, you will see hundreds of recipes with different manner of preparation. Some might be legit while some may be not, the most important thing is that anyone can easily make it and it should taste good. Here at Panlasang Pinoy, we pride ourselves by giving you the easiest Filipino recipes that anyone can prepare. All of our recipes have been tried and tested — this Java Rice recipe is no exception.

Whether you are making Chicken Inasal, Chicken Barbecue, or even Skewered Filipino Pork Barbecue, Java Rice is the best kind of rice to serve them with, and this Java rice recipe will show you how. Have I mentioned that this recipe does not involve stove top cooking? All you need to do is mix all the ingredients with hot steamed rice.

Filipinos Love Rice

What comes to mind when you think of rice? Surely, this form of carbs is no unfamiliar guest at your dining table. Most Asian cuisine makes use of rice, but I would argue that Filipinos love it like no other; regardless of what time of day it is, or even what you’re serving it with, rice makes the Filipino cuisine world go round. Because of how much we adore rice, it is, of course, rather unsurprising that we’ve come up with different iterations of it. One of the most favored of those iterations and plays on this classic grain we know and love is none other than the distinctly delicious java rice!

How do you know if the rice you’re eating is java rice? The answer to that is quite simple — a brief glance at your plate or bowl will tell you the answer! Java rice is characterized by its bright orange hue — almost but not quite like a pancit palabok! The reason I compare it to this beloved pancit is because the reason behind its being yellow-orange is similar. Both palabok and java rice use annatto powder or annatto seeds. Annatto or atsuete is a spice that makes dishes sweet and mildly peppery, but also contributes a vibrancy to any dish it touches. And java rice is certainly no exception. Beyond just its exciting looks, however, java rice is delicious, and makes any dish it pairs with all the more satisfying.

Java Rice vs. Paella vs. Yang Chow Fried Rice

As we mentioned prior, rice is so beloved in the Philippines that we’ve come up with different versions of it in the kitchen. Whether we’ve borrowed them from our Asian neighbors or come up with concoctions of our own, there are different rice recipes that can suit any preference! But how do these rice recipes fare when you put them up against java rice? Let’s take two specific example and see for ourselves.

Firstly, we have paella. Like java rice, paella is colorful and distinct. A European dish by nature, paella was no doubt introduced by the Spanish to us many centuries ago. Our love for rice makes this dish an incredibly enjoyable meal, regardless of the occasion. Paella comes in many different forms, depending highly on the main protein you use. This can range from seafood to just vegetables, to even Filipino favorites like sisig! Unlike java rice where you prepare your main dishes separately, serving paella involves combining all your ingredients together in one giant, wobbly pan. This deliciously fragrant meal is a prime example of how you can throw together a hodgepodge of ingredients and make something truly great.

Another great example of throw-together rice dishes? You can’t look further than yang chow fried rice of course! Perhaps one of the most celebrated rice dishes across the globe, Chinese cuisine and your favorite takeout would not be complete without this hearty treat. A mix of pork, shrimp, egg, and veggies come together in this stir fried and savory bowl of goodness. Even on its own, fried rice is a treat; it already comes packed with protein, from your tasty barbecue pork to your sweet shrimp. But when you eat it with your other takeout favorites, it becomes all the more enjoyable!

What can I eat with Java Rice?

Once you make your java rice, you might think to yourself: what would go well with this? Well, you need not think any harder than necessary. Here are my top three favorite things to pair with java rice — all equally delicious in their own right!

Chicken Inasal

We all know how delicious grilled chicken can be. But there’s just something about chicken inasal that truly sets it apart from the rest. This is in large part due to its uniquely addictive and highly fragrant marinade! Chicken Inasal has a mix of lemongrass, coconut vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, among others. The result is an aromatic burst of flavors that’ll make your mouth drool just thinking about it! A perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty, and savory, java rice will only highlight the incredible flavors your main course has to offer.

Grilled Liempo with Barbecue Sauce

Chicken may not be up your alley — what about pork, then? Smoky and fork tender, a good piece of pork can brighten anyone’s day. Pork belly, or liempo, in particular, is a perfect comfort ingredient, with so many different ways of cooking it. If you’re looking for an ideal partner to your java rice, consider then soaking your liempo in a mouthwatering barbecue sauce! Tangy and tempting, grilled liempo with barbecue sauce is great to serve to friends and family alike. And with your tasty java rice too? You certainly have yourself a winner!

Fried Pork Chop

If you aren’t after something grilled, why not try something fried? A golden brown pork chop makes people’s day just as much as a grilled slab of meat does. When you serve it with atchara particularly, this delectable combination with your java rice will make each bite more delicious than the last! Crispy on the outside but juicy and succulent within, fried pork chop is great for kids and adults alike. Whether eating it with family or on your own, you’re definitely not going to get enough of it!