17 Tare Recipe Japanese Serious Eats Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its intricate flavors and delicate balance of ingredients. One dish that embodies this philosophy is tare, a versatile and essential component in many Japanese recipes. Tare is a savory and umami-rich sauce or glaze that adds depth and complexity to a dish. In this article, we will dive into the world of tare, exploring its origins, different types, and how to make your own delicious tare at home.
This Japanese-style breaded pork cutlet is a crowd-pleasing dish that is full of flavor and texture. Katsu, which means "cutlet" in Japanese, is usually made with pork loin or chicken breast that is pounded thin, coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Serve it with a tangy tonkatsu sauce, a side of rice and some cabbage slaw for a complete meal. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
Looking for a unique twist on traditional pancakes? Try these fluffy and soufflé-like Japanese pancakes! Made with a batter that includes cake flour, egg whites, and buttermilk, these pancakes are lighter and fluffier than their American counterparts. They are also usually stacked high and served with fruit, whipped cream and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These pancakes are sure to impress your taste buds and your Instagram followers.
This light and airy cheesecake has a texture that is reminiscent of cotton candy, hence its name. Made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar and flour, this cheesecake is baked in a water bath to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. It is also usually served with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Enjoy a slice with a cup of Japanese green tea for a delightful treat.
Okonomiyaki, which means "grilled as you like it", is a savory pancake made with a batter that includes cabbage, flour, egg, and bonito flakes. It is usually topped with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, squid, cheese and vegetables, then cooked on a teppan (flat iron grill). It is then finished off with a sweet and savory sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes. This popular street food is a must-try for any food lover.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and crunchy salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Made with cucumber, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, it is a great accompaniment to any meal. It can also be served as a side dish or a light snack. The addition of seaweed or sliced octopus adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to this simple yet delicious salad.
Ramen, a popular noodle dish in Japan, has gained worldwide fame for its rich and savory broth and al dente noodles. While the most common type of ramen is tonkotsu (pork bone broth), there are many other variations to try such as shoyu (soy sauce broth), miso (soybean paste broth), and shio (salt broth). It is usually topped with pork, egg, seaweed, and vegetables. Whether you prefer a spicy bowl of ramen or a mild one, there is a bowl of ramen for everyone.
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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 bento boxes. They are made by shaping sushi rice into a triangle or round shape and filling it with a variety of ingredients such as tuna, salmon, pickled plum or spicy cod roe. They are perfect for a quick and portable snack or a light lunch. You can find them in convenience stores, supermarkets and even vending machines in Japan.
Udon noodles, made from wheat flour, are thick and chewy and are often served in a hot and savory broth. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways such as tempura udon (with crispy tempura on top), kitsune udon (with fried tofu on top), and nabeyaki udon (served in a hot pot with various toppings). It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.
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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 or side dish in Japanese cuisine. They are made with a filling of pork, cabbage, garlic, and ginger, wrapped in a thin wonton wrapper and pan-fried until crispy. They are usually served with a soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or as part of a meal, these dumplings are a delicious addition to any menu.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It can be grilled, fried, or stewed and is often served with a savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It can also be used in dishes such as tempura, stir-fries, and curries. The creamy and mild taste of Japanese eggplant makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes.
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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, have a nutty and slightly chewy texture that pairs well with a peanut sauce. This dish is a fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors and is a favorite among noodle lovers. The soba noodles are usually served cold with a peanut sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Yakitori Tare Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Garlic Cloves
Yakitori, which means "grilled chicken", is a popular street food in Japan. It consists of chicken skewers that are grilled over charcoal and brushed with a tare sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The sweet and savory sauce caramelizes on the chicken, giving it a delicious glaze. It can also be enjoyed with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (seven spice powder) for an extra kick of spice.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is not only limited to chicken skewers, it can also refer to any kind of skewered and grilled meat. Popular meat choices include beef, pork, lamb, and seafood. It is usually served with a tare sauce or a salt-based sauce for dipping. It is a great addition to any barbecue or cookout and is sure to be a hit with meat lovers.
Japanese zucchini, also known as chayote, is a light and refreshing vegetable that is often used in Japanese dishes. It can be sliced and served raw in a salad, stir-fried with other vegetables, or grilled and seasoned with a soy sauce and sesame oil dressing. Its mild flavor makes it a great addition to any dish.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef, also known as Wagyu, is known for its marbling and tenderness. It is usually cooked medium rare to medium to fully appreciate its rich and intense flavor. It can be served as a steak with a side of potatoes and vegetables, or sliced and enjoyed in a hot pot or sukiyaki (a type of Japanese hot pot dish). Treat yourself to this luxurious and delicious dish.
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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 rice bowl dish that consists of a pork cutlet that is breaded and fried, then served over a bed of rice with a sweet and savory sauce and a soft-cooked egg on top. The egg yolk adds a creamy and rich element to the dish. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a busy day.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Okonomiyaki can also be made with Japanese sweet potato for a sweet and savory twist. The sweet potato adds a natural sweetness to the dish and pairs well with savory toppings such as pork belly and cheese. It can also be made with a variety of other ingredients such as corn, bacon, and kimchi. Enjoy this unique and delicious version of okonomiyaki.
Japanese curry, also known as kare, is a thick and hearty dish that is made with a curry roux, vegetables, and meat such as beef, pork, or chicken. It is usually served with rice and can be customized with additional toppings such as fried or boiled eggs, pickled vegetables, and cheese. It is a popular comfort food in Japan and is often served in cafes and restaurants.
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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 versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It usually consists of udon noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It can also be made with meat such as chicken or pork, or with seafood such as shrimp or squid. This dish is a great way to introduce yourself to Japanese cuisine and is a quick and easy meal to make at home.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
If you prefer a lighter and healthier version of ramen, try making it with chicken broth instead of pork broth. The chicken broth is usually made with chicken bones, vegetables, and aromatics and is simmered for hours to develop a rich and flavorful broth. It is then topped with chicken, egg, and vegetables. This ramen is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter option without sacrificing taste.
The Origins of Tare
Tare has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. The word "tare" comes from the Japanese verb "tareru," which means "to soak" or "to dip." This reflects the primary purpose of tare in traditional Japanese cooking, which is to add flavor and moisture to grilled or roasted meats and vegetables. Tare is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for various dishes, such as yakitori or skewered grilled chicken.
The Evolution of Tare
Over time, tare has evolved and become more diverse, with different regions and chefs creating their own unique versions. In the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding areas, tare is typically made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. On the other hand, in the Kansai region, which includes Osaka and Kyoto, tare is typically made with soy sauce, sugar, and dashi, a type of fish stock. These regional variations in tare reflect the diverse flavors and cooking styles of Japan.
The Different Types of Tare
In addition to regional variations, there are also different types of tare used in Japanese cooking. One type is shoyu tare, which is the most commonly used and consists of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. Another type is miso tare, which is made with miso paste, mirin, and other ingredients. Miso tare is commonly used in ramen and other noodle dishes. There is also yakiniku tare, which is specifically used for grilling meats and is made with soy sauce, sake, and other seasonings.
Making Your Own Tare
While it is convenient to buy pre-made tare from the store, making your own allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. The key to a good tare is the balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. You can start with a simple shoyu tare recipe and adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as honey or brown sugar, to add depth to the sauce.
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In Conclusion
Tare is a fundamental element in Japanese cooking, adding complex and delicious flavors to dishes. With its diverse regional variations and types, tare offers endless possibilities for creating unique and flavorful dishes. So next time you're cooking Japanese cuisine, don't forget to incorporate this essential ingredient and try making your own homemade tare for a truly authentic and delicious experience.