19 Nasu Nibitashi Recipe Japanese Cooking 101 Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Nasu nibitashi is a traditional Japanese dish that is both delicious and easy to make. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Japanese home cooking and is often served as a side dish or appetizer. In this article, we will dive into the world of Japanese cooking and learn how to make the perfect nasu nibitashi. From the ingredients to the cooking process, we will guide you through every step to ensure you can recreate this dish with confidence.
If you're a fan of crispy fried dishes, then Japanese pork katsu is a must-try recipe. Thinly sliced pork is coated in a light and crispy panko breadcrumb coating, then fried to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful piece of pork that pairs perfectly with a side of rice and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and a staple in Japanese cuisine.
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Miso Soup – Japanese Cooking 101
Main Ingredients: Water, Bonito Flakes, Tofu, Miso Paste, Green Onions
Miso soup is a classic Japanese dish that is simple yet packed with flavor. Made with a savory broth, miso paste, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is a staple in Japanese households. It's often served as a side dish or as a starter to a larger meal. You can customize the ingredients to your liking, making it the perfect soup for any season.
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Nasu Dengaku (Japanese Eggplants Broiled with Miso)
Main Ingredients: Mirin, Sake, Mellow White Miso, Agave Nectar, Japanese
Nasu dengaku is a traditional Japanese dish that features broiled eggplant topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze. The eggplant becomes tender and caramelized in the oven, while the miso glaze adds a burst of umami flavor. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Agedashi nasu is a popular dish in Japanese izakayas (pubs). This simple yet flavorful dish features fried eggplant coated in a light and crispy batter, then drizzled with a savory dashi broth and topped with grated daikon radish. It's a delicious way to enjoy eggplant and a great appetizer to share with friends.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant Nasu Dengaku
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Oil, Miso Paste, Sake, Mirin, White
Another version of the classic nasu dengaku, this dish uses a combination of miso paste and dashi broth to create a rich and flavorful glaze for the eggplant. It's a great way to introduce miso to your meals and a delicious way to enjoy eggplant.
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Japanese Eggplant Nasu Dengaku (Miso glaze)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Miso Paste, Mirin, Soy Sauce, White
Simple and delicious, this version of nasu dengaku features a miso glaze that is made with only three ingredients: miso paste, sugar, and mirin. The result is a sweet and savory glaze that pairs perfectly with the tender and caramelized eggplant. It's a great dish to make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Japanese-style pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are a popular breakfast dish in Japan. These fluffy and thick pancakes are made with a combination of eggs, flour, sugar, and milk, resulting in a light and airy texture. They are often served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, and syrup.
Japanese cotton cheesecake, also known as souffle cheesecake, is a light and fluffy dessert that is popular in Japan. Made with cream cheese, eggs, and a touch of flour, this cheesecake has a distinct texture that is similar to a souffle. It's a delicious and unique dessert to try, and it's sure to impress any dinner guest.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is made with a variety of ingredients, such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles. The name translates to "grilled as you like it," which reflects the customizable nature of this dish. It's often topped with a tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes for added flavor.
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Nasu Dengaku – Miso Glazed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Small Eggplant, Vegetable Oil, Miso Paste, Mirin
For a twist on the classic nasu dengaku, try this version that uses a combination of miso paste and sake to create a flavorful glaze for the eggplant. The sake adds a depth of flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness of the miso. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and light salad that is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. It's a perfect side dish to accompany any Japanese meal, and it's also a great option for a healthy and low-calorie snack.
Ramen has become a popular dish all around the world, but it originated in Japan. This noodle soup is made with a rich and flavorful broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings, such as pork, eggs, and vegetables. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the year.
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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 staple in Japanese cuisine. These bite-sized snacks are made with cooked rice and a variety of fillings, such as pickled vegetables, fish, or meat. They are often wrapped in nori seaweed and make for a convenient and tasty on-the-go snack.
Udon noodle soup is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as a quick and comforting meal. The thick and chewy udon noodles are paired with a savory broth, vegetables, and a protein, such as chicken or tofu. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings, then pan-fried to create a crispy exterior. These dumplings are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan and are often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
Eggplant, or nasu in Japanese, is a versatile and commonly used vegetable in Japanese cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, broiling, or frying, and is often featured in dishes like nasu dengaku and agedashi nasu. Eggplant adds a unique and delicious flavor to any dish.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour, and they are a staple in Japanese cuisine. This dish features soba noodles tossed in a creamy and flavorful peanut sauce, then topped with fresh vegetables and herbs. It's a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular dish in Japan that features bite-sized pieces of chicken grilled on skewers and brushed with a sweet and savory sauce. It's a popular street food in Japan and is often served as a snack or as part of a larger meal. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy chicken.
Zucchini, or zucchini squash, is a versatile vegetable that is used in many different cuisines, including Japanese cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, sautéing, or pickling, and adds a delicious and nutritious element to any dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with zucchini in your Japanese cooking.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef steak, or gyu steak, is a popular dish in Japan that features high-quality beef cooked to perfection. It's often served with a side of rice and a variety of toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, and garlic. This dish is a must-try for any meat lover, and it's sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
What is Nasu Nibitashi?
Understanding the Dish
Nasu nibitashi is a dish made with eggplant that is cooked in a soy sauce-based broth. The name "nibitashi" literally translates to "boiled and steeped," which perfectly describes the cooking process of this dish. The eggplant is first boiled and then steeped in the flavorful broth, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors. This dish is a perfect example of the simple yet delicious flavors of Japanese cuisine.
The Health Benefits of Eggplant
Not only is nasu nibitashi tasty, but it also has numerous health benefits. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any diet. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them great for boosting your immune system. Additionally, eggplants are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels and promote healthy digestion. So, by incorporating eggplant into your diet through dishes like nasu nibitashi, you are not only satisfying your taste buds but also nourishing your body.
Making Nasu Nibitashi
Now that we understand the dish and its health benefits, let's dive into the cooking process. The key to a delicious nasu nibitashi is choosing the right eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm, shiny, and have a deep purple color. Once you have your eggplant, simply slice it into thick rounds and boil them for a few minutes until they are tender. Then, remove them from the water and let them steep in a dashi (Japanese broth) that has been seasoned with soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and bonito flakes. This will infuse the eggplant with all the delicious flavors and create a tender and flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, nasu nibitashi is a staple in Japanese home cooking for a reason. It is easy to make, packed with flavor, and has numerous health benefits. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your newfound Japanese cooking skills. So, next time you are looking for a simple and delicious side dish, give nasu nibitashi a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you.