16 Japanese Fries Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its unique flavors and diverse dishes, ranging from sushi to ramen to tempura. But one dish that often gets overlooked is the humble yet delicious Japanese fries. These fries have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them the perfect snack or side dish for any meal. In this article, we will explore the history of Japanese fries and provide you with a mouth-watering recipe to recreate them at home.
Pork katsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of breaded and fried pork cutlets. The meat is usually tenderized and then coated with panko breadcrumbs before being fried until golden and crispy. It is served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and is often accompanied by rice and shredded cabbage.
Japanese style pancakes, also known as souffle pancakes, are a fluffy and airy version of the traditional American pancake. They are made with a batter that includes beaten egg whites, resulting in a light and delicate texture. These pancakes are usually served with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is a popular street food in Japan. It is made with a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and other fillings such as meat, seafood, or vegetables. The pancake is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the day.
Japanese cotton cheesecake is a light and fluffy version of the traditional dessert. It is made with cream cheese, eggs, and a touch of flour, which gives it a cotton-like texture. The cake is usually served with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh fruit on top.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and tangy cucumber salad that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, and can also include other ingredients such as seaweed, sesame seeds, or shrimp. This salad is a perfect side dish to accompany any Japanese meal.
Ramen is a popular noodle dish that originated in China but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. It consists of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, topped with various ingredients such as pork, eggs, and vegetables. Ramen is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan. They are made with sushi rice and can have a variety of fillings such as salmon, tuna, or pickled vegetables. The rice balls are often shaped into a triangle and wrapped in seaweed. They are a convenient and delicious on-the-go snack.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are usually filled with ground meat and vegetables. They are typically pan-fried and served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce. These dumplings are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
Udon noodle soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It consists of thick wheat noodles served in a hot broth made from dashi (a type of stock), soy sauce, and mirin (a type of sweet rice wine). The soup is often topped with green onions, seaweed, and tempura.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a popular ingredient in Japanese cooking. It has a thinner skin and a sweeter taste compared to other varieties of eggplant. It is often used in stir-fries, stews, and grilled dishes.
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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 ingredient in Japanese cuisine. They are often served cold with a flavorful peanut sauce, making for a delicious and refreshing dish. Soba noodles are also a great gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a type of skewered chicken that is traditionally grilled over charcoal. The chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, giving it a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. It is a popular street food in Japan and is often served with a side of rice.
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a versatile vegetable that is used in many Japanese dishes. It can be stir-fried, grilled, or even pickled. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef steak, also known as teppanyaki, is a popular dish that is cooked on a hot iron griddle (teppan). The steak is seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and mirin and is often served with vegetables and rice. The teppan-style of cooking results in a tender and flavorful steak that is sure to satisfy any meat lover.
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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 rice bowl dish that consists of a deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu), onions, and eggs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. The mixture is served over a bowl of rice and is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Japanese sweet potato okonomiyaki is a variation of the traditional savory pancake. It is made with a batter that includes mashed sweet potatoes, resulting in a slightly sweeter and heartier version of the dish. It is often topped with the same condiments as regular okonomiyaki, such as okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki udon is a simple and delicious noodle dish that is perfect for beginner cooks. It is made with udon noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The noodles are stir-fried until they are slightly crispy, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Japanese curry, also known as kare raisu, is a popular dish that is influenced by Indian curry. It is made with a roux that includes a blend of spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. The curry is usually served over a bed of rice and can include various toppings such as meat, vegetables, and tofu.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen with chicken is a lighter and healthier version of the traditional pork-based ramen. It is made with a chicken broth that is flavored with soy sauce, miso, or salt. The ramen is often topped with sliced chicken, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
Tonkatsu is a popular dish that consists of a deep-fried pork cutlet that is often served with tonkatsu sauce, which is a sweet and tangy condiment. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that is usually accompanied by rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup.
The Origin of Japanese Fries
Japanese fries, also known as furaido potato in Japanese, have their roots in Western cuisine. They were first introduced to Japan in the late 19th century during the Meiji era, when Western influence and trade began to increase. However, the Japanese put their own unique twist on the classic French fry by using a special potato variety called Kitakami potato. This potato is known for its high starch content, which gives Japanese fries their signature fluffy texture.
The Perfect Fry Technique
Creating the perfect Japanese fry requires a specific frying technique. The key is to fry the potatoes twice, first at a lower temperature to cook the inside and then at a higher temperature to achieve that crispy exterior. This two-step process is what gives Japanese fries their unique texture and makes them stand out from traditional French fries.
The Must-Try Japanese Fries Recipe
Now that you know the history and technique behind Japanese fries, it's time to try making them yourself. Here is a simple and delicious recipe for Japanese fries:
Start by peeling and cutting 4 medium-sized Kitakami potatoes into thick, rectangular strips.
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 300°F. Fry the potatoes for about 5-6 minutes, until they are cooked but not yet crispy.
Remove the potatoes from the oil and let them cool for a few minutes.
In the same pot, heat the oil to 375°F. Fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Sprinkle with sea salt and shichimi togarashi (a Japanese spice blend) to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Japanese fries!
In Conclusion
Japanese fries may not be as well-known as other Japanese dishes, but they are definitely worth trying. With their unique history and perfect fry technique, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. So next time you're craving fries, why not switch it up and give Japanese fries a try? You won't be disappointed.
