Easy Meatballs & Cilantro Rice (Rice Cooker Recipe)

This simple and flavorful fusion dish saves time while packing in nutrition—perfect for college students!  Store-bought meatballs make this easier, while frozen peas and mushrooms add extra texture and taste.  For a vegan version, skip the meatballs, use more mushrooms and tofu, and then top with an egg when the rice is nearly finished.

Ingredients:

Rice & Add-ins ingredients:

• 1 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (any kind)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 12+ store-bought meatballs (e.g., Kirkland from Costco)

Cilantro Broth ingredients:

• 1 cup cilantro
• ¼ cup celery
• 1 3/4 cups water (or substitute with chicken broth)

Seasoning ingredients:

• 1 tsp garlic clove, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 cup red onions, diced
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp Korean chili flakes
• 2 tbsp oil

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Rice & Broth:

·         Wash and drain the rice.

·         Blend cilantro, celery, and 1 cup of water until smooth.

2.    Sautéing the Aromatics & Rice:

·         Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

·         Add garlic, shallots, and red onions.  Sauté until fragrant.

·         Stir in the rice and mushrooms, cooking until slightly toasted and glistening.

·         Season with salt, soy sauce, sugar, and Korean chili flakes.  Adjust to taste.

3.    Cooking in the Rice Cooker:

·         Transfer the seasoned rice mixture to the rice cooker.

·         Top with meatballs and frozen peas.

·         Pour in the cilantro broth and remaining water.  Stir to combine.

·         Close the lid and start the cook function.

4.    Finishing & Serving::

·         Once done, fluff the rice with a fork.

·         Serve hot with soy dipping sauce and sliced cucumbers on the side.

Tips:

✅ Add 1 tsp vinegar to the rice for extra fluffiness.

✅ For a vegan version, replace meatballs with tofu and mushrooms, then add an egg on top before the rice is fully cooked.

Enjoy this easy and nutritious meal!