18 Japanese Candy Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese candy, also known as "wagashi," is a traditional and beloved part of Japanese culture. These delightful treats are not only visually appealing, but also bursting with unique flavors and textures. Making your own Japanese candy at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore one of the most popular Japanese candy recipes and guide you through the process step by step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese candy skills!
One of the most beloved dishes in Japan, Pork Katsu is a crispy and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Made with tender pork cutlets coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, this dish is usually served with a side of tonkatsu sauce and Japanese rice.
Also known as okonomiyaki, Japanese style pancakes are a popular street food in Japan. These savory pancakes are made with a batter of shredded cabbage, flour, and eggs, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, seafood, or cheese. They are then topped with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Similar to the Japanese style pancakes, okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, meats, seafood, and vegetables. The name okonomiyaki literally means "grilled as you like it," and that's exactly how this dish is made. It's a popular dish at festivals and is often enjoyed with a cold Japanese beer or sake.
Also known as Japanese souffle cheesecake, this light and airy dessert is a popular sweet treat in Japan. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, this cheesecake has a fluffy and delicate texture that resembles cotton candy. It's usually served with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and simple salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, this salad is a perfect side dish to accompany any meal. It's also a great way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Originating from China, ramen has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with wheat noodles, a flavorful broth, and a variety of toppings such as pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and seaweed, ramen is a comforting and hearty meal that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as omusubi, are triangular-shaped rice balls that are a popular snack or side dish in Japan. They are usually filled with ingredients such as pickled plum, salmon, or seaweed, and are often wrapped in seaweed. They are a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal on the go.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, also known as potstickers, are a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. They are made with a thin dough wrapper filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and seasonings, and are then pan-fried until crispy. They are often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This noodle is often served in a hot broth made with bonito flakes, soy sauce, and mirin, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as tempura, tofu, or vegetables. It's a popular comfort food and is often enjoyed during the colder months.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a popular vegetable in Japanese cuisine. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is often used in dishes such as nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant with a sweet miso glaze) or tempura. It's a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a popular type of noodle in Japan. They have a nutty and earthy flavor and are often served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth. One delicious way to enjoy soba noodles is with a peanut sauce, which adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, which translates to "grilled chicken," is a popular street food in Japan. It consists of skewered pieces of chicken that are grilled over charcoal and basted with a teriyaki sauce. It's a delicious and convenient option for a quick snack or meal.
Also known as zucchini or courgette, Japanese zucchini is a popular vegetable in Japan. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is often used in dishes such as tempura or sukiyaki (a hot pot dish with a sweet and savory broth). It's a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
While Japan is known for its delicious seafood, it also has some amazing beef dishes. Japanese beef, such as Kobe beef, is renowned for its tenderness and marbling. One popular way to enjoy Japanese beef is in a steak dish, either grilled or pan-fried and served with a side of rice and vegetables.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular rice bowl dish in Japan, made with a breaded and fried pork cutlet, eggs, and onions. It's usually served over a bowl of rice and topped with a sweet and savory sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by many.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Sweet potatoes, also known as satsumaimo, are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. They are often used in dishes such as sweet potato tempura or sweet potato salad, but one delicious way to enjoy them is in a sweet potato okonomiyaki. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pancake.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki udon is a stir-fried noodle dish that is popular in Japan. It's made with thick udon noodles, a variety of vegetables, and a protein such as chicken or beef. It's a great dish for beginners as it's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Japanese curry, also known as kare raisu, is a popular dish in Japan. It's a thick and flavorful curry made with a variety of spices, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken or beef. It's usually served over a bowl of rice and is a favorite comfort food among many Japanese households.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
While traditional ramen is made with a pork-based broth, there are also variations that use chicken broth instead. This version is just as delicious and is a great option for those who don't eat pork. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken or chicken broth from other meals.
To make this Japanese candy recipe, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
1 cup glutinous rice flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon matcha powder
1/4 cup red bean paste
1/4 cup white sesame seeds
1/4 cup kinako (roasted soybean flour)
Equipment:
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Pot
Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Mix well until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it is too wet, add a little more flour. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is soft and pliable.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Color
Divide the dough into three equal portions. In one portion, add the matcha powder and knead until the dough is evenly green. In another portion, add the red bean paste and knead until the dough is evenly red. Leave the third portion as is.
Step 3: Steam the Dough
Line a steamer basket or bamboo steamer with parchment paper. Roll out each portion of dough into a thin layer, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough layers on the parchment paper and steam for 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Candy
Once the dough is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes from each layer of dough. You can also use a knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
In a small pan, toast the white sesame seeds until they are lightly browned. Roll the green and red dough shapes in the sesame seeds to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. For the plain dough shapes, roll them in kinako for a sweet and savory taste.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your homemade Japanese candy is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a dessert or snack, or package them as a thoughtful gift for family and friends. The combinations of flavors and textures in this recipe will surely delight your taste buds and impress anyone who tries them.
Now that you have the recipe for this delicious Japanese candy, it's time to put on your apron and start creating your own sweet treats. With a little practice and creativity, you can even come up with your own variations and flavors. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results of your homemade Japanese candy!