When I found a bunch of Garlic Chives getting wilted in the fridge, I decided to add them to Okonomiyaki. To make Okonomiyaki more colourful and nutritious, I also added Carrot. And the result was unsatisfying. It didn’t taste good with ‘Okonomiyaki Sauce’ and Japanese mayonnaise. Why? I tried the ‘Okonomiyaki with Garlic Chives’ with …
My ‘Goma-ae Sauce’ goes so well with many vegetables. I have tried even with Cucumbers, which was quite nice. This time, I was more ambitious. I made Tomatoes into ‘Goma-ae’ and my family was suspicious about this dish. I used Black Sesame Seeds to make the colour striking, and that was discouraging for them but …
There are two very popular Japanese dishes of Spinach. ‘Goma-ae’ is probably the most popular one, and the other one is ‘Ohitashi’, marinated in dashi-base sauce. Many people enjoy it with ‘Katsuobushi’ as a topping. I like it without ‘Katsuobushi’. I often mix Wakame seaweed with Spinach but Toasted Nori is also very nice. Try …
‘Okaka’ is another name for ‘Katsuobushi (dried, fermented, and smoked Bonito) shavings’, that is popularly used for many Japanese dishes. When Onions are in season, juicy and sweet fresh Onions are often consumed in ‘Okaka-ae’ which is a dish of very thinly sliced Onion mixed with ‘Okaka’ and seasoned with Soy Sauce. I added left-over …
I often come across unfamiliar food in Melbourne where I live. It was a long time ago, I ate a very green salad in a small cafeteria, and I don’t remember where it was. Everything was chopped up finely and mixed with tiny grains, smelled very strong like celery leaves which I hated then. The …
I always stock good quality Japanese Instant Ramen in my pantry. Instant Ramen can be a good quick meal with protein and vegetables. On a hot summer day, I often make it into cold refreshing salad for lunch. It’s quick and easy to prepare and very satisfying. Makes 1 Serving Ingredients Instant Ramen 1 Topping …
My family’s favourite ‘Goma-ae Spinach’ sometimes turns to this spicy ‘Goma-ae’ with Itokonnyaku/Shirataki for a change. Itokonnyaku or Shirataki is basically same as Konnyaku/Konjac made from grated Konnyaku Potatoes. They are very low in calories and good source of dietary fiber. It can be replaced with Sweet Potato Starch Noodles which has similar texture. Makes …
It’s easy to make. Add plenty of fresh vegetables in hand and use your favourite salad dressing to season if you like. I always add ‘Edamame’ (young soy beans) for crunchy texture and protein. This can be a perfect complete meal. Makes 4 Servings Ingredients Cooked Rice 500g *Japanese Short Grain Rice (Sushi Rice) recommendedCucumber …
My mother used to make this dish always using fish called ‘Aji’ in Japanese. As ‘Aji’ is difficult to find in Australia, I often use Trevally or Mackerel family fish which have similar flavour and texture. However most fish are suitable for this dish. Sardines and Salmon are very nice, too. This time I used …
Peppery Watercress, which has slightly Wasabi-like flavour, goes so well with Beef. I recommend to cook Beef medium rare or rare just like Beef Tataki. Enjoy this dish with nice wine or chilled beer! Cold Sake or Shōchū are also great. (Needless to say, you can enjoy this dish without alcoholic drinks.) Makes 4 Servings …
‘Sweet & Sour Pork’ is such a popular Chinese dish and there are loads of different recipes. I often come across the dish cooked with pineapple, which I do not like. I never cook meat with fruit. This recipe is based on a recipe I learned in Japan when I was at high school. Pork …
I often cook this ‘Chirashi-zushi’, a type of Sushi which is a kind of decorated rice salad, as a side dish for BBQ. Crunchy ‘Edamame’ are very tasty when mixed with sushi rice. Decorate it with your favourite toppings. This can be a fun cooking activity for children. Makes 6 Servings Ingredients Japanese Short Grain …