15 Japanese Plum Preserves Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese plum preserves, also known as umeboshi, are a popular condiment in Japanese cuisine. These tangy, salty pickled plums are a staple in bento boxes and often used as a topping for rice or served alongside savory dishes. While umeboshi can be found in most Asian grocery stores, making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will provide a simple and delicious Japanese plum preserves recipe that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Duck Breast, Yuzu Juice, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to cook your duck, look no further than this Japanese inspired sous vide recipe. By cooking the duck in a water bath with traditional Japanese flavors like soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, you'll end up with tender and juicy meat that is bursting with umami flavors. Plus, using the sous vide method ensures that the duck is cooked to perfection every time.
Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but have you ever tried them Japanese style? These fluffy and thick pancakes are made with a special batter that includes baking powder and beaten egg whites, giving them a souffle-like texture. Serve them with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup for a delicious and unique breakfast experience.
If you love cheesecake, you have to try this Japanese 'cotton' cheesecake. This style of cheesecake is light and airy, almost like a cross between a cheesecake and a souffle. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and a touch of lemon juice, this dessert is perfect for those who want a lighter and less dense version of traditional cheesecake.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, are a popular street food in Japan. They are made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients like pork belly, shrimp, or squid. Top them with a delicious okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo for a flavorful and filling meal.
5of 20
Old-Fashioned Plum Preserves
Main Ingredients: Plums, Sugar, Water
If you have an abundance of plums, why not make some old-fashioned plum preserves? This recipe is a simple and traditional way to preserve your plums and enjoy them all year round. All you need is plums, sugar, and some lemon juice. Spread this delicious jam on toast, mix it into yogurt, or use it as a topping for ice cream.
6of 20
Damson Plum Preserves
Main Ingredients: Plums, Water, Sugar
Damson plums are a smaller and more tart variety of plums, but they make delicious preserves. This recipe uses a combination of damson plums and regular plums for a perfectly balanced flavor. Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and comforting taste that is perfect for fall.
7of 20
Cherry Plum Rum Preserves
Main Ingredients: Sweet Cherries, Plums, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Rum
For a boozy twist on traditional plum preserves, try this recipe for cherry plum rum preserves. The addition of dark rum adds a rich and complex flavor to the sweet and tart plums. This preserve is perfect for adding to cakes, tarts, or even using as a glaze for meats like pork or chicken.
8of 20
Plum Preserves with Honey and Cardamom
Main Ingredients: Plums, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Pectin, Wildflower
Honey and cardamom add a unique and delicious flavor to these plum preserves. The combination of sweet honey, warm cardamom, and tart plums creates a complex and irresistible taste. Use these preserves in a marinade for grilled meats, or mix them with cream cheese for a tasty spread.
9of 20
Ginger Plum Preserves and Easy Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Fresh Ginger, Plums, Organic Cane Sugar, Baguette, Soft
For an easy and flavorful appetizer, try these ginger plum preserves. The fresh ginger adds a spicy kick to the sweet plums, making them perfect for pairing with crackers and cheese. You can also use this preserve as a glaze for meatballs or pork tenderloin for a delicious and unique twist.
10of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is a refreshing and light side dish that is perfect for hot summer days. The cucumbers are sliced thin and then marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Serve it alongside your favorite Japanese dishes for a balanced and flavorful meal.
11of 20
Almond Shortbread Sandwiches with Strawberry Preserves
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Table Salt, Flour
These almond shortbread sandwiches with strawberry preserves are a delicious and elegant treat. The shortbread cookies are made with ground almonds and vanilla extract, giving them a nutty and sweet flavor. Sandwich them together with a layer of homemade strawberry preserves for a delightful dessert.
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle soup that is loved all over the world. Making it from scratch may seem daunting, but it's actually quite simple. This recipe calls for making your own broth using pork bones and chicken stock, and then topping it with your choice of meats, vegetables, and a soft boiled egg. Customize it to your liking for a comforting and satisfying meal.
