20 Japanese Spice Mix Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, chances are you've come across the term "Japanese spice mix" in recipes or on restaurant menus. This versatile blend of spices, also known as shichimi togarashi, is a staple in Japanese cooking. Not only does it add a delicious kick of flavor to dishes, but it also offers a range of health benefits. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Japanese spice mix and provide you with a simple and easy-to-follow recipe to make it at home.
One of the most popular dishes in Japan, Pork Katsu is a must-try for any food lover. This dish features crispy, breaded pork cutlets served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce. To achieve the perfect texture, the pork is pounded thin before being coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Serve with a side of rice and shredded cabbage for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you're a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, then you'll love this Japanese-style sticky chicken. The tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and mirin, giving it a delicious glaze. Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
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California Sushi Bowls with Japanese Togarashi Mayo
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Sea Salt, Egg
This dish combines the freshness of California-style sushi with the bold flavors of Japanese Togarashi mayo. The base of the bowl is made with sushi rice, topped with avocado, cucumber, crab meat, and tobiko. The star of the dish is the spicy mayo, made with mayonnaise, Togarashi seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Tamago Kake Gohan for Japanese Egg on Rice
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Eggs, Japanese Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
For a quick and easy breakfast or snack, try this classic Japanese dish of Tamago Kake Gohan. It's simply a bowl of steamed rice topped with a raw egg and soy sauce. The heat from the rice cooks the egg slightly, creating a creamy and delicious sauce. Add some green onions and nori for added flavor and texture.
These fluffy, thick, and slightly sweet pancakes are a staple in Japanese cafes and restaurants. Made with buttermilk, flour, and eggs, these pancakes have a unique texture and flavor. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, fruit, and drizzle with maple syrup for a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a popular street food in Japan. These pancakes are made with a batter of flour, eggs, cabbage, and shredded pork, then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. They are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of Japanese street food.
This light and fluffy cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan, known for its airy texture and delicate flavor. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and cornstarch, this cheesecake is steamed instead of baked, giving it a unique texture. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a delicious and beautiful dessert.
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Chicken Yakitori
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Tamari Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Caster
Yakitori, meaning "grilled chicken" in Japanese, is a popular street food in Japan. These skewers of chicken, green onions, and bell peppers are grilled and basted with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. They are perfect as an appetizer or served as a main dish with a side of rice and vegetables.
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Crispy Cod & Yuzu-Shoyu Soba with Napa Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Cod Fillets, Soba Noodles, Green Cabbage, Scallions
This dish is a delicious combination of crispy cod, chewy soba noodles, and crunchy napa cabbage. The cod is coated in a panko breadcrumb and sesame seed mixture, then pan-fried to perfection. The soba noodles are tossed in a yuzu-shoyu dressing, giving them a tangy and savory flavor. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and light salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and mixed with a dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's the perfect side dish to balance out any meal, especially those with rich and bold flavors.
Ramen, one of the most famous dishes in Japan, is a hearty and flavorful noodle soup. The broth is made with pork bones and vegetables, simmered for hours to develop a rich and savory flavor. The noodles are topped with pork chashu, soft-boiled egg, green onions, and nori. It's a comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan. These triangular-shaped rice balls are filled with various fillings such as tuna, salmon, umeboshi (pickled plum), or tsukemono (pickled vegetables). They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a side dish for lunch.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, also known as potstickers, are a popular appetizer in Japanese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and green onions, then pan-fried until crispy. They are served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. They are a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.
Udon, thick and chewy noodles, are the star of this flavorful soup. The broth is made with bonito flakes, kombu (dried seaweed), and mirin, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The noodles are topped with tempura (deep-fried seafood or vegetables), green onions, and nori. It's a filling and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
If you're tired of the same old eggplant dishes, give this Japanese-style eggplant recipe a try. The eggplant is grilled and topped with a delicious sauce made with sake, soy sauce, and mirin. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a side or a vegetarian main course.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
This dish combines the flavors of Japan and Southeast Asia, making it a unique and delicious meal. The soba noodles are tossed in a peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then topped with shredded chicken, cucumber, and carrots. It's a perfect dish for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
This simple yet delicious dish features skewers of grilled chicken basted with a teriyaki sauce. The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, then topped with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend. It's a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal.
Zucchini, or hakusai in Japanese, is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine. This simple recipe features pan-fried zucchini seasoned with soy sauce and mirin. It's a quick and easy side dish that can be served with any Japanese-inspired meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
This dish features tender and juicy beef steak marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and garlic. The steak is grilled to your desired level of doneness and served with a side of rice and vegetables. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress any meat lover.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
This popular Japanese dish is a bowl of rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, egg, and onions, all simmered in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any time of day. Don't forget to drizzle some tonkatsu sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
What is Japanese Spice Mix?
Japanese spice mix, also known as shichimi togarashi, is a popular seasoning blend in Japanese cuisine. It is made up of a combination of seven different spices, giving it a unique and robust flavor profile. The term "shichimi" translates to "seven flavors," which refers to the seven main ingredients used in this spice mix. These ingredients include chili pepper, orange peel, sesame seeds, ginger, nori seaweed, Sichuan pepper, and poppy seeds. Each ingredient adds a distinct flavor and texture to the mix, making it a must-have in any Japanese kitchen.
Health Benefits of Japanese Spice Mix
Apart from its delicious taste, Japanese spice mix also offers a range of health benefits. Chili peppers and Sichuan pepper are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your metabolism. Sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats, while orange peel contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Nori seaweed is rich in vitamins and minerals, and ginger has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Poppy seeds are also known for their anti-inflammatory benefits and can help improve brain function. Therefore, adding Japanese spice mix to your dishes not only enhances the flavor but also provides a nutritional boost.
How to Make Japanese Spice Mix
Making your own Japanese spice mix is quick and easy. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a spice grinder. Start by toasting 1 tablespoon of Sichuan pepper, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant. Next, add in 1 tablespoon of dried orange peel, 1 tablespoon of nori seaweed flakes, and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Toast for an additional minute, then remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a spice grinder and grind until you get a fine powder. Store in an airtight container and use as desired.
In conclusion, Japanese spice mix is a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish, and making it at home is simple and cost-effective. So, next time you're cooking up a Japanese-inspired meal, be sure to add a pinch of this delicious spice blend for an extra boost of flavor and health benefits.
