17 Japanese Nagaimo Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its use of fresh and simple ingredients, which results in dishes that are both delicious and healthy. One such ingredient is nagaimo, also known as Japanese mountain yam. This starchy root vegetable is a staple in Japanese cooking and is used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to desserts. In this article, we will explore the delicious and versatile nagaimo and provide you with a traditional Japanese nagaimo recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Main Ingredients: Nagaimo, Bonito Flakes, Daikon Sprouts
If you're looking for a light and refreshing dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Japanese Mountain Yam Salad. Thinly sliced nagaimo, also known as Japanese mountain yam, is mixed with a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine. The crunch of the yam and the flavors of the dressing perfectly balance out the richness of the chicken, making it a winning combination.
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Vegan Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omlette)
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Nagaimo, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kombu
For our vegetarian friends, this Vegan Tamagoyaki is a must-try. This Japanese-style rolled omelette is made with silken tofu, soy sauce, and dashi broth, giving it a similar texture and flavor to traditional tamagoyaki. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a pop of color to your meal with its vibrant yellow hue.
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Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Scallions, Katsuobushi, Flour, Nagaimo, Large
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that is often described as a savory pancake or omelette. This hearty dish is made with a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of protein, such as bacon, shrimp, or squid. It is then topped with a variety of toppings, including okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Vegan Teriyaki ‘Salmon’
Main Ingredients: Medium Firm Tofu, Bean Curd Sticks, Nagaimo, Kombu
For those looking for a plant-based protein option, try this Vegan Teriyaki ‘Salmon’ made with carrots and tofu. The carrots are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then grilled or baked to perfection. The end result is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional teriyaki salmon, and it pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Okonomiyaki with Squid
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Dashi, Egg, Nagaimo, Salt, Soy
If you're a seafood lover, this Okonomiyaki with Squid is a must-try. This version of the Japanese savory pancake is filled with tender pieces of squid and topped with a variety of sauces and seasonings. The combination of the crispy pancake and the tender squid make for a delicious and unique addition to your beer can chicken meal.
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Mom’s Sweet and Savory Nagaimo with Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Nagaimo, Pork Belly, Canola Oil, Minced Garlic, Olive
For a more indulgent side dish, try this Mom's Sweet and Savory Nagaimo with Pork Belly. Thinly sliced nagaimo is sautéed with tender pieces of pork belly and a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and mirin. The flavors of this dish will complement the flavors of the beer can chicken and make for a satisfying meal.
Take a break from savory dishes and try these Japanese-style pancakes. These fluffy and slightly sweet pancakes are made with pancake mix, eggs, and milk, and are often topped with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, red bean paste, or matcha powder. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a unique twist on a classic meal.
If you're a fan of the traditional okonomiyaki, then you'll love this classic Japanese version. This dish is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and topped with your choice of protein, such as pork belly or shrimp, and a variety of sauces and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
For a light and fluffy dessert to end your meal, try this Japanese 'Cotton' Cheesecake. This type of cheesecake is made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and cornstarch, giving it a unique texture that is both creamy and airy. It's the perfect sweet treat to end your beer can chicken feast.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
If you're looking for a refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of the beer can chicken, try this Japanese Cucumber Salad. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, and then topped with sesame seeds. It's a light and flavorful addition to your meal.
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Chinese Chicken Soup with Herbs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Broth, Water, Soup Mix, Chinese
For a comforting and nourishing dish, try this Chinese Chicken Soup with Herbs. This soup is made with chicken and a variety of Chinese herbs, such as goji berries, astragalus, and dang gui, which are believed to have health benefits. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Sautéed Yam with Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chinese Yam, Oil, Salt, Soy Sauce, Roasted Sesame Seeds
If you're a fan of yams, you'll love this simple yet delicious dish. Thinly sliced yams are sautéed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. The result is a tender and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken.
