In Japan, kebabs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of traditional cuisine. However, this fusion dish has become increasingly popular in recent years, blending Japanese flavors and techniques with the classic Middle Eastern street food. While many variations of Japanese kebabs exist, here is one recipe that stands out for its unique and delicious flavors.
If you're a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken, then you'll love this Japanese twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe. Japanese Pork Katsu is made by marinating chicken in a mix of soy sauce, sake, and ginger, then coating it in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture and cooking it over a beer can for added moisture and flavor. The result is a juicy and tender chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior, infused with delicious Japanese flavors.
Pancakes may seem like a simple breakfast food, but in Japan, they take on a whole new level of deliciousness. Japanese Style Pancakes are fluffy, thick, and oh-so-satisfying. Made with a combination of flour, eggs, milk, and a hint of vanilla, these pancakes are cooked on a beer can to create a unique shape and texture. Serve with your favorite toppings such as fruit, whipped cream, or matcha powder for a truly Japanese experience.
For a lighter and fluffier version of the classic cheesecake, try making a Japanese ‘Cotton’ Cheesecake. This delicious dessert is made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, but with the addition of whipped egg whites, it becomes a light and airy treat. Baked on top of a beer can, this cheesecake has a unique shape and is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese street food that can best be described as a savory pancake. Made with a batter of cabbage, flour, and eggs, this dish is customizable with your choice of additional toppings such as pork, seafood, or tempura flakes. Cooked on a beer can, this dish is a fun and tasty way to experience Japanese cuisine at home.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
For a refreshing and light side dish, try making a Japanese Cucumber Salad, also known as Sunomono. This salad is made by marinating thinly sliced cucumbers in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine. The result is a tangy and slightly sweet salad that pairs well with any main dish, especially beer can chicken.
Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and has gained popularity all over the world. While there are many variations, the classic Japanese Ramen consists of a flavorful broth, noodles, and various toppings such as pork, eggs, and vegetables. Cooking the broth and noodles on a beer can adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the dish a unique presentation.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan and can be found in almost every convenience store. These portable and delicious treats are made with sushi rice and various fillings, such as umeboshi (pickled plum) or tsukemono (pickled vegetables). By shaping the rice balls on a beer can, you can achieve a perfectly round and authentic onigiri shape.
Udon noodle soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cooler weather. Made with thick and chewy udon noodles, a flavorful broth, and various toppings such as tofu, mushrooms, and green onions, this soup is a meal in itself. Cooking the noodles on a beer can adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a unique presentation.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan and can be found in restaurants and street food stalls all over the country. These small dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, then pan-fried until crispy. Cooking them on top of a beer can helps to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked texture.
For a delicious and simple side dish, try grilling Japanese eggplant on top of a beer can. The eggplant is cut into thick slices, brushed with a flavorful marinade, and cooked until tender and slightly charred. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish to accompany your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. In this recipe, they are cooked on a beer can and then tossed in a flavorful peanut sauce. This dish can be served hot or cold and is a delicious and easy way to incorporate Japanese flavors into your meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken, is a popular street food in Japan. The chicken is skewered and grilled over charcoal, then brushed with a savory tare sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Cooking the chicken on a beer can adds moisture and flavor to the meat, creating a delicious and authentic dish.
Zucchini may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it can be transformed into a flavorful side dish when cooked on a beer can. The zucchini is sliced and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and garlic, then cooked on top of a beer can for added flavor and moisture.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
When you think of Japanese food, steak may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Japan is known for its high-quality beef. By cooking a thick and juicy steak on a beer can, you can achieve a perfectly even cook and add a unique flavor to the meat. Serve with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
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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 Japanese rice bowl dish that consists of a deep-fried pork cutlet, onions, and eggs served over a bed of rice. The pork cutlet is cooked to perfection on top of a beer can, creating a crispy and flavorful exterior. The whole dish is then topped with a rich and savory sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, can be made with a variety of ingredients, including sweet potatoes. The sweet potato is grated and mixed with flour, eggs, and dashi (Japanese soup stock), then cooked on a beer can until crispy and golden brown. This dish is perfect for showcasing the unique and delicious flavors of Japanese sweet potatoes.
Japanese curry is a popular comfort food in Japan and can be found on almost every menu. Made with a flavorful curry sauce and a variety of vegetables and meat, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal. By cooking the curry on a beer can, you can infuse the dish with even more flavor and create a unique presentation.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen doesn't always have to be made with pork or beef. This recipe uses chicken as the protein in a delicious and flavorful broth. The chicken is cooked on a beer can to infuse it with moisture and flavor, and then added to the ramen along with noodles and various toppings. This dish is perfect for any ramen lover or for those looking to try a lighter version of the classic dish.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Udon noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this dish is a great way to enjoy them at home. Yaki Udon is made by stir-frying udon noodles with vegetables and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Cooking the noodles on a beer can adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to achieve a perfectly chewy and delicious texture.
Tonkatsu, or Japanese pork cutlet, is a popular dish in Japan and is often served with a side of rice and miso soup. The pork cutlet is breaded and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and flavorful exterior. By cooking the pork on a beer can, you can achieve a perfectly even cook and add a unique flavor to the dish.
Ingredients:
1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of mirin (sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Skewers
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, soak the skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the chicken, onions, peppers, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are slightly charred.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Japanese kebabs!
This recipe is a great way to introduce Japanese flavors into a familiar and beloved dish. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet mirin, and tangy pineapple creates a delicious marinade for the chicken. The addition of onions and bell peppers adds a burst of color and texture to the kebabs. And the grilling process adds a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, add some shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) to the marinade for a spicy twist on the traditional recipe.
Whether you're looking for a new twist on kebabs or want to add some Japanese flair to your next barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress. So fire up the grill and give these Japanese kebabs a try!