Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto
A velvety Japanese-inspired risotto infused with the depth of aged sake and earthy mushrooms. This japanese-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs arborio rice, aged sake, (sliced) shiitake mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1/4 cup aged sake
- 8 oz (sliced) shiitake mushrooms
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until tender and golden.
- Step 2: Stir in arborio rice until coated with butter, then add 1/4 cup sake and cook for 1 minute until absorbed.
- Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups hot chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly for 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 4: Finish with a splash of remaining sake, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto?
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 arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto?
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 Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Old Sake & Mushroom Risotto?
Japanese pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
