17 Japanese Recipe Tin Eats Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, there are endless possibilities and mouth-watering recipes to explore. From sushi and ramen to tempura and teriyaki, Japanese food has gained popularity all over the world. However, one dish that stands out is Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with a variety of ingredients. This iconic dish originated in Osaka, Japan, and has become a staple in Japanese street food and home-cooked meals. In this article, we will dive into the world of Okonomiyaki and learn how to make it at home using fresh and authentic ingredients.
Looking to switch up your traditional beer can chicken recipe? Why not try a Japanese twist with this delicious Japanese Pork Katsu recipe. The combination of crispy fried pork cutlets and tender chicken will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, with the added flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this is a perfect dish for any fan of Japanese cuisine.
If you're a fan of fluffy pancakes, you'll love this Japanese style pancake recipe. Made with a combination of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, these pancakes are lighter and thicker than traditional pancakes. The addition of matcha powder gives them a unique flavor and strawberry syrup adds a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a fun twist on your beer can chicken dinner.
For those with a sweet tooth, this Japanese ‘cotton’ cheesecake is a must-try. With a light and airy texture, it's the perfect dessert to follow a hearty beer can chicken dinner. This recipe uses cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to create a deliciously creamy cheesecake that will melt in your mouth.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a popular dish in Japan. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, and cabbage, this recipe can be customized with your choice of fillings, such as pork belly, shrimp, or vegetables. Drizzled with a tangy sauce and topped with bonito flakes and mayonnaise, this dish is a delicious and unique addition to your beer can chicken repertoire.
5of 20
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and light Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for a hot summer day. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, giving them a tangy and sweet flavor. It's a perfect accompaniment to the rich and savory flavors of beer can chicken.
Ramen is a popular noodle dish in Japan, with many variations and regional styles. This recipe combines a flavorful chicken broth, ramen noodles, and toppings such as pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cold winter night or to warm up after a day of grilling beer can chicken.
7of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with steamed rice and various fillings, such as salmon, tuna, or pickled plums, these rice balls are a convenient and tasty snack. They also make a great addition to a beer can chicken picnic or outdoor grilling session.
8of 20
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular appetizer in Japan. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, garlic, and ginger, then pan-fried until crispy. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer to your beer can chicken dinner for an added touch of Japanese flavor.
Udon noodle soup is a comfort food in Japan, often served as a quick and easy meal. Made with thick and chewy udon noodles, a flavorful dashi broth, and toppings such as tempura or tofu, this soup is a filling and satisfying dish that pairs well with a flavorful beer can chicken.
Eggplant lovers will enjoy this simple yet delicious Japanese eggplant recipe. The eggplant is grilled and then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. It's a great side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, or you can even stuff the eggplant with the chicken for a unique twist.
11of 20
Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a popular noodle in Japanese cuisine. This recipe pairs the noodles with a flavorful peanut sauce and toppings such as chicken, carrots, and cucumbers. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light and healthy meal alongside your beer can chicken.
12of 20
Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
For a simple yet delicious addition to your beer can chicken dinner, try making Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken. Skewered chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, then grilled to perfection. It's a great way to incorporate more chicken into your meal while also adding a touch of Japanese flavor.
Zucchini, or courgette, is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. This Japanese zucchini recipe combines the vegetable with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a flavorful side dish. It's a great way to add some greens to your beer can chicken dinner.
14of 20
Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
For meat lovers, this Japanese beef steak recipe is a must-try. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, then quickly seared on a hot grill. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon, a popular Japanese rice bowl dish, is made with a crispy pork cutlet, eggs, and onions cooked in a flavorful broth. The combination of crunchy pork and soft eggs makes for a delicious and comforting meal. Swap out the pork cutlet for your beer can chicken to create a unique and flavorful rice bowl.
16of 20
Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, you'll love this Japanese sweet potato okonomiyaki recipe. The addition of grated sweet potato to the batter gives these savory pancakes a touch of sweetness. Top them with pork belly, shrimp, or vegetables for a satisfying and tasty meal alongside your beer can chicken.
Japanese curry is a popular dish in Japan, often served with rice and a variety of toppings. This recipe uses a store-bought curry roux for convenience and adds chicken, potatoes, and carrots for a hearty and flavorful meal. It's a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner, or you can even add the chicken to the curry for a unique twist.
18of 20
Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're new to Japanese cuisine, this yaki udon recipe is a great place to start. Made with udon noodles, vegetables, and chicken cooked in a soy sauce-based sauce, it's a simple and tasty dish that's perfect for beginners. Add some grilled beer can chicken on the side for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
19of 20
Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen doesn't always have to be made with pork. This recipe uses chicken as the protein, creating a lighter and healthier version of the popular noodle dish. The broth is made with a combination of chicken broth and miso paste, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tonkatsu, or Japanese pork cutlet, is a popular dish in Japan. Thinly sliced pork is breaded and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and juicy cutlet. Serve it with a side of rice and tonkatsu sauce for a hearty and delicious meal. It's a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner for a touch of Japanese flavor.
The History of Okonomiyaki
The Origins
While the exact origin of Okonomiyaki is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Osaka during the Edo period. The name itself translates to "grilled as you like it," indicating the dish's versatility in terms of ingredients. Originally, it was made with just flour, water, and cabbage, but over time, various regions and households in Japan have added their own twist to the dish.
The Evolution
As Japan opened its borders to the rest of the world, different cultures and cuisines influenced the development of Okonomiyaki. In the 20th century, it became popular as a street food, where chefs would cook it on a teppan (iron griddle) and serve it on a hot plate with different toppings and sauces. In the 1970s, the dish reached its peak of popularity and became a staple in Japanese homes, with each family having their own unique way of making it.
The Ingredients
The Base
The base of Okonomiyaki is made with flour, water, eggs, and shredded cabbage. The batter is then cooked on a hot griddle, giving it a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Some recipes also use grated yam or grated nagaimo (a type of Japanese yam) to add a sticky texture to the batter.
The Fillings
The beauty of Okonomiyaki lies in its versatility, as you can use any fillings you like. Common fillings include thinly sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, and vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and carrots. Some recipes also use cheese or mochi (rice cakes) as fillings.
The Toppings
The toppings for Okonomiyaki are just as important as the fillings. The most common toppings include okonomiyaki sauce (a savory and tangy sauce), kewpie mayonnaise, bonito flakes (dried, fermented, and smoked fish), and aonori (dried seaweed powder). Other toppings can include pickled ginger, green onions, and tempura crisps.
The Recipe
Now that we know the history and ingredients of Okonomiyaki, let's dive into the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced pork belly
- 1/2 cup sliced shrimp
- 1/4 cup sliced squid
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- Okonomiyaki sauce
- Kewpie mayonnaise
- Bonito flakes
- Aonori
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, water, and eggs until smooth.
2. Add in the shredded cabbage and mix well.
3. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
4. Pour the batter onto the griddle and spread it out into a circular shape.
5. Add the pork belly, shrimp, squid, onions, and mushrooms on top of the batter.
6. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the batter is golden brown and the fillings are cooked through.
7. Once cooked, transfer the Okonomiyaki to a plate and top with okonomiyaki sauce, kewpie mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Okonomiyaki!
In Conclusion
Okonomiyaki is a delicious and versatile dish that has evolved over time, reflecting the diverse influences on Japanese cuisine. With its crispy exterior, soft interior, and customizable fillings and toppings, it is no wonder that this dish has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. So next time you're craving Japanese food, why not try making Okonomiyaki at home?