Learn to Cook Japanese Food! 3 Easy Recipes for Beginners
Hello Food Lovers!
Japanese cuisine is known for its simplicity, rich flavors, and balance of ingredients. Today, we’re sharing three easy and delicious Japanese recipes that you can make at home. No special skills required—just a love for good food!
目次
1. Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Ingredients (6 Onigiri)
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 bowls of cooked rice
- Salt, to taste
- Nori seaweed (optional)
Instructions
- Fry the Tuna
- Open the tuna cans and pour the contents, including the oil, into a frying pan.
- Heat over medium heat and fry until the moisture is gone, about 5 minutes.
- Let the fried tuna cool.
- Season the Rice
- Place the cooked rice in a bowl and sprinkle salt over the entire surface.
- Mix the rice with a cutting motion, being careful not to crush the grains. Sprinkle salt again and mix.
- Make the Tuna Mayo
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooled tuna with the mayonnaise and mix well.
- Form the Onigiri
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and place a portion of rice in the center.
- Make a depression in the rice and place a spoonful of tuna mayo in the center.
- Wrap the rice around the filling and shape it into a triangle or round.
- Optional: Wrap the onigiri with nori seaweed.
Yurie Niwano’s Tips
- “Frying the tuna removes excess moisture and concentrates the flavor, making for a truly delicious onigiri. Please give it a try!”
Summary
These tuna mayo onigiri, made with this special method, are delicious even when cold, making them perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, and onigiri parties. Enjoy!
2. Miso Soup
Ingredients (2 servings)
- 1/2 pack Enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 pack Shimeji mushrooms
- 1/2 block Tofu
- 2 tablespoons Dashi miso (miso with dashi already mixed in)
- 400ml Water
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Mushrooms:
- Bring water to a boil in a pot.
- Add enoki and shimeji mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Dissolve the Miso:
- Turn off the heat.
- Dissolve the dashi miso into the hot water.
- *Note: Avoid boiling the miso soup after adding the miso, as it will affect the flavor.
- Add the Tofu:
- Add the Tofu, and warm it.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips
- Using dashi miso makes this recipe quick and easy.
- Feel free to use your favorite mushrooms.
- You can use silken or firm tofu, depending on your preference.
- Do not boil the Miso soup after the Miso has been added.
Summary
This mushroom miso soup is full of flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy!
3. Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons dashi (Japanese soup stock)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
Tools
- Bowl
- Chopsticks
- Japanese omelette pan (or frying pan)
- Paper towel
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk well.
- Add dashi, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce, and mix thoroughly.
- Prepare the Pan:
- Heat the omelette pan (or frying pan) over medium heat.
- Lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil.
- Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Pour 1/3 of the egg mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- When the egg starts to set, roll it from the far side to the near side, and move it to the far side of the pan.
- Lightly oil the empty part of the pan, and pour in half of the remaining egg mixture, making sure to pour some under the rolled egg.
- When the surface sets, roll it again from the far side to the near side.
- Repeat with the last of the egg mixture.
- Shape the Omelette:
- Once rolled, shape the omelette and let it cool slightly.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the omelette into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Tips
- Make sure the pan is hot before pouring in the egg mixture for a beautiful finish.
- Lightly oil the pan each time you pour in the egg mixture to prevent sticking.
- Roll the egg while it’s still semi-soft for a fluffy texture.
Conclusion
These recipes are a great way to experience Japanese cuisine from your own kitchen. Have you tried making Japanese food before? Let us know how it goes!
Happy cooking,
The La La Love Nippon Team
