recipe

Quick & Easy Malaysian Tomato Rice Recipe

tomato rice crushed and stirred inside min mini rice cooker with a bowl of rice and 2 tomatoes on the side

Tomato rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines rice with tomatoes and your favorite sides. This hearty comfort food is loved for its simplicity and nutritional benefits.

Why You'll Love Tomato Rice:

  • Bursting with Nutrients: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, this healthy meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make it a go-to dish for busy days.
  • Versatile: Customize with your choice of vegetables and proteins for a meal that suits your taste.

The Rich History of Tomato Rice

Tomato rice is celebrated not only for its abundance of vitamins and minerals but also for its rich historical roots. Introduced to Malaysia over a century ago, this dish has woven itself into the fabric of Malaysian cuisine, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. Today, tomato rice stands as a staple in Malaysian households, prized for its health benefits and ease of preparation. As health consciousness becomes increasingly prevalent, tomato rice has surged in popularity, nourishing families with its nutrient-rich profile and delightful simplicity.

a vintage photo of people cooking using tomatoes and rice in a medieval setting
In the past, tomato rice was a nourishing staple, fueling the energy of hardworking laborers.

A Symphony of Flavors

Malaysian Tomato Rice offers a tantalizing explosion of flavors that captivates the palate. The tanginess of ripe tomatoes melds harmoniously with a variety of ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes. Each grain of rice absorbs the rich tomato juice, along with the essence of accompanying vegetables and meats, resulting in a dish that is both savory and subtly sweet.

Versatile Serving Options

Tomato Rice can be enjoyed in numerous ways, each offering a unique culinary experience:

  • As the main healthy carbohydrate option on a meal plate.
  • As the main course, accompanied by favorite side dishes.
  • As the base for meat curries, allowing the rice to soak up robust flavors.
  • As a side dish, perfectly complementing hearty proteins like roasted meats.

Incorporating tomato rice into your meals not only adds a burst of flavor but also contributes to a balanced and nutritious diet.

a tomato on white sand and white button mushrooms on a clothe

Serving

1-2 pax

Cooktime

15 mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients
🍅 1 whole ripe tomato
🍚 1/2 cup uncooked rice
🥕 2 tbsp of your favorite mix-ins (e.g., sliced white button mushrooms, green peas, chopped ham, etc.)
🍶 2 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice
    Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
    Add the rinsed rice to the mini rice cooker and pour in 1/2 cup of water.
  2. Prepare the Tomato
    Score the bottom of the whole tomato with a small knife to help it cook evenly.
    Gently place the tomato on top of the rice in the cooker.
  3. Add Mix-Ins
    Scatter your favorite mix-ins (sliced mushrooms, green peas, chopped ham, etc.) around the tomato.
  4. Season
    Drizzle the soy sauce over the ingredients in the rice cooker.
  5. Cook
    Set the rice cooker to the “quick rice” setting and start the cooking process.
  6. Finish
    Once the cooking cycle is complete, use a wooden spatula to gently crush the tomato into the rice. This will create a flavorful and rich tomato sauce. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.
  7. Serve
    Scoop out the tomato rice and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!

Taste the tantalizing flavor of tomato rice and enjoy clean plates every time. If you are still not sure what to do, just use min mini rice cooker. It's simple with min!

a group of friends of different races having a great meal together
Like Malaysia, tomato rice brings together diverse flavors, offering harmony in every bite.