In Japan, when we make cucumber salad, we often gently bash the cucumber before cutting it or breaking it into small pieces, so that the centre gets slightly squashed and softened, and the cucumber pieces get seasoned better. Presenting well, too. ‘Bashed Cucumber Salad’ can be seasoned with any dressings or sauces of your choice. …
If you have been to Kyoto, Japan, you might have tasted this famous sweet. To make this sweet, Japanese rice flours ‘Shiratamako’ and ‘Joshinko’ are commonly used, but they are very difficult to find where I live. I use commonly available Glutenous Rice Flour and Rice Flour. You can make this sweet using Glutinous Rice …
‘Azuki’ are small red beans and most commonly used to make sweets in Japan. However, they can be used for savoury dishes as well. I often cook them with Rice. Because Azuki are small and cook fairly quickly, they don’t need to be soaked over night, and it’s easy to use for many dishes. Makes …
Daikon (White Radish) was on special at a local green grocer. I couldn’t resist to purchase some. This dish is one of the dishes I often cook. Today I cooked Daikon with Fried Tofu. Many Australians don’t cook radishes and they don’t know that radishes are delicious when softly simmered, stewed or even stir-fried. Makes …
Soba Salad is becoming popular in Australia and there are many creative Soba Salad recipes out there. But, as a Japanese, I strongly believe that Soba tastes the best with ‘Mentsuyu’, and it is easy to make. Makes 2 Servings Ingredients 2 servings Soba Noodles150 to 200g Pork *thinly slicedSalt & PepperPotato Starch Flour *optionalA …
I am a Mackerel lover. It is not easy to find fresh Mackerel where I live, but canned Mackerel are available form any supermarkets. Woolworths stores started selling very reasonably priced large-size canned Mackerel and I gave up my loyalty to Coles stores. If you love Mackerel, you love this dish. Makes 4 Servings Ingredients …
I love ‘Oysters Takikomigohan’ but I don’t cooked it often, because Oysters are extremely expensive in Australia. Then, I tried to make ‘Oysters Takikomigohan’ using Canned Smoked Oysters that are not expensive. The result was interesting. I changed the favour and added Asian Mushrooms. This cheap ‘Smoked Oysters Takikomigohan’ is not bad at all! Makes …
Dried Wakame is probably the most accessible sea vegetable for many of us. Most Asian grocery stores sell them. I usually buy Dried Wakame that are already cut into small pieces, but not too small. They can be used for many dishes. Makes 4 Servings Ingredients 1 large Cucumber *about 250g1/4 teaspoon Salt2 to 4 …
‘Tsukudani’ is a dish of commonly small fish, shellfish or seaweed cooked in Mirin, Sugar and Soy Sauce to preserve the ingredients. Seaweed ‘Tsukudani’ are often made with Kombu (Kelp) OR Nori. But for me, Wakame ‘Tsukudani’ is the easiest to make. Ingredients 6 tablespoons (*about 12g) Dried Wakame1 cup Dashi Stock *OR 1 cup …
Roasted & Peeled Chestnuts are lovely to eat, but it requires time-consuming work to make. These days, canned or vacuum-packed whole peeled chestnuts are available. A local Asian grocery store sells them, too. Those whole chestnuts can be a special sweet when they are coated with lovely chocolate. Ingredients 20 Roasted & Peeled Chestnuts1 tablespoon …
Gnocchi and Asian flavoured sauces can go very well together. I often cook them with Soy Sauce. This is one of my favourite Gnocchi dishes. It is very simple and easy to cook, yet nutritious and delicious. If you love Gnocchi, why don’t you try it? Makes 2 Servings Ingredients 2 servings Gnocchi3 to 4 …
When you wanted to east something sweet and warm and comforting, a mug cake is a great option. If you have a microwave, the lovely hot ‘Bread & Butter Pudding’ can be made in a few minutes. Makes 1 Serving Ingredients 1 Egg1 tablespoon Sugar1/2 cup MilkA few drops Vanilla Extract1 slice White Bread *add …