Saizeriya Style Milano Doria: Japanese Rice Casserole Recipe

Milano-style Doria (Rice casserole)　ミラノ風ドリア

🍛 The Legendary “Milano Doria”: Japanese Family Restaurant Style

Have you ever visited a “Family Restaurant” (Famiresu) in Japan? 🍱 In Japan, places like Saizeriya are beloved community hubs where you can enjoy high-quality meals at incredibly affordable prices.

Among their many dishes, the “Milano Doria” (Rice Casserole) is an absolute legend. 🌟 It’s so popular that it’s often called the “soul food” of Japanese students and families!

What is Milano Doria?

Interestingly, although it’s named after Milan, you won’t find this dish in Italy! It is a unique Japanese creation consisting of:

• Turmeric Rice (Golden & aromatic)
• Creamy White Sauce (Béchamel)
• Savory Meat Sauce (Bolognese)
• Melted Cheese

Saizeriya’s mission is to make healthy Italian-inspired home cooking accessible to everyone, and this signature dish has been constantly improved over the years to reach perfection.

---

👨‍⚕️ Dietitian’s Tip: Making it Healthy & Authentic

While the restaurant version is delicious, it can be high in sodium and fats. As a Registered Dietitian, here is how I recreate that iconic flavor while making it better for your body:

• ⚖️ Control the “Oil Balance” By making your own meat sauce, you can avoid the hidden fats in commercial products. I recommend using lean ground meat to keep the flavor rich but the calories lower.
• 💛 The Power of Turmeric Instead of using heavy butter for the rice, I focus on the aroma of turmeric. It provides beautiful color and antioxidant benefits without adding extra fat.
• 🥗 Portion Control & Veggie Pairing Since this dish is carbohydrate-rich, I always recommend serving it with a large green salad or steamed vegetables. This helps slow down sugar absorption and adds much-needed fiber!

---

✨ Endless Variations: Customize Your Doria!

One of the best things about Doria is how versatile it can be. Once you master the basic technique, you can create your own signature version!

The Finishing Touch 🧀 Top it generously with cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a pizza blend) and bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. The crispy cheese on top is the best part!

Swap the Rice 🍚 While turmeric rice is the classic Saizeriya choice, you can easily substitute it with Butter Rice, Ketchup Rice (Chicken Rice), or even Pilaf.Dietitian’s Tip: For a healthier twist, try using brown rice or barley rice to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber!

Experiment with Sauces 🥘 The combination of White Sauce (Béchamel) and Meat Sauce is a favorite, but why not try:

• Curry Doria: Use leftover curry roux for a spicy, hearty meal.
• Seafood Doria: Use white sauce with shrimp and scallops for a sophisticated taste.
• Tomato Doria: Use a simple tomato basil sauce for something lighter.

🍛 Craving Something Spicy? Try Curry Doria!
Want to switch up the flavor? Curry Doria is another Japanese family restaurant favorite. It’s a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for using leftover curry or for those who love a bit of spice. 👉 [Curry Doria (Rice Gratin)]

📊 Nutrition Facts (Total Amount)　

Values are for the entire recipe (approx. 5 servings)

• Calories: 2815 kcal
• Protein: 107.5 g
• Total Fat: 113.7 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 332.5 g
• Sodium: 12.7 g
• (Per serving: Approx. 563 kcal / 21.5g Protein)

🛒 Ingredients : Saizeriya Milano-Style Doria (Rice Casserole)

1. Turmeric Rice

• Rice: 2 cups (320g)
• Water: 360–420g
• Turmeric: 0.9g
• Salt: 1g
• Salted Butter: 10g

2. Meat Sauce (Makes approx. 500g / 80g per person)

• Aibiki Mince (7:3 Beef/Pork ratio): 200g
• Garlic: 4g (Minced)
• Onion: 50g (Minced)
• Carrot: 35g (Minced)
• Olive Oil: 4g
• Wheat Flour: 8g
• Canned Tomatoes: 190g
• Red Wine: 40g
• Water: 50g
• Worcestershire Sauce: 5g
• Salted Butter: 4g
• Salt: 1g
• Pepper / Dried Basil: To taste

3. White Sauce (Makes approx. 400g / 70g per person)

• Salted Butter: 40g
• Wheat Flour: 40g (Sifted)
• Milk: 600g
• Consommé Granules: 2g

4. Toppings

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 150g
• Soft-boiled Eggs: 5 (1 per person)

👨‍🍳 Recipe: How to Recreate Saizeriya at Home

Step 1: The Turmeric Rice

1. Wash the rice and place it in the rice cooker.
2. Add water, turmeric, salt, and butter. Cook as usual.

Step 2: The Meat Sauce (Bolognese)

1. Heat olive oil and garlic in a deep pot. Add the ground meat and fry until it changes color.
2. Add onions and carrots. Sauté until soft.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat.
4. Important: Sprinkle wheat flour evenly over the meat and mix well.Tip: Adding flour before the liquid ingredients prevents lumps from forming!
5. Add canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, and water.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes. Finish by stirring in the butter and dried basil. (If too thin, sift in 1 tsp of flour at a time to adjust.)

🍝 Master the Classic Meat Sauce (Bolognese)
The savory meat sauce from this doria isn’t just for rice! Use it to create a rich and satisfying Meat Sauce Spaghetti. It’s a staple in Japanese homes and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. 👉 [Spaghetti meat sauce (Japanese Bolognese)]

Step 3: The White Sauce (Béchamel)

1. Melt butter in a frying pan over low heat.
2. Sift in the wheat flour. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
3. Turn up the heat slightly. Once small bubbles appear, turn off the heat.
4. Add milk little by little. Use a spatula to break up any lumps until smooth.
5. Once smooth, add the remaining milk and consommé.
6. Simmer over medium heat until thickened.Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning! If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk.

🥛 Master the Classic White Sauce “Think white sauce is too hard to make? So did I! But it’s actually cheaper, safer, and tastes way better than canned versions. You can even freeze it for later. You have to try this!”

Step 4: Assembly & Baking

1. Spread the cooked turmeric rice on a heat-resistant plate.
2. Layer the White Sauce, then Shredded Cheese, and finally the Meat Sauce on top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
4. Use a spoon to make a small depression in the center and top with a soft-boiled egg.