18 Japanese Shaved Ice Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to being a refreshing summer treat, Japanese shaved ice, also known as kakigori, is a beloved dessert in Japan that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made with finely shaved ice and a variety of flavorful syrups, this sweet and icy delicacy has become increasingly popular around the world. If you're looking to recreate this delicious dessert at home, follow this simple recipe and learn more about the history and variations of Japanese shaved ice.
Steamed Buns With Tempura King Oyster Mushrooms and...
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sake, Sugar, Mirin, King Oyster Mushrooms
Get ready to take your beer can chicken to the next level with this delicious recipe for steamed buns filled with tempura king oyster mushrooms. The crispy tempura mushrooms add a unique and flavorful twist to the classic beer can chicken. Plus, the soft and fluffy steamed buns make for the perfect vessel to hold all that deliciousness.
If you're a fan of crispy, breaded chicken, then you'll love this Japanese-inspired recipe for pork katsu. Thinly sliced pork is coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Serve with a side of tonkatsu sauce for dipping and you have a mouth-watering dish that will have your taste buds dancing.
Main Ingredients: Water, Granulated Sugar, Strawberries, Ice, Sweetened
Cool off on a hot summer day with this refreshing and indulgent Japanese dessert. Kakigori is a shaved ice dessert that is typically served with a sweet syrup drizzled on top. This variation uses condensed milk and fresh strawberries for a creamy and fruity twist. It's the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while grilling up some beer can chicken.
Looking for a tasty side dish to accompany your beer can chicken? Look no further than Japanese ajitsuke tamago, or marinated soft-boiled eggs. These savory and slightly sweet eggs are a popular addition to ramen, but they also make a great side dish on their own. Plus, they're easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
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Somen (Japanese Cold Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Ice Cubes, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cold noodles, and somen is a popular choice in Japan. These thin wheat noodles are typically served chilled and topped with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sauces. It's a light and refreshing dish that pairs well with beer can chicken, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Corncobs, Scallions, Peanut Oil, Cake Flour, Sparkling
Corn season is here, and what better way to enjoy this sweet and juicy vegetable than in the form of tempura? Kakiage fritters are a type of tempura made with mixed vegetables, and this recipe specifically calls for fresh corn. The result is a crispy and flavorful fritter that makes for a tasty side dish to go with your beer can chicken.
Who says pancakes are just for breakfast? These Japanese-style pancakes, known as okonomiyaki, are often enjoyed as a savory snack or meal. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, and cabbage, these fluffy pancakes are then topped with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables. It's a fun and delicious way to switch up your usual pancake routine.
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Easy Vegetarian Ramen
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Ice, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Rice Vinegar
Even if you're not vegetarian, you'll want to give this ramen recipe a try. It's packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Plus, the broth is made with a blend of soy sauce, miso, and dashi, giving it that signature umami flavor. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Boneless Fried Shad Tempura
Main Ingredients: Shad Fillets, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Rice Flour, Corn
Shad is a type of fish that is popular in Japanese cuisine, and one of the best ways to prepare it is by frying it in tempura batter. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. Plus, the boneless shad makes for easy eating, so you can focus on enjoying all the delicious flavors.
If you're a fan of light and airy desserts, then this Japanese cotton cheesecake will be right up your alley. It's made with a blend of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, giving it a fluffy and delicate texture. Plus, the addition of matcha powder adds a subtle and unique flavor to the cake. It's a great way to end a meal of beer can chicken on a sweet note.
Another variation of okonomiyaki, this version uses a mix of cabbage, bacon, and shrimp to create a savory and satisfying dish. The ingredients are mixed into a batter and fried on a griddle, then topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. It's a fun and delicious way to add some variety to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This simple and refreshing salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Thinly sliced cucumber is marinated in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing, making for a light and flavorful side dish. It's a great way to balance out the richness of beer can chicken and adds some much-needed crunch to the meal.
