Udon Noodles with Grilled Mochi or Chikara Udon (力うどん) in Japanese is a traditional noodle dish made by adding grilled rice cakes to a bowl of udon. It is hearty and filling, with the chewy texture and gentle sweetness of the mochi blending beautifully with the savory broth and thick noodles, creating a deeply satisfying…
Nikudango Amazuan (肉団子甘酢餡) are deep-fried meatballs in a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce. Nikudango literally means “meatball,” and Amazuan refers to the sweet-and-sour glaze in Japanese. This dish is another example of Chinese cuisine that has been adapted to suit Japanese tastes, becoming a beloved staple of Japanese-style Chinese food. You’ll find it on the menu at many Chinese restaurants…
Pan-Fried Shumai Dumplings (焼きシュウマイ) are made by wrapping a seasoned ground pork mixture in thin Shumai skins and cooking them in a pan until crisp and golden. While shumai is typically steamed, this pan-fried version uses a bit of oil, making it a heartier and more satisfying dish than the classic style. Pan-fried shumai is…
While there are plenty of ramen restaurants that serve high-quality bowls with handmade noodles and slow-simmered broth, there’s something special about making ramen at home.Even though we have several ramen recipes on our site that use fresh or dried noodles, sometimes you just need something quick and comforting. That’s where instant ramen shines — it’s…
Conbini Fried Chicken is a flat, square piece of fried chicken sold at many convenience stores across Japan. Kept warm in the hot deli case by the register, it’s available 24/7 at a very reasonable price. While it may not be the healthiest option, it’s a beloved comfort food that just about everyone enjoys.
Hiyashi Kitsune Udon is a refreshing dish of chilled udon noodle soup topped with sweet, soy-simmered fried tofu. It’s the perfect meal for hot days when your appetite tends to fade. The noodles are smooth and easy to eat, while the chilled broth cools you down with every bite.
Boiled Gyoza (水餃子) is a Japanese-style Chinese dumpling that’s cooked in boiling water instead of pan-fried. A mixture of ground pork and finely chopped vegetables is wrapped in a flour-based dough, then boiled and served with vinegary soy sauce for dipping. While not as common as pan-fried Gyoza in Japan, Boiled Gyoza can often be found…
Welcome to Happy Hour with Noriko! This is my little corner to unwind and share a favorite cocktail or sometimes another fun drink—paired with a simple bite, often from Japanese cuisine or beyond, that goes perfectly with it. Think of it as a mini treat to kick off your evening. Today’s menu features Plum Wine…
Sashimi Salad is a light and refreshing appetizer made with raw salmon and crisp mizuna greens. The dressing is just as simple — a bright mix of oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. On hot summer days, starting your meal with a chilled salad like this, paired with a cold drink, is the perfect way to…
Cold Ramen (冷やしラーメン）is a refreshing summer dish made with ramen noodles served in a chilled, savory broth of chicken and kombu. Light yet satisfying, it delivers robust flavor without the heaviness of hot ramen. Unlike Hiyashi Chuka, Cold Ramen focuses on simplicity rather than an array of colorful toppings and strong tangy sauce. While not as common…