17 Japanese Fish Stew Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts all over the world. One popular dish that showcases the essence of Japanese cooking is the fish stew. This hearty and nutritious meal is a staple in many Japanese households, and it's no wonder why. With its rich umami taste and comforting warmth, a bowl of Japanese fish stew is a delight to the senses. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Japanese fish stew recipe that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Japanese stock, also known as dashi, is a flavorful broth that forms the base of many traditional Japanese dishes. It is typically made with just a few simple ingredients, but the results are anything but ordinary. The key to a great Japanese stock is using high quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop. Once you have a batch of Japanese stock ready to go, the possibilities are endless. Here are 20 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of this essential Japanese ingredient.
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Mentsuyu (Japanese Noodle Soup Base)
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Kombu, Bonito Flakes
Mentsuyu is a savory and slightly sweet noodle soup base that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made with a combination of dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, giving it a complex and well-rounded flavor. Mentsuyu is a great way to add depth to any noodle dish, and can also be used as a dipping sauce for tempura or other fried foods. Try using it in this recipe for udon noodles with stir-fried vegetables and tofu for a quick and delicious meal.
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Japanese Seaweed Broth
Main Ingredients: Seaweed, Dried Bonito Flake, Lotus Root, Vegetable Oil
Seaweed broth, also known as kombu dashi, is a simple and nourishing broth made with just two ingredients: kombu (dried kelp) and water. Kombu is rich in minerals and imparts a subtle umami flavor to the broth. This broth is often used as a base for soups and stews, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing drink. Try adding a few drops of soy sauce and a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) for an extra burst of flavor.
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Vegan Japanese Broth
Main Ingredients: Seaweed, Dried Bonito Flake, Miso Paste, Tofu, Bean
While many traditional Japanese broths are made with seafood, there are plenty of vegan options as well. This vegan Japanese broth is made with a combination of dried mushrooms, konbu (kelp), and dried shiitake mushrooms, giving it a rich and earthy flavor. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and noodle dishes. For a hearty and comforting meal, try using this broth in a vegan version of nikujaga (Japanese stewed beef and potatoes).
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Dashi Stock - Basic Japanese Sea Stock
Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito Flakes
Dashi is the most common type of Japanese stock, and forms the base of many Japanese dishes. It is typically made with kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried and smoked bonito flakes), giving it a rich and savory flavor. Dashi can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and noodle dishes. Try using it in this recipe for oyakodon (Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl) for a simple and satisfying meal.
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Miso Udon Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Manila Clams, Butter, Garlic, Shrimp, Fish
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this recipe puts a twist on the classic by adding udon noodles for a heartier meal. The broth is made with miso paste, dashi, and a variety of vegetables, giving it a balance of flavors and textures. This soup is perfect for a chilly day and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Try adding some aburaage (fried tofu) and enoki mushrooms for an extra boost of flavor.
Udon noodles are thick and chewy wheat noodles that are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are often served in a flavorful broth and topped with a variety of toppings, such as vegetables, seafood, or meat. This recipe for Japanese udon noodle soup is a great way to showcase the versatility of udon noodles. Try topping it with some tempura shrimp for an extra crunch.
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Dashi (Japanese Stock)
Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito Flakes, Katsuobushi
Dashi is the essential base for many Japanese dishes, and it is surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried and smoked bonito flakes) to make this flavorful stock. Dashi is used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades. Try using it in this recipe for shoyu ramen (Japanese soy sauce flavored ramen) for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Shoyu Ramen
Main Ingredients: Dried Kombu, Cold Water, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
Ramen is a popular noodle dish in Japan, and there are many different variations depending on the region and personal preferences. Shoyu ramen is a soy sauce-based broth that is often topped with a variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood. This recipe for shoyu ramen includes a homemade dashi broth and is topped with chashu (braised pork) and nori (dried seaweed). Feel free to get creative with your toppings and add your favorite ingredients.
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Niku Udon (Japanese Meat Udon)
Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito, Sake, Granulated Sugar, Soy
Udon noodles are often paired with a rich and flavorful broth, making them a great base for a meaty dish like niku udon. This recipe combines thinly sliced beef with vegetables and udon noodles in a savory broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. For a heartier meal, try adding some shirataki noodles (thin, translucent noodles made from konjac) to the dish.
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Japanese Beef Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Water, Dried Kombu, Bonita, Yellow Onion, Red Onion
Rice bowls, also known as donburi, are a popular and convenient meal in Japan. This recipe for a Japanese beef rice bowl combines tender beef with a sweet and savory sauce and is served over a bed of steamed rice. It is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Try adding some sautéed vegetables or a fried egg on top for extra flavor and texture.
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Ginger Mushroom Miso Poached Fish With Kale and...
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Mushroom Broth, Rice
This recipe takes a traditional Japanese dish and adds a twist with the addition of kale and shiitake mushrooms. The fish is poached in a flavorful broth made with miso paste, ginger, and dashi, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The kale and mushrooms add a nutritious and hearty element to the dish. For a vegetarian version, try using tofu instead of fish.
