As I’m getting older, I’ve discovered a passion for trying new types of cuisines, not only trying but also preparing the food.
I’ve found myself googling various recipes, and I enjoy making Japanese meals. The Japanese culture has always appealed to me, as I practice karate and I’m into my health and fitness. Japanese food is low in calories and very nutritious.
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Introduction to Japanese Home Cooking
The Japanese culture is not only one of the most ancient, but also the most multifaceted and international. The cuisine is as diverse as the islands it has touched. It has been influenced by many countries and cultures which make up its history such as India, China, Russia, and Korea.
The traditional Japanese diet consists mainly of rice or noodles with a modest amount of fish or meat – much more than in Western countries. Traditional Japanese meals are customarily served in a specific order. At the beginning of the meal, soup and rice are served.
The soup is typically miso soup, which is made from dashi broth mixed with miso paste. Rice is an important part of the meal because it can be eaten as a side dish or starter. After miso soup and rice, side dishes such as meat and vegetables will normally come next.
With so many different types of Japanese foods, it can be hard for beginners to know where to start.
But with these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite Japanese dishes at home.
Japanese Cooking Prerequisites and Basic Ingredients
Japanese cooking washoku has a lot of basic ingredients and prerequisites. One of the most important things to know about cooking Japanese food is that you need to have the right ingredients.
Many of these ingredients are not available in your local grocery store, so if you are just getting started with Japanese cooking, it can be difficult to know what you need.
Some of the most popular Japanese food ingredients are seaweed, soy sauce, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, wasabi, and miso.
Japanese cuisine is known for its flavour and simplicity. Additionally, freshness comes into play here, so buying in-season vegetables along with fresh meats will help with the delicious and simple flavours the Japanese are known for.
How to Prepare Rice for Japanese Dishes
As already mentioned, rice is a staple in Japanese dishes. Japanese people eat lots of rice, and they prepare it in many ways. There are various types of rice to choose from, such as white rice, brown rice, sweet brown rice, and sticky rice.
Generally, it can be prepared per package instructions. However, because rice is used so much in Japanese dishes it could be useful to invest in a rice cooker that steams the rice for you.
Preparation is simple when using a rice cooker, you’ll simply place rice, water, and a little salt into the cooker and set its timer based on the sort of rice you are preparing. Different rice cookers come with different instructions so it’s best to refer to those when preparing your rice. Depending on the recipe you are using and what rice you use, it’s crucial that you wash your rice before cooking. This washes off excess starch to prevent an unwanted, sticky texture. It’s recommended to wash your rice until the water runs clear.
Best Vegetables for Japanese Food Preparation
In order to make a delicious Japanese meal, you need a wide range of vegetables. It is possible to get these from the grocery store, but there are also vegetables that can be grown at home or in your garden.
Choosing the correct vegetables for cooking Japanese food is important for two reasons. Firstly, the dish will taste better with the right flavours and ingredients. Secondly, you want to avoid eating raw or undercooked vegetables that might contain bacteria that can cause health problems such as salmonella and E-coli.
The best vegetables for Japanese food preparation are
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Cabbage or Hakusai
- Japanese mustard spinach
- Radish
- Turnips
- Sweet potatoes
- Taro root
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Kabocha or Pumpkin
Japanese dishes are unique in the variety of vegetables different dishes can contain. You should prepare vegetables based on their traditional recipes for the best flavour.
Kitchen tools for Cooking Japanese Foods at home
Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular global cuisines. However, living in a country outside of Asia does not mean that you can’t easily find all the necessary kitchen tools for cooking Japanese dishes. Here are some of the most used kitchen utensils and gadgets you need to cook Japanese food at home with authenticity and a natural traditional taste.
Rice Cooker
The traditional way of cooking rice doesn’t require any special equipment- just a pot and a stovetop. You can cook individual servings of rice or use it as part of a larger dish such as curry. The problem with this option is that it takes more time than using a rice cooker to provide perfectly cooked rice every time.
Japanese Bowls
Japanese bowls are a type of traditional Japanese dish. They are used to compartmentalize the rice and different types of food from each other.
Japanese Chopsticks
Japanese chopsticks are a pair of wooden or disposable sticks used for eating. Chopsticks are made of several materials including bamboo, plastic, metal, and more.
Usaba Knives
Usuba knives are Japanese utility knives with a razor-sharp blade that is capable of quick, clean cuts. They are ideal for slicing vegetables and meats into thin, uniform pieces. The Usuba Knife’s shape and sharpness give it an advantage over other types of knives in the kitchen.
Conclusion – Can you cook authentic Japanese food at home
Absolutely, but we must consider that cooking authentic Japanese food at home can be a very difficult task. However, starting with the basics, the right tools and the perfect recipes will have you cooking authentic Japanese food right in your own kitchen. I hope you find this article helpful.