Bhutanese Red Rice & Crispy Tofu with Ezay Chili-Cilantro Relish – Authentic Bhutan Recipe

Ingredients for Bhutanese Red Rice & Crispy Tofu with Ezay Chili-Cilantro Relish (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) nutty Himalayan red/brown rice, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crispy pan-seared tofu and broccoli, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fresh tomato-cilantro-chili ezay relish
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Sichuan pepper
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Bhutan seasoning (ginger, garlic, fresh lime)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and Sichuan pepper until golden.
2. Add ginger, garlic, fresh lime along with nutty Himalayan red/brown rice and crispy pan-seared tofu and broccoli, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with fresh tomato-cilantro-chili ezay relish.