This dish is called ‘Chikuzen-ni’ (筑前煮) in Japan. It was a local dish in Chikuzen region in the island of Kyushu. It is now popular in other parts of Japan and often prepared for the New Year celebration. It can be difficult to find all these ingredients outside Japan. In particular, Gobō and Lotus Root …
As my brother-in-law’s family and good friends of mine turned Vegan last year, I had been trying to create a new Vegan Gyoza recipe using Firm Tofu, but I couldn’t achieve the texture that I was wishing to create. Then, on the other day, to use up leftover Gyoza Wrappers, I made some Gyoza using …
My mother made ‘Bento’ lunch for my sisters and me for many many years. One of the memorable things of her ‘Bento’ is Cucumber that she cut decoratively, and those Cucumber pieces stood out in the ‘Bento’ box. Such a simple effort can make just a piece of Cucumber something special. I will show you …
The popular French cake ‘Friand’ is well known as ‘Financier’ in Japan, and they are usually baked in the shape of Bar of Gold. ‘Financier’ means ‘Financial’, and that’s why ‘Financier’ cakes are in that shape. I don’t have such specialised tins, so I bake them using muffin tins. Makes 8 Cakes Ingredients 100g Butter …
There is an old Japanese sweet called ‘Matsukaze’ (Wind in the Pines) that has hundreds of years history. And there is a Chicken Mince dish that looks like the sweet ‘Matsukaze’. This Chicken Mince dish is often prepared for the New Year celebration. I don’t have a large square pan, I bake it in the …
‘Pickled Chrysanthemum Turnips’ is called ‘Kikka Kabu’ (菊花かぶ) in Japan. It is often prepared for the New Year celebration. Small Turnips are prepared and pickled so that they look like Chrysanthemum Flowers. You can use Red Radishes, too. They are just pickled in a simple marinade, but they look pretty, don’t they? Makes 4 Servings …
Savoury rice sprinkles are called ‘Furikake’ in Japan. There are loads of ‘Furikake’ products available from stores, and the most popular ‘Furikake’ is ‘Nori & Egg Furikake’. Store-bought ‘Furikake’ are crispy and yummy, but have you ever read the very long list of ingredients? You can make ‘Nori & Egg Furikake’ at home. You can’t …
If you have some leftover ‘Tarako’ OR ‘Mentaiko’ (Salted Pollock Roe) and looking for a way to use it up, try this super simple stir-fry. ‘Umami’ and saltiness, and also spiciness if you use ‘Mentaiko’, come from the Salted Pollock Roe, what you have to do is just stir-fry. This dish is perfect to eat …
These noodle-like thin omelette strips are called ‘Kinshi Tamago’ (錦糸卵) in Japan. It is a decorative way to add Eggs to a dish. We use it for many dishes. I usually don’t season it but sometimes add a small pinch Salt. If you like Japanese cuisine, you may wish to know how to cook it. …
I cook Teriyaki Chicken quite often. It is a very popular dish for Bento Lunch among my family members. I sometimes add grated Ginger to it for an extra flavour. If I add a little bit of Garlic as well, they might get complaints from other hungry staff members at work, because the smell of …
‘Tarako’ is salted Pollock Roe. When it is salted with Chilli, it is called ‘Mentaiko’. They are quite popular in Japan and used for many dishes. Today I added ‘Mentaiko’, that is salted with Chilli, to my favourite ‘Abura-age & Carrot Takikomigohan’. It was DELICIOUS!!! Makes 4 Servings Ingredients 2 cups (*180ml cup) Japanese Short …
Pollock is a fish of Cod family. Salted Pollock Roe is called ‘Tarako’ in Japanese. When Pollock Roe is salted with Chilli, it is called ‘Mentaiko’. Both are very popular in Japan, and they make a great sauce for Spaghetti. Outside Japan, we only can find frozen ‘Tarako’ OR ‘Mentaiko’. If you could find them, …
