If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal that's also filling, look no further than Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms! This dish packs a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition, with each cup (147 g) coming in at around 250 calories.

Shiitake mushrooms, a key ingredient in this dish, are known for their rich and savory flavor profile, but also have a number of health benefits. They contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins B and D, and are also rich in fiber and protein.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients and steps needed to prepare this dish, as well as the nutritional profile and benefits of the ingredients used. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking for a tasty and healthy meal, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients of Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

To make Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 2 green onions, sliced

Note: You can also add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions to this dish.

Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms in Asian Inspired Brown Rice

As mentioned earlier, shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in this dish and have a number of health benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• High levels of antioxidants
• Rich in fiber and protein
• Contain vitamins B and D
• Boost immune system function
• Help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Adding shiitake mushrooms to dishes like this is a great way to incorporate more nutrition and flavor into your meals.

Calories in Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

One cup (147 g) of Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms contains around 250 calories.

Preparing Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

To prepare Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the brown rice thoroughly and drain.
2. In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the brown rice, water or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and any additional vegetables you'd like to use. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve while hot.

Serving Suggestion for Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

This dish can be served on its own or paired with your favorite protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp. It also works well as a side dish to other Asian-inspired meals like stir-fries or noodle dishes.

How to Store Leftover Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

Leftover Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Gluten-Free Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it's a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Vegetarian and Vegan-friendly Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

This dish is completely vegetarian and can also be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting the green onions or using a vegan-friendly alternative. It's a great option for those following plant-based diets.

Nutritional Profile of Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

In addition to the benefits of shiitake mushrooms mentioned earlier, here's a breakdown of the nutritional profile of this dish per serving (1 cup or 147 g):

• calories: 250
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 582mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 7g

How Often Should You Eat Asian Inspired Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms

This dish is a great option for a healthy and filling meal, and can be incorporated into your diet as often as you'd like. As with any food, it's important to practice moderation and balance when it comes to your overall diet and nutrition intake.