Today’s miso soup features imitation crab. While imitation crab may not sound like a high-quality ingredient, it has a lot of umami flavor that enhances the base of the miso soup. Imitation crab, or Kanikama in Japanese, is made from fish paste (primarily pollock) that resembles crab meat. It contains no fat and is high in protein, making it an ideal ingredient for those on a diet. Additionally, it’s rich in calcium, which is an added bonus. Combined with cabbage and eggs, this makes for a delicious and filling miso soup suitable for any meal of the day. Hope you give it a try!
Sauce katsu-don is a local delicacy of Fukui Prefecture, consisting of pork loin or fillet coated in panko breadcrumbs, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and served over steamed rice. Sauce Katsudon differs from regular Katsudon, which is Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) and eggs cooked in a sweet and salty broth placed over rice. In Sauce Katsudon, the hot cutlet is dipped in a savory sauce and then served over a bowl of rice. The Worcestershire-based sauce flavor pairs so well with the steamed rice that this dish has been beloved by people in Fukui for over 100 years. Today, the fame of Sauce Katsudon has spread across the country, and it is enjoyed at many restaurants and homes in Japan.
Natto Pancake is a savory pancake made with Japanese traditional fermented soy beans (Natto) and garlic chives. This savory pancake is similar to Okonomiyaki, but it’s more like Chijimi or Korean Buchimgae with simple vegetable ingredients.
Rice burgers are hamburger-like sandwiches made with molded and grilled rice buns instead of regular bread buns. The grilled rice is seasoned and browned just like Yaki Onigiri (grilled rice balls), and the beef patty is replaced with Yakiniku (grilled beef slices). Rice burgers offer a unique texture and more traditional Japanese flavor, appealing to both young and old in Japan since the 1980s.
Miso Grilled Pork is marinated pork loin in miso paste and pan-fried. It’s succulent, tender, and delicious, yet so easy to make. The pork chops are marinated in a storage bag with all the seasonings, kneaded well together, and left to rest for 1 hour to overnight. Once the preparation is done, the cooking part goes fast. Pan-fry both sides until nicely browned, and that’s it. The only tip to keep in mind is to cook at a lower heat to avoid burning. The seasonings contain sugar, which can burn beyond caramelization if cooked too high. Prep the night before or in the morning, and you can cook the meat in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s easy to multiply the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Serve with salad and miso soup for a delightful dinner! I hope you give it a try!
Today’s miso soup features mushrooms, spinach, and melting cheese. Miso and cheese are surprisingly good together since both are fermented foods. The umami flavors from the ingredients enhance each other, allowing you to achieve a rich and deep taste with little effort. Mushrooms and spinach add even more flavor and nutrition. This creamy miso soup is perfect with toast in the morning or sandwiches for lunch. It’s super quick to make and delicious! I hope you give it a try.
Fruit jelly is a juicy and refreshing dessert that allows you to enjoy the flavors of various fruits in a mildly sweetened, cold jelly. Typically, it is made by solidifying fruit puree or juice with gelatin or agar. In this recipe, we use gelatin not agar, and chunks of fresh and canned fruits are submerged in the neutral flavor of transparent jelly. Fruit jelly is a popular dessert in Japan due to its refreshing taste and attractive appearance. It’s super easy to make at home, using seasonal fruits or experimenting with various flavors.
Meat Omelette is a simple omelette filled with ground meat and onion. This is a nostalgic childhood dish that reminds me of mom’s home cooking. Unlike more popular Omurice, this omelette does not include rice. Fillings can be just as simple as ground meat and onion, or you can also add vegetables such as potato, carrot, and spinach. Try this easy and delicious omelette for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
From Izakaya-style Yakitori chicken to grilled Yakionigiri rice balls, these are some of the best Japanese-style grilling recipes that you will want to try this summer and all year long!
Oyster Okonomiyaki, known as “Kakioko” in Japanese, is a type of Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake. The defining characteristic of Kakioko is its generous use of oysters, making them the star ingredient due to their rich flavor and aroma. The soft batter and crisp cabbage complement the plump texture of the oysters within the pancakes. Here, we will show you how to recreate authentic Kakioko Okonomiyaki at home.