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Home Style Japanese Dashi Stock
Main Ingredients: Water, Konbu, Katsuobushi
While dashi can be made with just two ingredients, it is often enhanced with other flavors, such as kombu (kelp), katsuo (dried bonito flakes), or dried shiitake mushrooms. This recipe for home style Japanese dashi stock uses all three ingredients for a well-rounded and flavorful broth. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. Try using it in this recipe for yosenabe (Japanese seafood hot pot) for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Yosenabe - Japanese Seafood Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Mirin, Light Soy Sauce, Chicken Leg, Napa
Hot pot, or nabe, is a popular dish in Japan during the colder months. This recipe for yosenabe is a seafood version that is filled with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth made with dashi and soy sauce. It is a communal dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends. Try adding some shungiku (edible chrysanthemum leaves) or mochi (rice cakes) to the pot for extra flavor and texture.
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Miso Soup – Japanese Cooking 101
Main Ingredients: Water, Bonito Flakes, Tofu, Miso Paste, Green Onions
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as part of a traditional meal. It is made with dashi broth and miso paste, and can be customized with a variety of ingredients, such as tofu, seaweed, and vegetables. This recipe for miso soup is a great starting point for those new to Japanese cooking, and can be adapted to suit your tastes. Try adding some aburaage (fried tofu) and enoki mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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How To Make Japanese Dashi Broth
Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes
Dashi is the base for many Japanese dishes, and knowing how to make it from scratch is an essential skill for any home cook. This recipe breaks down the process of making dashi into simple steps, making it easy for anyone to make at home. Once you have a batch of dashi ready, you can use it in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades. Try using it in this recipe for basic Japanese stock for a versatile and flavorful base for your dishes.
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Basic Japanese Stock - Kombu and Bonito Dashi
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kombu, Katsuobushi
This recipe for basic Japanese stock is a great starting point for those looking to incorporate dashi into their cooking. It uses just two ingredients – kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried and smoked bonito flakes) – and can be made in just 30 minutes. This stock can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. Try using it in this recipe for slow cooker nikujaga (Japanese stewed beef and potatoes) for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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Slow Cooker Nikujaga (Japanese Stewed Beef and...
Main Ingredients: Beef, Vegetable Oil, Large Onion, Potatoes, Large
Nikujaga is a classic Japanese comfort food dish that combines tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional dish by using a slow cooker, making it an easy and convenient meal for busy weeknights. The addition of dashi and soy sauce gives this dish a rich and flavorful broth. Try serving it over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
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Authentic Homemade Japanese Miso Soup (味噌汁)
Main Ingredients: Dried Kombu, Cold Water, Bonito Flakes, Soup, Tofu
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served as part of a traditional meal. This recipe for authentic homemade Japanese miso soup uses real dashi broth and miso paste for a delicious and authentic flavor. It is a simple and satisfying dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try adding some diced tofu and nama shoyu (raw soy sauce) for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
Ramen is a popular noodle dish in Japan, and there are many different variations depending on the region and personal preferences. This recipe for Japanese ramen combines a flavorful broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin with chewy noodles and a variety of toppings, such as chashu (braised pork) and nori (dried seaweed). Feel free to get creative with your toppings and add your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
1. Fish
The star of the dish is, of course, the fish. In this recipe, we recommend using cod, salmon, or haddock as they are commonly used in Japanese fish stews. Make sure to use fresh fish and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking.
2. Dashi stock
Dashi stock is a staple in Japanese cooking and is made from bonito flakes and kombu seaweed. This gives the stew its distinct umami flavor. You can easily find dashi stock in most Asian stores or make your own at home.
3. Vegetables
To add more depth and nutrients to the stew, we recommend using a variety of vegetables like carrots, daikon radish, mushrooms, and leafy greens. These vegetables also add texture and color to the dish.
4. Tofu
Tofu is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is often used in stews. It adds a creamy texture and protein to the dish. Silken tofu is the best type to use for this recipe.
5. Soy sauce and mirin
These two ingredients are essential in Japanese cooking and give the stew its signature sweet and savory flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness while mirin adds a hint of sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by soaking the kombu seaweed in a pot of water for at least an hour. Then, remove the kombu and add the bonito flakes to the pot. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
In a separate pot, saute the vegetables until they are slightly softened. Add the dashi stock and let it simmer for a few minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the fish and tofu
Gently place the fish and tofu into the pot, making sure not to stir too much to avoid breaking the tofu. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked.
Step 4: Season and serve
Finally, add soy sauce and mirin to taste. Serve the stew in bowls and garnish with some chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness.
With this simple and delicious Japanese fish stew recipe, you can now enjoy a taste of Japan in the comfort of your own home. This hearty and nutritious dish is perfect for cold days or when you're in need of a comforting meal. Give it a try and experience the wonderful flavors of Japanese cuisine.