My friend Jen reminded me of taco rice the other day. It took me right to Okinawan taco rice. At first glance, you’re probably thinking that Okinawa and tacos don’t really go together. I thought the same thing when we first moved to Japan in 2004. But, I quickly found out there were many places to get tacos on the island, and even better, a delicious variation called taco rice.
The first place we had it was a small restaurant by the seawall with lots of exposed wood and an open doorway simply covered by a blue and white curtain. A lady came to take our order and asked us what toppings we wanted. We told her to put the toppings that she suggested on the rice, since we weren’t familiar with the concept of taco rice at the time and figured she would know best. She brought back these gorgeous, steaming, deep blue pottery bowls filled with rice and taco toppings. On top, a gorgeous fried egg. We were skeptical since the egg was another ingredient we did not associate with tacos, but we were in a new place and in new places you try new things. That’s half the fun. We dug in right from the top, getting a little of everything in our first bite. That first bite…that savory, cheesy, crunchy, oozy, salty, ridiculous first bite! It made us wonder why taco rice hadn’t always been in our lives.
As we were stuffing our faces, we noticed the lady that took our order ducked out of the front door and across the street to a Yen Shop. She retuned shortly, and with her, she had a small bag which she took to the back. We were still eating and marveling at the wonder of taco rice when she approached our table with a toy set. She placed in on the table in front of our then three year-old daughter and told us that it was part of her meal. That was the very moment Okinawa took a piece of my heart and never let it go. She didn’t speak much English and our Japanese was terrible, so she could have pretended toys didn’t come with the meal. It wasn’t written anywhere. But she took the time to take care of us and bring us the best rice bowls she thought we’d like and even dash out to pick up a toy for our kiddo. We learned a lot about hospitality, the Okinawan people, and the power of a comforting bowl of taco rice.
I’m sharing this recipe with you as a way to bring a little Okinawan hospitality and deliciousness to your table. Whether or not you decide to top it with a fried egg is your decision, but either way I hope you’ll give this a try.
Okinawan Taco Rice
1 recipe sushi rice (we use Alton Brown’s recipe and it is perfect every time)
1 lb. ground Beef or Turkey
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 cup water
Taco toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Cheese, Chopped Tomato, etc.
Optional: Fried Egg
Make sushi rice according to recipe.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Put a little olive oil in the pan. Brown the beef or turkey, and drain of most of the fat, leaving just a little for moisture.
Mix all of the spices from the chili powder through the red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Add the tomato paste to the meat in the skillet and stir until combined. Mix in the spice blend and cook for a minute or so until they smell fragrant. Pour in the water and stir, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
To assemble, place some of the sushi rice in a bowl. Top with meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato and fried egg, if you wish.
The Okinawans aren’t as fond of these toppings, but you can also use sour cream, taco sauce, green onions or cilantro if they are something you like! Make it your own, just as long as you’re making it, I’m thrilled.
Be sure to take pictures of your taco rice and post it to my Facebook Page or use the hashtag #eclecticyellowhouse on Instagram. You can follow me on Twitter now too at @EclecticYellow. Let’s connect and wax poetic about taco rice, Okinawa, fried eggs…I’m down with it all!
Eclectic Yellow House 
This is very different yumm
It is different and so very tasty! Hope you’ll try it!
It is very different I love that! I would like to!
Oh my! This brings back some yummy (going to have to find another synonym for this word – maybe amazing?) memories of sitting at your table in Oklahoma experiencing this dish for the first time….the whole world should have that experience!!! Thank you for this wonderful recipe. It will adorn my table soon. I promise.
I was just watching Anthony Bourdain enjoying a big plate of taco rice. This idea is genius! I can’t believe I haven’t thought of it before. I’ll be adding it to our dinner menu this week. I think my boys will love it. They love tacos and they love rice so it only makes sense that they would love taco rice!
Hi Ann! Thanks for commenting! I hope you and your family love the taco rice. We sometimes find ourselves craving it over regular tacos. Enjoy!
I love this idea. I’ve never added rice to our taco bowls but think I should! I’ll have to try this next time!
Hi Michelle! Thanks for commenting. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it!
Intriguing. I saw Taco rice and had to take a read. It’s amazing how memories of hospitality/kindness stick with you forever.
Intriguing. I saw “Taco Rice” and I needed to come take a read. It’s amazing how memories of kindness/hospitality stick with you forever
Thank you for stopping by and reading! It is wonderful how those memories stay with us,isn’t it?
I have never tied this but it looks great. I love the sound of it. Making asap!
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoy it!
I love it..looks so easy too. can’t wait to try it
It is very easy and really delicious! I hope you’ll give it a try and like it!
What a unique and delicious looking recipe…I really want to dive into a bowl of this! 🙂
Thank you! I want to dive into a bowl too…it’s great comfort food!
What a great story and a delicious looking dinner! I think we’ll give it a go but with veggies instead of the meat. Thanks!
Absolutely! I think a veggie option sounds wonderful. Thanks for reading!
I love that kind of cultural merger… You know – “here’s a good idea, now we’ll cook it *right!* – who has tortillas?” And of course I’ll add the egg… LOL
Absolutely, Anne! I love cultural mergers too. Without them, we’d have no Korean tacos, and who wants a world like that? 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I love cultural mergers like that! And sure I’ll add an egg..
Oh my gosh … what a simple and fun dish! Totally making this for Taco Tuesday soon!
Hi Kimberly! Thanks for reading. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it! Taco Tuesday definitely needs taco rice!
I’ve actually seen Japanese/Mexican fusion restaurants, even Korean/Mexican fusion! There’s a couple places in my hometown where you can get a sushi burrito!
A sushi burrito sounds delicious! I’d certainly give that a try. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love how different this is. My youngest adores rice, mince and salad. So this is utterly perfect for him!!!!
Thank you so much! I hope he loves it as much as we do. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!