16 Japanese Highball Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you've probably heard of the popular drink known as the Japanese highball. This refreshing and simple cocktail has been a staple in Japanese bars and restaurants for decades, and has recently gained popularity in the Western world as well. Made with just a few key ingredients, this drink is the perfect way to wind down after a long day or to enjoy with friends and loved ones. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Japanese highball and provide you with a simple and delicious recipe to make at home.
Japanese Pork Katsu is a beloved dish in Japan that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a breaded and fried pork cutlet that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The dish is often served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are 20 different ways to make this classic Japanese dish even more delicious!
These fluffy and thick pancakes are a popular breakfast dish in Japan. Made with a combination of flour, milk, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, these pancakes are a treat for the taste buds. They are often stacked high and served with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, and maple syrup. Add some matcha powder to the batter for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a popular street food in Japan. These pancakes are made with a batter of flour, cabbage, and a variety of fillings such as pork, shrimp, or squid. They are then topped with a delicious okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. This dish is a must-try for any pancake lover.
This light and fluffy cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan. Made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream, this cheesecake has a unique texture that is similar to a sponge cake. It is often topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. It's the perfect ending to any meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and crunchy cucumber salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Add some sesame seeds for a nutty and flavorful addition. This salad is the perfect side dish for any Japanese meal.
Ramen is a popular noodle dish in Japan, with countless variations and regional styles. The broth is the star of this dish, made with a combination of pork, chicken, or seafood, and simmered for hours to create a rich and flavorful base. The noodles are then added along with various toppings such as chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, and nori. This hearty dish is perfect for any noodle lover.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan. They are made by shaping steamed rice into a triangle or oval shape and filling it with a variety of fillings such as salmon, tuna, or pickled plum. They are often wrapped in nori (seaweed) for an extra crunch. Onigiri is perfect for a quick and convenient 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 appetizer in Japan. These dumplings are made with a thin dough wrapper and filled with a combination of pork, cabbage, and garlic. They are then pan-fried until crispy and served with a tangy dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. These bite-sized dumplings are addictively delicious.
Udon noodles are thick and chewy noodles made from wheat flour, and they are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are often served in a hot broth made with dashi (fish stock), soy sauce, and mirin (sweet cooking rice wine). Add some tempura shrimp or vegetables for a heartier and more filling meal. This soup is perfect for a cold day.
Eggplant, or nasu in Japanese, is a versatile vegetable used in many Japanese dishes. It can be grilled, fried, or simmered in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake. The eggplant becomes soft and tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors. This dish is perfect served over a bed of rice.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and buckwheat noodles that are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are often served cold with a flavorful dipping sauce, but this version with a peanut sauce is a delicious twist. The sauce is made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and it's the perfect complement to the nutty and earthy flavor of the soba noodles.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, are a popular street food in Japan. The chicken is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, and then grilled over charcoal until tender and slightly charred. These skewers are often served with a variety of seasonings such as shichimi togarashi (Japanese seasoning blend) for an extra kick of flavor.
Zucchini, or zucchini no kinpira in Japanese, is a simple and flavorful side dish in Japan. The zucchini is thinly sliced and stir-fried with a soy sauce and mirin mixture until slightly caramelized. Add some sesame oil and sesame seeds for a nutty and flavorful addition. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy vegetable side dish.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Beef steak, or gyu no tataki in Japanese, is a popular dish in Japan that originated from Western cuisine. Thinly sliced beef is seared on the outside and left rare on the inside, and then sliced and served with a tangy ponzu sauce for dipping. This dish is perfect for meat lovers, and the dipping sauce adds a refreshing and citrusy flavor to the dish.
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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 that consists of pork cutlets, onions, and beaten eggs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bowl of rice. The pork cutlets are often breaded and fried, adding a crispy and crunchy texture to the dish. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Sweet potatoes, or satsuma-imo in Japanese, are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine. They are often used in desserts, but this savory version of okonomiyaki is a delicious twist. The sweet potatoes are grated and mixed with a batter of flour, eggs, and miso paste, and then fried until crispy and golden brown. Top it with some green onions and bonito flakes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki udon is a popular stir-fry dish in Japan made with thick and chewy udon noodles. The noodles are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, and a protein of your choice such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. The dish is seasoned with a soy sauce-based sauce and served hot. This dish is perfect for beginners looking to try Japanese cuisine.
Curry is a popular dish in Japan that has its roots in Indian cuisine. Japanese curry is a thick and flavorful sauce made with a variety of spices such as curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric. The sauce is often served over a bed of rice and topped with a protein of your choice such as chicken, beef, or vegetables. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Chicken ramen is a popular variation of the classic Japanese noodle dish. The broth is made with a combination of chicken, soy sauce, and ginger, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Top it with some soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and nori for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and less fatty broth.
Tonkatsu is a popular breaded and fried pork cutlet in Japan. The pork is coated in panko breadcrumbs and then fried until crispy and golden brown. It is often served with a side of tonkatsu sauce, which is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. This dish is perfect for those looking for a delicious and filling meal.
The History of the Japanese Highball
One might assume that the Japanese highball is a modern invention, but it actually has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The drink was first introduced to Japan by American and British sailors, who brought with them their love for whiskey and soda. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that the Japanese highball became a popular drink in Japan. This was due to the introduction of the Suntory whisky distillery, which began producing high-quality whiskey that was perfect for making highballs. The drink quickly became a hit in Japan, and it's now considered a quintessential part of Japanese drinking culture.
The Art of Making a Perfect Japanese Highball
While the Japanese highball may seem like a simple drink, there is an art to making it just right. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and follow the traditional method of preparation. Ice is a crucial element in making a great highball, so be sure to use plenty of it. Soda water is also an important component, as it adds the perfect amount of fizz and balances out the strong flavor of the whiskey. When it comes to choosing the whiskey, opt for a good quality Japanese brand such as Suntory or Nikka. These whiskeys have a smooth and mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
The Perfect Japanese Highball Recipe
Now that you know the history and key elements of a Japanese highball, it's time to learn how to make one yourself. Follow this simple recipe for a delicious and authentic Japanese highball experience:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Japanese whiskey
- 4 oz soda water
- Ice
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the Japanese whiskey over the ice.
3. Slowly pour the soda water over the whiskey.
4. Gently stir the drink with a bar spoon.
5. Garnish with a lemon peel.
6. Enjoy your homemade Japanese highball!
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and try making a Japanese highball at home. With its refreshing taste and rich history, this cocktail is sure to become a favorite in your household. So sit back, relax, and savor the taste of Japan with a delicious highball in hand.