20 Japanese Savory Spice Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
In addition to the popular Japanese spices mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are many other savory spices that are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. These spices not only add depth and complexity to dishes, but also provide various health benefits. One such spice is shichimi togarashi, also known as Japanese seven spice. This unique blend of spices is often used as a table condiment and can be found in many households and restaurants across Japan. Let's take a closer look at this flavorful and versatile spice and how it can enhance your cooking.
Japanese pork katsu is a popular dish made with tender, breaded pork cutlets that are fried to perfection. This dish has a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The key to a delicious pork katsu is using high-quality, thinly sliced pork and a perfectly seasoned breading. Serve it with a side of Japanese rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Japanese style pancakes, also known as souffle pancakes, are a must-try for any pancake lover. These fluffy, jiggly pancakes are made with a unique batter that includes whipped egg whites to give them their signature height and texture. Top them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a delicious breakfast or brunch option that will impress your taste buds.
Japanese ‘cotton’ cheesecake is a light and airy version of the traditional cheesecake. It gets its name from its soft, fluffy texture that resembles cotton. This dessert is made with cream cheese, whipped egg whites, and cake flour to give it its unique texture. It’s the perfect dessert for those who want something sweet but not too heavy.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is filled with cabbage, vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as pork belly or shrimp. It’s often referred to as a “Japanese pizza” and is a popular street food in Japan. Top it off with a drizzle of okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing Japanese cucumber salad that is commonly served as a side dish. It’s made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially during the hot summer months.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular Japanese appetizer that are filled with a savory mixture of pork, cabbage, and garlic. These dumplings are typically pan-fried and served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and rice vinegar. They are a delicious and addicting snack that can also be served as a main dish.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine. It has a unique flavor and texture that is perfect for grilling or stir-frying. One popular dish is miso glazed eggplant, where the eggplant is marinated in a mixture of miso paste, mirin, and sake before being grilled to perfection.
Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and flavorful noodle soup that originated in Fukuoka, Japan. The broth is made by simmering pork bones for several hours, resulting in a creamy and savory broth. It’s then topped with pork chashu, soft-boiled eggs, and noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
Japanese zucchini, also known as hakusai, is a type of squash that is commonly used in Japanese cooking. It has a mild flavor and is often used in dishes such as tempura or stir-fries. It can also be pickled and served as a side dish.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef steak, also known as gyu steak, is a popular dish made with high-quality Wagyu beef. The beef is thinly sliced and cooked on a hot grill to perfection. It’s often served with a side of garlic fried rice and a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and citrus fruit juice.
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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 made with a pork cutlet, egg, and rice. The pork is breaded and fried until crispy, then simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s then served over a bowl of rice and topped with a soft-boiled egg for a protein-packed and delicious meal.
Japanese curry is a beloved comfort food in Japan, with its thick and flavorful sauce and tender chunks of meat and vegetables. It has a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to Indian or Thai curries, making it a great option for those who are new to curries. Serve it over a bed of Japanese rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki udon is a simple and delicious stir-fry dish made with thick udon noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as chicken or beef. It’s a great option for beginners as it’s quick and easy to make, but still packed with flavor. Don’t forget to top it off with a sprinkle of bonito flakes for an extra umami kick.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle soup dish that is made with chicken broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings such as chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any time of the year. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized bowl of deliciousness.
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish made with a breaded and fried pork cutlet. The pork is tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making it a favorite among many. It’s often served with a side of cabbage salad and a tonkatsu sauce for dipping.
Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and has gained popularity all over the world. With its rich and flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and various toppings, it’s no wonder why it’s loved by many. From traditional tonkotsu to miso and shoyu, there’s a ramen flavor for everyone to enjoy.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
Salmon bowls, also known as sake-don, are a popular Japanese dish that is made with grilled or raw salmon served over a bowl of rice. It’s often topped with avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
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Gyudon (Japanese Beef & Rice Bowls)
Main Ingredients: Neutral Oil, Onions, Beef, Sugar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
Gyudon is a beef and rice bowl dish that is a popular fast food option in Japan. It’s made with thinly sliced beef and onions cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, then served over a bed of rice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Karaage Chicken (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Grated Ginger, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Karaage chicken is a popular Japanese fried chicken dish that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being coated in potato starch and fried until crispy. It’s commonly served as an appetizer or as a topping on ramen or udon noodles.
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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 convenient and delicious snack or meal option. They are made with sushi rice and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as salmon, tuna, or pickled plums. They are often wrapped in nori seaweed and can be found in convenience stores all over Japan.
What is Shichimi Togarashi?
Origins
Shichimi togarashi originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was created by a herbalist in Tokyo. It was originally used as a medicinal spice, believed to have healing properties for the common cold and other ailments. Over time, people began to use it as a seasoning for food, and it became a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients
Traditionally, shichimi togarashi is made up of seven spices, hence its name. The main ingredients include red chili pepper, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, orange peel, hemp seeds, ginger, and Japanese pepper. However, there are many variations of this spice, and some may include additional ingredients such as seaweed or poppy seeds.
Flavor Profile
The combination of spices in shichimi togarashi creates a unique and complex flavor. The main component, red chili pepper, gives it a spicy kick, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty and slightly sweet taste. The orange peel adds a citrusy note, and the ginger and Japanese pepper bring a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the mix. Overall, shichimi togarashi has a well-balanced flavor that is both spicy and savory.
Uses in Japanese Cuisine
Shichimi togarashi is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often sprinkled over udon or soba noodles, tempura, grilled meats, and rice dishes. It can also be used as a rub for fish or meat before grilling or frying. In addition, some people like to mix it with soy sauce to create a flavorful dipping sauce for sushi or gyoza. Its uses are endless, and it adds a delightful kick to any dish.
Health Benefits
Apart from its delicious flavor, shichimi togarashi also provides various health benefits. The red chili pepper in the spice contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The sesame seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The orange peel is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the ginger and Japanese pepper are known for their anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties.
In Conclusion
Shichimi togarashi is a must-have spice for those who love Japanese cuisine or want to add an extra kick to their dishes. Its unique blend of spices not only adds flavor but also provides various health benefits. So next time you're cooking Japanese food, be sure to reach for this savory spice and experience its deliciousness for yourself.