Java Rice

Java Rice is not to be confused as Indonesian as this is a Filipino fried rice cooked in garlic and annatto seeds best paired with sweet style barbecues.

Java Rice 1

I never had seen rice prepared in a similar way with other cuisines so where did this dis originated? Is it Spanish in origin or Indonesian as the name hints, well I am not really sure. So people claim it came from Indonesia just look at this Yahoo Answer but I guess they don’t know what they are referring to as this one in my opinion is distinctly Filipino and it does not use turmeric, we use annatto seed to make it reddish orange in colour.

One thing I know though is that the first time I tried it was in my primary school cafeteria, it’s a popular lunch dish paired with Filipino style barbecue. It is also popularized by Aristocrat restaurant I am not sure if they still exist but they make the best chicken barbecue ever again paired with this rice and some pickled raw papaya (atchara) on the side. So for today we will be making one, just take note this rice goes really well with anything barbecued.

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Java Rice

  • Author: Raymund
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 3-4 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Description

Java Rice is not to be confused as Indonesian as this is a Filipino fried rice cooked in garlic and annatto seeds best paired with sweet style barbecues.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cold cooked rice, hand mashed to separate grains
  • 2 tbsp annatto seeds
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • oil
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wok then add the annatto seeds, stir fry in medium heat until oil turns reddish orange in colour, roughly around 1 minute in medium heat. Remove and discard the annatto seeds leaving the oil on the wok.
  2. Add garlic and stir fry until lightly browned.
  3. Add the shallots and sauté until soft.
  4. Add rice then stir well, evenly distribute the oil while stir frying. Turn heat to high then cook for 5-7 minutes while occasionally stirring.

 

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19 Responses

  1. This sounds damn tasty with all that delicious garlic. One question though, I have annatto powder but not the seeds. How can I make this recipe with the powder please?

  2. Delicious !

  3. I’m intrigued by anatto seeds. How does it tastes?

  4. This is like the Masala Rice we make in India!

  5. The annatto seeds sound different in the rice. Great idea!

  6. This is the first I’ve read or heard of this rice and also, annatto. Is there any other ingredient that can replace annatto? I’m in London and am not sure where I can get annatto.

  7. mjskit says:

    I’ve never tasted annatto seeds but you’re right – they do impart a beautiful color. This rice looks delicious!

  8. Thx to you i’m on search for annato seed now Ray….
    btw, i thought java rice refers to java island in Indonesia, usually they add sweet soy sauce within the rice…
    LoL

  9. Fely ordonez says:

    This recipe is great! For so many years I only found it now! Great!

  10. Sheilla says:

    It was delicious! Thank you! I used to think the only way I get this is if I go to Toppings 2. I’m glad I can make it at home!

  11. Evie says:

    Me too, Sheilla! Lol! I’m trying this for a bbq potluck at work.
    Thanks!

  12. Gin says:

    When should I add the salt?

  1. June 15, 2021

    […]   Prepare your charcoal barbecue then grill your chicken, don’t baste at this stage it will burn the chicken due to the sugar content. When chicken is nearly cooked baste chicken with the cooked sauce and cook for one more minute on each side. Serve with Java Rice and Atchara. […]

  2. June 19, 2021

    […] Instructions• â€‹In a deep bowl, mix thoroughly all marinade ingredients.• â€‹Prick chicken with fork several times then coat them with marinade, set aside and keep in a fridge tightly covered for at least 24 hours.• â€‹Remove chicken from the fridge, it should be in room temperature before cooking. Drain chicken of its marinade, reserve the liquid.• â€‹In a sauce pan, mix water and cornstarch until free of lumps then combine with the separated marinade and oil.• â€‹Cook the sauce and simmer until it thickens.• â€‹Prepare your charcoal barbecue then grill your chicken, don’t baste at this stage it will burn the chicken due to the sugar content. When chicken is nearly cooked baste chicken with the cooked sauce and cook for one more minute on each side. Serve with Java Rice and Atchara. […]

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