13of 20
Breakfast Panini with Almond Butter and Plum Preserves
Main Ingredients: Plums, Sugar, Fresh Lemon Juice, Almond Butter, Country
This breakfast panini is a delicious and unique way to start your day. Spread creamy almond butter and sweet plum preserves on slices of bread, and then grill them in a panini press until golden brown. The combination of nutty and fruity flavors will make this your new go-to breakfast sandwich.
14of 20
Zwetschgenkuchen (German Plum Cake)
Main Ingredients: Plums, Milk, Dry Active Yeast, All Purpose Flour
Zwetschgenkuchen, or German plum cake, is a traditional dessert that is popular in Germany during plum season. This cake is made with a yeast dough and topped with sliced plums and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and comforting treat.
15of 20
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 or side dish in Japan. They are made by shaping rice into a triangle or ball and filling it with a variety of ingredients like pickled plums, salmon, or tuna. These rice balls are perfect for a quick and portable lunch or snack.
16of 20
Small-Batch Vanilla-Plum Preserves {no canning...
Main Ingredients: Plums, Sugar, Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon Stick, Lemon
For a small batch of plum preserves without the hassle of canning, try this recipe for vanilla-plum preserves. The addition of vanilla bean adds a warm and comforting flavor to the tart plums. This recipe makes just enough to enjoy without having to worry about storing or preserving the extra.
17of 20
Jollof Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Olive Oil, Tomato Paste, Chicken Stock, Curry
Jollof rice is a popular West African dish that is made with rice, vegetables, and spices. This flavorful and colorful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or for feeding a crowd. Serve it with your choice of protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
Udon noodle soup is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. The broth is made with a combination of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and is then filled with thick and chewy udon noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Top it with some green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
19of 20
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine. These small dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, and then pan-fried until crispy. Serve them with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a delicious and addictive snack.
20of 20
Asian Plum Sauce
Main Ingredients: Plums, Apple Cider Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce
This Asian plum sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Made with plums, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, this sauce is perfect for dipping spring rolls, glazing grilled meats, or using as a marinade for stir-fries. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for all your Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
1. Fresh Japanese Plums
To make the best umeboshi, you will need to start with fresh Japanese plums, also known as ume or Prunus mume. These small, round plums are typically in season from May to June, but you can also find them in Asian markets and online. Make sure to choose plums that are firm and unblemished for the best results.
2. Salt
Salt is a crucial ingredient in making umeboshi. Traditional recipes call for using coarse sea salt, but you can also use kosher salt or pickling salt. The amount of salt you need will depend on the weight of your plums, but as a general rule, you will need about 20% of the weight of the plums in salt.
3. Red Shiso Leaves
Red shiso leaves, also known as perilla leaves, are what gives umeboshi its distinctive pink color. These leaves have a unique flavor that is slightly minty and also acts as a natural preservative. You can find them in Asian markets or substitute with red food coloring if needed.
Instructions:
1. Wash and Dry the Plums
Make sure to wash the plums thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. Any leftover moisture can cause the plums to spoil during the pickling process.
2. Layer the Plums and Salt in a Jar
In a sterilized jar, layer the plums and salt, starting with a layer of salt at the bottom. Alternate between layers of plums and salt until all the plums are used up. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space at the top of the jar.
3. Add the Red Shiso Leaves
Wash the red shiso leaves and place them on top of the plums, making sure they are fully submerged in the salt. This will help prevent any mold from forming on the surface.
4. Seal and Store the Jar
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months. During this time, the plums will continue to ferment and pickle, developing their characteristic flavor.
5. Enjoy!
After 3 months, your umeboshi will be ready to eat. You can remove the shiso leaves and enjoy the tangy, salty flavor of the plums. These preserves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year.
Umeboshi are not only delicious but also have numerous health benefits. They are high in antioxidants and have been found to aid in digestion and boost the immune system. With this simple recipe, you can now make your own batch of Japanese plum preserves and add a unique and flavorful touch to your meals. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade umeboshi!
