Azuki Gayu (あずき粥), red bean porridge, is a delightful blend of simmered Azuki beans and rice. Unlike ordinary white porridge, it takes on a red hue, and this color has been recognized for its mystical power. It has been used to ward off disasters during house moving or embarking on a journey. Moreover, it holds…
This simple salad is made with fuyu persimmon and small radish which are both in season during fall through winter. Known as the national fruit of Japan, persimmons have been loved by the people of Japan for over a thousand years. Persimmons are naturally sweet, and they can be eaten firm or soft after being…
Ozoni (お雑煮) is a traditional Japanese New Year’s dish made with rice cakes and seasonal vegetables served in a hot, comforting soup. There are countless regional variations of Ozoni across Japan, and Tokyo has its own distinctive style for celebrating the New Year.
This potato gratin is made with a delicious creamy Tofu sauce. Typically, gratins feature Béchamel white sauce, but in this recipe, the sauce primarily consists of pureed silken tofu. It offers a healthier alternative with fewer calories while being rich in protein and various nutrients inherent in Tofu. A modest amount of butter and milk,…
Fried chicken may have originated outside Japan, but it has become immensely popular there—thanks largely to the American fast-food giant Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Unlike Japanese Karaage, which has a lighter, bite-sized coating, American-style fried chicken is known for its thick, crunchy crust. As Christmas approaches, fried chicken suddenly goes into high demand across Japan,…
Natto (納豆) is a traditional Japanese food that is made from fermented soy beans. It is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals. While there are so many health benefits, Natto is probably among the least favored Japanese foods by non-Japanese people. The texture is slimy, and there is a distinct smell that…
Today’s miso soup is made with frozen seafood mix. Frozen seafood mix are widely available at supermarkets, and they typically include frozen shrimp, squid, and scallop. They are handy to keep in the freezer as we can add to various soup and stir-fried dishes. In this recipe, we also added onion and napa cabbage, but…
Christmas Cake is a round layered cake, usually a sponge cake, filled with fruits, and frosted with whipped cream. The fluffy sweet cake is loved by all generations in Japan, and it has become an annual custom for the last several decades. Christmas cakes are seen everywhere in Japan during the season, such as at…
Rice Bowl with Egg and Silky Sauce (Tamago Ankake, 卵あんかけ丼）is a dish where a thickened, savory starchy sauce with egg is poured over rice. This mildly flavored, simple rice bowl dish is perfect for any time of day, but especially convenient during crunch time. It takes no more than 15 minutes from start to finish….
Today’s miso soup features Satoimo, Japanese taro, and chicken. Soft and fluffy, or sometimes sticky, taro is a satisfyingly filling ingredient for miso soup. You may find it a little troublesome to peel taro since it may cause your skin to itch sometimes. Feel free to use gloves if you prefer. Along with the taro,…