With how hot and humid Japanese summers are, Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華) is the perfect summer dish. It consists of chilled ramen noodles topped with a variety of colorful ingredients. It’s a refreshing option, perfect to help you cool down. I sort of think of it as a...
1. How to Wrap Onigiri Like Japanese Convenience Stores Learn how to wrap onigiri using the same method as Japanese convenience stores to keep the seaweed perfectly crisp until you're ready to eat. 2. Hiyashi Chuka - Cold Noodle Salad A refreshing Japanese cold noodle...
Yaki Onigiri, or Japanese grilled rice balls, are a little twist on traditional onigiri (Japanese rice balls). After shaping rice into a triangle or oval, the rice balls are grilled. The outside then becomes golden brown and crisp. They're often brushed with a savory...
Zaru Soba is one of those deceptively simple Japanese dishes that is so incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. At its core, it’s chilled buckwheat noodles served with a dipping sauce, usually made from a mix of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, and topped...
Yamitsuki Cabbage (やみつきキャベツ), often translated as "Addictive Cabbage," is a popular Japanese izakaya side dish known for its irresistible combination of crunchy cabbage and savory seasonings. Seriously, once you have it, it's hard to go back!! The word yamitsuki means...
Growing up, my mom would make korokke for us all the time, usually when we had tonkatsu. Probably because she could reuse the frying oil. I think because I grew up eating it all the time, I didn't realize how special it was.When I visited Japan, one of my best friends...
If there is one dish that instantly transports me back to Japan, it's curry udon. But mixed with egg drop soup?! Yes PLEASE.When I lived in Japan, I lived right next to an udon shop, and this was always my favorite thing to order. There was something so comforting...
Kimchi is a common traditional Korean and Japanese side dish that consists of fermented cabbage and other vegetables that are seasoned with Korean chili flakes (known as gochugaru).Think of it like the Asian version of sauerkraut - but in my opinion, way better....
I’m pretty picky when it comes to salad dressings, and I’m convinced it’s because I grew up eating Japanese goma dressing. Once you’ve had it, everything else feels inferior! Seriously.Goma dressing is rich, nutty, savory, slightly sweet, and unbelievably creamy,...
Hayashi rice (ハヤシライス) is one of those comforting Japanese home-style dishes that feels both familiar and a little nostalgic, even if you didn’t grow up eating it. For me, though, it truly is nostalgic! I grew up eating it at home all the time. It’s a rich beef and...
Homemade anko (Japanese red bean paste) is an ingredient in Japanese cuisine that is traditional yet surprisingly versatile once you start working with it. Made from simmered adzuki beans, sugar, and a pinch of salt, it has a gentle sweetness and an earthy depth...
This better-for-you Japanese mixed-grain rice is my way of turning a bowl of Japanese white rice into something more nourishing and healthy without losing what makes it comforting in the first place. Instead of treating rice as something to “replace” or restrict, I...
Spinach goma-ae is a classic Japanese side dish that highlights how simple ingredients can be transformed into something deeply flavorful and satisfying. It’s blanched spinach tossed in a rich, nutty sesame dressing made from ground sesame seeds.I've never been a huge...
I love Japanese curry, and I grew up eating it almost every week. It’s comforting, rich, a little sweet, a little savory, and always hits the spot. And to be totally honest, I mostly cook it straight from the box. Those Japanese curry blocks are popular for a...
Furikake is a Japanese pantry staple that instantly makes rice more oomph. When buying furikake, there are so many flavors to choose from: salmon, wasabi, shiso, takana (mustard greens), shrimp, egg, seaweed blends, even kimchi-inspired versions. Every brand seems to...
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.
