Seafood Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch features a vibrant mix of succulent shrimp, tender squid, and fresh scallops served atop sizzling rice seasoned with savory black pepper and garlic, garnished with colorful vegetables for a sizzling, aromatic, and flavorful dining experience.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Sizzling plate (cast iron plate)
- Stove or induction cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving tray
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 pieces squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 6 fresh scallops
- 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
Using fresh seafood like shrimp, squid, and scallops ensures the best flavor and texture for your dish; if fresh options are unavailable, frozen seafood can be a practical substitute but should be thoroughly thawed and patted dry. Japanese short-grain rice is essential for achieving the ideal sticky and slightly chewy texture, which complements the sizzling presentation on the cast iron plate. Season your rice with freshly ground black pepper and minced garlic for an authentic, aromatic flavor profile; pre-mixed pepper blends may lack the vibrant taste. Be mindful of balancing soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to create the perfect umami and subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural seafood flavors. Your sizzling Seafood Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch copycat menu will deliver a restaurant-quality experience at home when these ingredient details are carefully considered.
Instructions
- Cook Japanese short-grain rice in rice cooker.
- Prep and cut shrimp, squid, and scallops.
- Dice carrots and chop green onions.
- Heat sizzling plate on stove or induction cooker until very hot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, sugar, and salt; mix well.
- Toss seafood (shrimp, squid, scallops) with half of the sauce mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil on hot sizzling plate.
- Sauté seafood on plate until cooked through; push to the sides.
- Add butter to the center of the plate.
- Add cooked rice to the center of plate.
- Pour remaining sauce over the rice.
- Top rice with sweet corn, green peas, and diced carrots.
- Gently mix rice and vegetables together on the plate.
- Arrange cooked seafood on top of rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately on a serving tray.
Substitution
Seafood Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch copycat menu captures the essence of a sizzling, aromatic dish by combining shrimp, squid, and scallops with black pepper infused rice and fresh vegetables. If fresh scallops are unavailable, you can substitute with bay scallops or firm white fish like cod to maintain a similar texture. When preparing the dish, using a cast iron sizzling plate is ideal for that authentic smoky flavor, but a heavy-bottomed skillet can work as an alternative. Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your heat preference to avoid overpowering your palate. Your rice cooker ensures perfectly cooked short-grain rice, which is key for balancing the dish's rich seafood flavors.
Tips
Use fresh seafood to ensure the best texture and flavor in your Seafood Pepper Rice. When heating the sizzling plate, it should be very hot before adding ingredients to create that signature sizzle and prevent sticking. Tossing the seafood with half of the sauce prior to cooking helps them absorb the flavors evenly. You should mix the rice and vegetables gently on the sizzling plate to distribute sauces without breaking the grains.
Nutritions
Seafood Pepper Rice provides a balanced source of protein from shrimp, squid, and scallops, essential for muscle repair and immune function. The inclusion of vegetables like corn, peas, and carrots adds fiber, vitamins A and C, supporting digestion and immune health. Japanese short-grain rice offers carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout the day. You can enjoy this dish as a nutrient-dense meal that combines protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients for overall wellness.
Storage
Store any leftover Seafood Pepper Rice in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 1-2 days to ensure the shrimp, squid, and scallops remain safe and flavorful. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop to warm the dish evenly, stirring occasionally to restore its sizzling aroma and texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap in scallops for fresh mussels or clams to add a briny twist to your Seafood Pepper Rice. Substitute Japanese short-grain rice with jasmine or basmati for a more fragrant and fluffy texture. Use a mix of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili instead of black pepper for an extra spicy kick. You can also stir in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of grated ginger into the sauce for a zesty, aromatic flavor boost.
Allergies
Seafood Pepper Rice contains shellfish including shrimp, squid, and scallops, which are common allergens that may trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Soy sauce and oyster sauce both contain soy and shellfish derivatives, posing additional allergy risks. If you have seafood or soy allergies, you should avoid this dish or seek safe alternatives.
Why this recipe?
Seafood Pepper Rice at Pepper Lunch combines fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and scallops with sizzling hot rice, garlic butter, and green peppers, delivering a flavorful and aromatic dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The dish is cooked on a hot iron plate, ensuring the rice absorbs the rich flavors while achieving a crispy texture. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference and enjoy the signature Pepper Lunch taste at home without the restaurant price. Your home-cooked version offers both convenience and the satisfaction of recreating a beloved popular menu item.