Takikomi Gohan

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice
   Wash the rice thoroughly in cold water, changing the water several times until it runs clear. Drain the rice in a colander for 30 minutes.
2. Make the seasoning mixture
   In a bowl, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Prepare the ingredients
   Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrot into small cubes. Remove the stems from shiitake mushrooms and slice the caps thinly. If using aburaage, cut it into thin strips.
4. Cook the chicken and vegetables
   In a large pot or rice cooker pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they begin to change color, about 2 minutes. Add the carrots and shiitake mushrooms and sauté for another 2 minutes.
5. Combine and cook the rice
   Add the drained rice to the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the seasoning mixture and stir gently to combine. If using a rice cooker, transfer everything to the rice cooker at this point. Cover and cook according to your rice cooker's instructions or on stovetop, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
6. Add the green peas
   When there are 5 minutes remaining in the cooking time, quickly scatter the frozen green peas on top of the rice. Do not stir. Replace the lid immediately and continue cooking.
7. Rest and fluff the rice
   Once the rice is cooked, let it rest covered for 10 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle or wooden spoon, mixing the vegetables and chicken throughout.