dashi

Kombu Shiitake Dashi (Kelp & Shiitake Mushroom Stock)

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Dashi, the basic stock of Japan, is also one of the building blocks of Japanese cuisine.  There are several different types, the most classic being dashi made with katsuobushi (dried bonito fish flakes) and kombu (dried kelp), which I’ve written about before.  But if you don’t eat fish, there are still several stock options available […]

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Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Buta no Kakuni)

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Buta no kakuni, Japanese braised pork belly, is one of those dishes that makes my mouth water just thinking about it.  Tender, juicy chunks of pork belly that have been braised until tender and glazed in a braising liquid made from dashi (Japanese sea stock), mirin, sugar, and soy sauce.

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Braised Alaskan Black Cod

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Alaska love has been flowing strong this year on American television, with Andrew Zimmern visiting Alaska’s Inside Passage on an episode of his show Bizarre Foods, and the most recent season of Top Chef drawing to a close with the final four contestants earning the chance to visit Juneau, Alaska and competing using seafood from […]

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Tamago Kake Gohan (Egg Over Rice)

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Tamago kake gohan (卵かけご飯) (“egg over rice”) is a popular Japanese breakfast dish, which consists of hot steamed Japanese rice, topped with raw egg, and toppings.  Ten years ago I doubt that the thought of eating a raw egg would have sounded the least bit appetizing.  (Although I’ve never been one to turn down a […]

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Sweet Potato Ginger Risotto

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Sweet Potato Ginger Risotto Makes 3 – 4 servings 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, minced 1 cup rice 4 to 6 cups warm dashi salt 1 cup sweet potato cubes (1/2-inch cubes) 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium […]

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Daikon, Carrot, Persimmon, and Pomegranate Sunomono

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Add this recipe to ZipList! Daikon, Carrot, Persimmon, and Pomegranate Sunomono Makes approximately 5 servings Recipe Note: The sunomono can be made and stored in the refrigerator ahead of time.  After about 6 hours the flavors start to become stronger, which I personally like, but which may be less appealing to some guests.  So if […]

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Endive Boats with Avocado, Pomegranate, & Crab Salad—Gluten-Free Appetizer for Share Our Holiday Table

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Add this recipe to ZipList! Endive Boats with Avocado, Pomegranate, & Crab Salad Makes approximately 30 boats Recipe Note: For those who want to make sure this appetizer is gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.  You could also substitute Bragg Fluid Aminos if you can’t find a gluten-free soy sauce. […]

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Miso Soup with Clams, Shiitake Mushrooms, & Wakame

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Miso Soup with Clams, Shiitake Mushrooms, & Wakame Makes 4 servings 4 cups dashi 1 pound clams 4 tablespoons miso paste 2 tablespoons prepared wakame* 3 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1. Bring the dashi to a simmer in a medium-size pot over medium high heat. 2. Reduce the heat to low, add the clams, […]

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Kaki Zosui—Oyster and Rice Soup

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Kaki Zosui—Oyster and Rice Soup Adapted from Kaki Zosui recipe in An American Taste of Japan, by Elizabeth Andoh, p.63 Makes 4 servings 1 1/2 cups steamed Japanese rice 1 dozen freshly shucked oysters, reserve their liquor 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups dashi 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives 1. Place the […]

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How to make handmade udon noodles—it’s easier than you might think!

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Handmade Udon Noodles Recipe adapted from Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking, by Harumi Kurihara Makes 4 servings 4 teaspoons salt 8 ounces (1 cup) warm water 2 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour bread flour, for dusting (in step 6) 1. Add the salt to the warm water and stir until […]

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