No list of Japanese recipes is complete without ramen. This iconic dish is made with ramen noodles and a flavorful broth made with a variety of ingredients, such as pork bones, chicken, or vegetables. Top it off with your choice of toppings, such as green onions, nori, or soft-boiled egg, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Wood Ear Stir-Fry with Celtuce Stem and Yam
Main Ingredients: Water, Garlic, Chili Peppers, Salt, Cooking Oil
This unique stir-fry dish is made with a combination of wood ear mushrooms, celtuce stems, and yam. The ingredients are sautéed with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, creating a dish that is both crunchy and savory. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a well-balanced meal.
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Cucumbers and Black Fungus Stir-Fry with Chinese Yam
Main Ingredients: Chinese Yam, Black Fungus, Cucumber, Oil, Salt, Garlic
Another stir-fry dish to try is this Cucumbers and Black Fungus Stir-Fry with Chinese Yam. This dish is made with a combination of cucumbers, black fungus, and Chinese yam, and is seasoned with a simple yet flavorful sauce made with soy sauce and sugar. The crunch of the vegetables and the texture of the yam make for a delicious and satisfying side dish.
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Spicy Chinese yam stir fry
Main Ingredients: Chinese Yam, Onion, Bell Pepper, Carrot, Red Chilies
If you're a fan of spicy food, this Spicy Chinese Yam Stir Fry is a must-try. Thinly sliced Chinese yam is stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with a spicy sauce made with chili paste, garlic, and soy sauce. The result is a flavorful and spicy dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beer can chicken.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
These Japanese Gyoza Dumplings are a fun and delicious addition to your beer can chicken meal. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and garlic, and are then pan-fried until crispy. Serve them with a side of ponzu sauce for dipping for the ultimate flavor experience.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan and make a great side dish for your beer can chicken. These triangular-shaped rice balls are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pickled plums, tuna, or salmon, and are often wrapped in nori for added flavor. They are a fun and easy way to add some variety to your meal.
This Japanese Udon Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Udon noodles are cooked in a savory broth made with dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, and mirin, and topped with a variety of ingredients, such as green onions, tempura, or tofu. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
Eggplant lovers will enjoy this simple yet delicious Japanese-style eggplant dish. Thinly sliced Japanese eggplant is sautéed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake, and topped with bonito flakes and green onions. The dish is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, and pairs well with the flavors of the beer can chicken.
What is Nagaimo?
The Versatile Yam
Nagaimo, or Japanese mountain yam, is a root vegetable that is native to East Asia. It is a type of yam that has a long and slender shape, and a rough, dark brown skin. The inside of the nagaimo is white and has a slimy texture when grated, but turns starchy and firm when cooked. This unique texture makes it a versatile ingredient in Japanese cuisine, as it can be used to add thickness and creaminess to dishes, or to provide a chewy and crunchy element.
Health Benefits
Apart from its versatility in cooking, nagaimo also boasts numerous health benefits. It is low in calories and fat, making it a great addition to any diet. It is also high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling full. Nagaimo is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, potassium, and calcium. Its high nutrient content makes it a popular ingredient in traditional Japanese medicine for its healing properties.
Traditional Japanese Nagaimo Recipe
Nagaimo Salad
One of the simplest and most refreshing ways to enjoy nagaimo is in a salad. This dish highlights the crunchiness of the yam and pairs it with a tangy and flavorful dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 large nagaimo
- 1 cucumber
- 1 carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Peel the nagaimo and grate it using a box grater.
2. Peel and julienne the cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil to create the dressing.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the grated nagaimo with the julienned vegetables.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve chilled.
Enjoy the Versatility of Nagaimo
From salads to stir-fries, and even in desserts, nagaimo is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique texture and flavor to any dish. With its health benefits and easy accessibility in most Asian supermarkets, it's no wonder that nagaimo is a staple in Japanese cuisine. So next time you're looking for a new ingredient to add to your cooking repertoire, give nagaimo a try and experience the delicious and versatile flavors of Japanese mountain yam.
![Nagaimo (Mountain Yam) [山藥] – Jan Fruits](https://janfruits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Nagaimo-768x1152.jpg)