No list of Japanese recipes would be complete without mentioning ramen. This popular noodle dish has become a worldwide sensation, and for good reason. With a rich and flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and a variety of toppings, it's a satisfying and comforting meal that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, or onigiri, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and make for a great addition to any meal, especially beer can chicken. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pickled plums, umeboshi, or salmon flakes. They're a fun and portable way to enjoy rice and make for a tasty side dish.
Udon noodles are thick and chewy Japanese noodles that are often served in a hot broth, making for a delicious and comforting soup. This recipe adds in a variety of vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, and tempura shrimp to create a hearty and flavorful meal that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
If you're a fan of dumplings, then you'll love gyoza. These pan-fried dumplings are filled with a savory mix of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, then served with a tangy dipping sauce. They make for a great appetizer or side dish to enjoy alongside your beer can chicken.
Grilled eggplant is a popular dish in Japan, and for good reason. The tender and slightly smoky eggplant pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings, making it a versatile and delicious side dish. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your beer can chicken meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. In this recipe, they're tossed in a flavorful peanut sauce and topped with scallions and sesame seeds. It's a simple and satisfying dish that makes for a great side dish or light lunch to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, are a popular street food in Japan. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. It's a tasty and easy dish to prepare, making it a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
Zucchini may seem like a simple and unassuming vegetable, but in this Japanese-inspired recipe, it becomes a flavorful and delicious side dish. The zucchini is sautéed in a soy sauce and sake mixture, giving it a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken.
History of Japanese Shaved Ice
The Origins
The origins of Japanese shaved ice can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185), when ice was brought down from the mountains and served to the aristocrats. However, it wasn't until the Meiji period (1868-1912) that ice became more accessible to the general public and kakigori started to gain popularity. In the 1920s, street vendors began selling shaved ice topped with sweetened azuki beans, and by the 1950s, new flavors such as strawberry and green tea were introduced.
Modern Times
Today, Japanese shaved ice is a staple summer dessert in Japan and has become a symbol of Japanese cuisine around the world. It can be found in various forms, from traditional street vendor stalls to high-end restaurants, and is often served at festivals and special events. The popularity of kakigori has also led to the development of new and creative flavors, such as matcha, mango, and even savory options like soy sauce and seaweed.
Recipe for Japanese Shaved Ice
Ingredients
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 cups of shaved ice
1/4 cup of condensed milk
Assorted syrups for flavoring (strawberry, green tea, etc.)
Optional toppings: azuki beans, fresh fruit, mochi, etc.
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour.
Place shaved ice in a bowl or cup and drizzle with the condensed milk.
Add desired syrups for flavoring and top with optional toppings.
Pour the chilled syrup over the ice and toppings, and enjoy!
Variations of Japanese Shaved Ice
Kakigori vs. Hawaiian Shaved Ice
While similar in appearance, Japanese shaved ice and Hawaiian shaved ice, or shave ice, have distinct differences. Japanese kakigori is made with finely shaved ice, giving it a fluffy and delicate texture, while Hawaiian shave ice is made with coarser ice, resulting in a more crunchy and icy texture. Additionally, kakigori is typically topped with flavored syrups and condensed milk, while shave ice is often topped with fruit or fruit juice.
Regional Variations
In Japan, different regions have their own unique variations of kakigori. For example, in Kyoto, you can find ujikintoki, which is topped with green tea syrup, azuki beans, and mochi. In Hokkaido, you can try melon flavored shaved ice, topped with fresh melon and condensed milk. These regional variations add to the diversity and creativity of Japanese shaved ice.
Healthy Options
For those looking for a healthier option, Japanese shaved ice can also be made with fresh fruit juices instead of flavored syrups. You can also opt for low-sugar or sugar-free syrups, and top with fresh fruit and nuts for added nutrients.
In conclusion, Japanese shaved ice is not only a delicious and refreshing dessert, but it also has a rich history and continues to evolve with new flavors and variations. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a taste of Japan in the comfort of your own home. So why not give it a try and experience the sweet and icy goodness of Japanese shaved ice for yourself?