Gohan
Gohan is the Japanese term for cooked white rice, which serves as the foundational staple of Japanese cuisine. It is typically prepared using short-grain Japonica rice, which becomes tender and slightly sticky when steamed, making it easy to eat with chopsticks. This simple dish is central to almost every traditional Japanese meal, from breakfast to dinner.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Gohan is a high-carbohydrate food that provides a quick and efficient source of energy, with minimal fat and a small amount of plant-based protein. A standard one-cup serving (about 150 grams) contains roughly 200-240 calories, along with essential nutrients like manganese, selenium, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 242 kcal |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
| Carbs | 53.4 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Manganese | 1.1 mg |
| Selenium | 19.1 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.3 mg |
| Folate | 58 mcg |
| Iron | 1.9 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Phosphorus | 68 mg |
Per 1 cup (158 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the word 'gohan' also means 'meal' in Japanese, highlighting rice's central role in the cuisine. Nutritionally, its sticky texture comes from a specific starch called amylopectin, which makes it uniquely suited for eating with chopsticks and pairing with a wide variety of side dishes.
