Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl
A hearty rice bowl inspired by Minecraft’s blocky landscapes, featuring roasted mushrooms and fresh herbs for earthy flavor. This rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs uncooked jasmine rice, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces cremini mushrooms
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and the edges are crispy.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer to serving bowls. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice over each bowl before serving for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep uncooked jasmine rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Blocky Mushroom and Herb Rice Bowl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my kids! They even asked for seconds. The herbs made it so aromatic.
- ★★★★★
Quick, easy, and delicious. I'll be making this every week.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the rice took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said. Otherwise, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
