Miso Katsu is a beloved Japanese dish that features crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet (Tonkatsu) topped with a rich, savory red miso-based sauce. The combination of the crunchy panko-breaded pork and the bold, sweet-and-salty miso sauce is irresistible—and has captured the hearts (and appetites) of many across Japan. Originally a local specialty from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, miso katsu has grown far beyond its regional roots and can now be found in major cities throughout the country.
Butter Mochi is a popular Hawaiian dessert made with mochiko (glutinous rice flour), butter, and milk. This chewy, mochi-like treat is infused with the tropical flavor of coconut and resembles Japanese mochi in texture. Its simple, comforting taste evokes a sense of nostalgia for many, especially those familiar with Japanese sweets.
The Japanese Hot Dog (ホットドッグ) is a light meal featuring a split roll filled with a crispy coarsely ground pork sausage and curry-flavored sautéed cabbage, topped with ketchup and mustard. This American classic has been thoroughly adapted over the decades to suit Japanese tastes.
Steak Donburi (ステーキ丼) is a hearty rice bowl dish topped with grilled and sliced beef steak. The steak is typically served with a savory sauce made from soy sauce and butter that pair beautifully with steamed white rice. While the dish itself is simple, it’s rich, satisfying, and makes for a substantial meal you can easily recreate at home.
Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and energizing way to start your day? This Matcha Granola is just what you need! Made with rolled oats, crunchy nuts, a touch of natural sweetness from maple syrup, and the earthy, antioxidant-rich flavor of Japanese matcha green tea powder, it’s a nutritious breakfast option you’ll love. Whether you enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or as a snack straight from the jar, this easy matcha breakfast granola is a flavorful twist on the classic. Packed with nutrients and just the right amount of crunch, it’s perfect for meal prep and keeps well in an airtight container.
Soup Spaghetti combines pasta cooked directly in a savory and creamy soup with mushrooms and spinach. It features equal portions of both pasta and soup, creating a unique dish that’s neither just pasta nor just soup. Although it’s not traditional Japanese cuisine, this Western-style creation has become popular in Japan’s Italian restaurants and appears as instant meals in supermarkets throughout the country. This tasty fusion dish shows how Japan loves to put its own spin on international foods. Each bite gives you the satisfying taste of pasta plus the cozy warmth of soup – truly the best of both worlds!
Miso Grilled Cod (鱈の味噌焼き) is made by marinating cod fillets in a miso-based sauce and grilling them in a frying pan. The fermented miso paste helps tenderize the fish while adding a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. If you start marinating in the morning, the fish will be perfectly seasoned and ready to cook by dinnertime. It’s a healthy and delicious main dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Strawberry parfait (いちごパフェ) is a cold, Western-style dessert served in a tall glass, featuring layers of whipped cream, ice cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh strawberries. The colorful and sweet and tangy dessert has delighted Japanese people for decades.
Salmon Poke is a variation of the traditional Hawaiian dish, “Poke.” This dish combines fresh salmon with creamy avocado and aromatic green onions, all tossed in a savory sauce, making it both delicious and versatile. While the classic Ahi Poke Bowl with tuna is a popular choice, this recipe highlights another beloved staple of Hawaiian cuisine.
We received a beautifully care package from Japan! Kokoro Care’s new limited-edition Cherry Blossom Box includes delightful snacks, tea, condiments, and ingredients to make a delicious picnic for “Hanami” cherry blossom viewing. All items are hand-crafted by regional farmers and producers across Japan, and they are carefully curated by our friends at Kokoro Care.