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Japanese Recipes

Japanese Recipes

Japanese cuisine is celebrated for its delicate flavours, meticulous preparation, and fresh, seasonal ingredients. From comforting noodle dishes to exquisite sushi, these recipes showcase the essence of Japanese cooking.

Japanese Rice Recipes

Japanese rice dishes are versatile and satisfying. Try a deconstructed sushi rice bowl with seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. These recipes offer delicious Japanese flavours with simple ingredients.

Simple Japanese Recipes

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy Japanese food - not even 30 minutes if you choose the right recipe. Whip up a simple yet delicious pulled pork ramen, a quick tofu teriyaki bowl, or one-pan yaki udon.

Vegan Japanese Recipes

Vegan Japanese cuisine offers a variety of delicious meals. From sweet miso aubergine to smoked tofu and sushi rice, you’ll be spoilt for choice when creating a plant-based Japanese menu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Recipes

What are some easy Japanese recipes?

Start with a classic miso soup (dashi, miso paste, tofu, seaweed), a simple onigiri (rice balls with fillings like umeboshi or tuna), or a quick chicken teriyaki (chicken, teriyaki sauce, rice). These dishes use basic techniques but offer authentic Japanese flavours.

What’s needed to make Japanese sauces?

Japanese sauces often rely on a balance of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Learn to adjust these ingredients to achieve the desired sweet and savoury balance. Practice making teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar) or a simple ponzu (soy sauce, citrus juice, mirin).

Is Japanese food healthy?

Yes, many traditional Japanese dishes are inherently healthy, emphasising fresh seafood, vegetables, and minimal use of heavy oils. For example, dishes like sashimi, miso soup, and vegetable tempura are naturally low in calories and rich in nutrients.

What are the essential ingredients for Japanese cooking?

A well-stocked Japanese pantry includes soy sauce, mirin, sake, miso paste, dashi ingredients (kombu and bonito flakes), rice vinegar, and nori sheets.

What makes Japanese food unique?

Japanese cuisine is known for its focus on seasonal ingredients, delicate flavours, and meticulous presentation. The emphasis on umami, the use of dashi, and the art of precise knife work all contribute to its distinct character.

How can I make good Dashi?

To make good dashi (Japanese base stock), you will need Kombu (dried kelp) and Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). Soak the kombu in cold water for 30 minutes, then heat it gently until just before boiling, remove the kombu, then add the katsuobushi, simmer for a minute, and strain. The result is a clear, umami-rich broth.

What are some popular Japanese side dishes (okazu) to try?

Popular okazu include seasoned spinach (ohitashi - spinach, soy sauce, dashi), pickled vegetables (tsukemono), and a simple cucumber salad (sunomono - cucumber, rice vinegar, sugar). These side dishes add variety and balance to any Japanese meal. A good tip for making these is to ensure that you use very fresh vegetables, and use a sharp knife to give clean cuts.

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