My oldest son went to Japan over the Christmas break. He spent most of his time in Osaka but went to visit Okinawa for couple of days. While in Okinawa, he was able to try some of the island’s famous dishes like Okinawan soba and taco rice. Taco rice is so popular amongst the Okinawan people; even schoolchildren have it in their bento box for lunch.
Taco rice is the Okinawan adapted version of the Mexican dish, taco. It consists of cooked seasoned ground beef spread over a bed of rice and then topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and shredded cheese. Salsa and sour cream may also be added.
For this recipe, I used the store bought taco seasoning to flavor my ground beef. The cooked beef was tasty and delicious. Eating it with rice was already good. Eating it with shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa and sour cream was even better. Yummy 😀
Cooking Tips for Perfect Taco Rice
To make your taco rice truly stand out, start with high-quality ground beef. Lean beef works well, but if you want more flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and pork. Be sure to season the meat generously. If using store-bought taco seasoning, add a splash of water to help distribute the flavors evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the spices meld together. For an extra kick, consider adding chopped onions and garlic to the beef while it cooks. These aromatics bring depth to the dish. When preparing the rice, opt for jasmine or basmati for a fragrant addition. Cooking the rice in beef broth instead of water can also enhance the flavor. Finally, serve the taco rice immediately after assembling it. The fresh toppings, like lettuce and tomatoes, are best when crispy and vibrant.
Ingredient Notes
Choosing the right ingredients can elevate your taco rice. Start with the rice; short-grain rice is sticky and holds toppings well, while long-grain rice separates nicely and provides a different texture. For the ground beef, consider using grass-fed options for a richer taste. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken can also work. Fresh toppings are essential; use crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce for crunch, and ripe tomatoes for sweetness. Shredded cheese adds creaminess, and you can mix cheddar and Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor. Salsa should be fresh or homemade if you have time. For a creamier touch, opt for full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finally, don’t forget about the spices. If you prefer a more authentic flavor, adding cumin, chili powder, and paprika can take your taco rice to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
Taco rice is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a family-style meal, serve it in a large bowl and let everyone build their own plates. This allows everyone to customize their toppings based on personal preferences. If you want to make it more festive, consider presenting it in taco bowls made from baked tortillas. This adds a fun, edible element to the dish. You can also serve taco rice alongside traditional sides like refried beans or corn salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a fresh mango salsa or a simple side salad. If you have leftovers, taco rice can be reheated and enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner. Just be sure to store any leftover toppings separately to keep them fresh and crunchy. This dish is also great for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you want to make your own taco seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This way, you can adjust the spices to your taste and avoid any preservatives.
How should I store leftover taco rice?
Store leftover taco rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I make taco rice ahead of time?
You can prepare the seasoned beef and rice ahead of time, then just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
What toppings can I add to taco rice?
Toppings like diced avocados, jalapeños, or even guacamole can elevate your taco rice. You might also try adding some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
What kind of rice is best for taco rice?
Jasmine or basmati rice works great for taco rice due to their fragrance and texture. If you prefer something different, brown rice can also be a hearty and nutritious option.
Taco Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Cherry tomatoes quartered
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beef and sauté until it has browned, around 5 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and stir to combine flavors.
- Add water; bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- To assemble one serving of taco rice, place 1 cup of rice on a plate. Top with seasoned beef, followed by shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes and shredded cheese.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
My family has been making this since the 80’s and I never knew what it was called, glad to see it actually quantified here.
about halfway into the 90’s though we swapped the Lettuce for Sweet pea’s and never looked back
I wish you could have some soba, it is so delicious!! My husband and I joked about taco rice when we first got here but it soon became a staple I’m our house (coming from Cali we always have taco fixin’s laying around). They do Mexican a little different around here, I had a burrito that was smothered on Italian dressing and sliced garlic…it was good, but odd!
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for writing:) Yeah,my son was still raving about the Okinawan soba. He said it was really delicious. As for taco rice, he even suggested topping it with Japanese curry, something worth trying in the future 🙂
I lived in okinawa for 4 years, loved the taco rice, the place i ate it at was by the marine base, also loved ocean tacos, man those were good!
I’m always looking for a different idea for leftover taco meat. This is happening for my lunch today – thank you!
My pleasure 🙂
I tried this today. I substituted ground turkey & brown rice. I omitted the lettuce and tomatoes (I didn’t have any) and added some avocado dressing I made and it was delicious.
That’s wonderful! Sounds delicious 🙂
I have been making “Japanese Tacos” for 15 years. We let students from Japan stay in our home while going to the university to study English. Tacos were a staple in our house and one of the students said, “Tonight, I will make you Japanese tacos.” Everything was the same except he used rice. My family has made them ever since then. However, mine have never looked as beautiful as yours do!!!
Thanks Sandy 🙂
Beautiful Taco Rice!!
Thanks 🙂
Great picture! I love taco rice, but I have the advantage of living in Okinawa 🙂 If you want a more local twist- try adding some corn (weird, I know, but they put it on everything), diced cucumbers or flavored mayonnaise dressings on top! I like ’em plain though, and yours looks delish!
Hi Jordyn,
Great idea! I’ll try it next time. Thanks 🙂