The star of the show
Miso Pilaf Rice
At any barbecue event, the spotlight is usually on the smoky, juicy meats sizzling on the grill. But at this gathering, one carb dish had everyone going back for seconds—some even thirds! Guests devoured it as if there was no tomorrow, leaving the barbecue meats almost forgotten. What made this dish so irresistible?
word of advice from chef goh
miso pilaf rice: Key Takeaways
🔥 The Private Chef’s Secret: It’s not about premium or expensive ingredients! The magic lies in expert techniques and creative flavor combinations.
🥢 What Made the Unique Difference?
The game-changing ingredients: Caramelized Onions and Brown Miso Paste. But it’s not just about adding them—you need to know how to use them to unlock their full umami potential!
In March 2025, a returning client requested a barbecue menu—and as always, the main attractions are supposed to be the barbecued meats. But at this 18-person event, something unexpected happened… We prepared 2kg of Pilaf Rice, thinking it would be a simple side dish. Instead, guests devoured it without leaving space for the meat!
a simple recipe anyone can make
what do you need to make miso pilaf rice?
Caramelized Onions
Yellow Onions – 450g
Canola Oil or Corn Oil – 15ml
Bay Leaves – 4-5 leaves
Dried Oregano – 5g
Salt – 2.5g
Vegetables
Shiitake Mushrooms – 150g (sliced)
Frozen Green Peas – 150g
Butter – 50g
Rice
Fragrant Rice – 800g
Salt – To taste
Seasoning
Miso Paste – 60g
Hot Water – 60g
caution: delicious meal in progress
cooking instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Rice
Wash the fragrant rice thoroughly, then soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Don’t worry about over-soaking—it can be left for up to 2 hours without issue.
2️⃣ Caramelize the Onions (The Secret Ingredient!)
Slice the yellow onions thinly.
In a pan, add canola oil, bay leaves, dried oregano, and salt.
Turn the heat low and slow—this is key! Stir occasionally for 15-20 minutes until the onions become golden brown, sweet, and packed with umami.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Once the onions are caramelized, increase the heat.
Add in butter and let it melt.
Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and green peas.
Lightly sauté—do not fully cook them, just half-cook for maximum flavor. This mixture will serve as the base for your Pilaf Rice!
4️⃣ Cook the Rice
Drain the starchy water from the soaked rice.
Add fresh, clean water as required for cooking.
Add the buttered vegetable mix into the rice.
Salt the rice lightly, using significantly less salt than usual (since miso paste will add saltiness later).
Mix everything well, then cook the rice in a rice cooker.
5️⃣ Prepare the Miso Seasoning
While the rice is cooking, dilute the miso paste in hot water
Stir until it is fully melted and evenly mixed.
6️⃣ Final Touch – Miso Magic!
Once the rice is cooked and hot, immediately sprinkle the diluted miso paste evenly over the rice.
Gently mix to ensure the flavor is spread evenly throughout the dish.
onions, miso paste & everything nice
miso pilaf rice: the secret Ingredients
Caramelized Onions and Miso Paste—but here’s the catch: they must not be overcooked!
This unique combination created a flavor explosion that was rich, umami-packed, and absolutely irresistible.
But beware—caramelizing onions takes time and effort. It’s a labor of love, but trust us, it’s worth every minute!
The Secret Make Chef Kirby Goh’s Irresistible Mushroom Miso Pilaf Rice?
🥄 Soak the Rice – Before cooking, wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. This helps achieve a fluffier texture and enhances absorption of flavors.
🌾 Use Fragrant Rice – A simple yet powerful choice! Fragrant rice adds natural aroma, making the dish even more enticing.
🧂 Balance the Salt – Since miso paste is naturally salty, reduce the usual salt amount by half to avoid overpowering the dish.
🧅 Yellow Onions—Lots of Them! – The real game-changer. To achieve that sweet and savory depth, you’ll need a LOT of yellow onions. Keep in mind that 1kg of raw onions will reduce to only about 200-250g of caramelized goodness after slow cooking.
🔥 The Hardest but Most Rewarding Step – Caramelizing onions takes time, but the result is worth it. Their deep, umami-packed sweetness is what makes this pilaf absolutely addictive!
How to Request a Personalized Private Chef Service?
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1. Contact Us for a Consultation
📞 Reach out to us & Provide details such as your event date, guests, preferred cuisine, and dietary needs (halal, vegan, gluten-free, keto, etc.).
2. Customize Your Menu & Get a Quote
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3. Confirm Your Booking & Make Payment
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Private Chef in KL: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hiring a private chef for a home dining experience?
Imagine experiencing restaurant-quality dining in the comfort of your home. A private chef transforms your home into a personal fine-dining restaurant, offering a customized culinary experience tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional food delivery, a private chef provides freshly prepared gourmet meals, full service, and an exclusive atmosphere that elevates any occasion.
Can a private chef customize menus for dietary restrictions like halal, vegan, gluten-free, or keto?
Absolutely! Private chefs specialize in crafting menus that cater to dietary restrictions such as halal, vegan, gluten-free, or keto. For halal meals, the best way to ensure full compliance is by assigning a Muslim private chef to prepare and serve your dishes.
How far in advance should I book a private chef for a special event or dinner party?
How much does a private chef cost, and what factors affect the pricing?
The cost of hiring a private chef varies based on menu selection, ingredient quality, service type, and location. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or a premium fine-dining experience, a private chef can tailor the menu to match your budget. Additional factors like travel distance, special dietary requests, and required kitchen equipment can also impact pricing.
What is included in a private chef service—do they handle grocery shopping and cleanup?
Are private chef services worth it for small gatherings or intimate dinners?
Yes! Private chefs specialize in delivering a quality-over-quantity experience, making them ideal for intimate dinners, small gatherings, and special celebrations. Unlike large-scale catering, a private chef focuses on personalized, high-quality meals that elevate the dining experience for you and your guests.
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