Your Home for Homemade Japanese Food

How to cook "with visual instructions" "using familiar ingredients from your local grocery stores" healthy, traditional and delicious Japanese dishes!!

Tag Archives: Recipes


by 20 Comments

Simmered Daikon Radish (Vegan/Gluten-free)

Today I introduce you to “How to Cook Simmered Daikon Radish”. 

If you are a little bit tired of eating vegetables, you should try this. 

IMG_1357_Foodgawker1

It is delicious, flavorful and low in calories. It has a soft and juicy texture. It is way too good, so I can’t stop eating once I dig in!

Daikon is high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and so on. Also it is easy to digest, so we traditionally eat daikon with other green vegetables and rice porridge after new year’s (we eat a lot of big meals around New Years).

IMG_0513

This recipe is very easy and the dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.

img_0514_fotorimg_0290_fotor

In my meals, I always have rice, soup and some various side dishes which I make ahead of time. This is an incredibly healthy dish but you need other nutrition as well. This dish can be the main dish for me, but it  actually has the nutrition of a side dish.

Here is the cooking video on my YouTube channel:

Collage_Fotordaikon

Peel and cut daikon. Simmer with the seasonings for 20 minutes. That’s it!!

I use a knife to peel daikon. This is because daikon has thick fiber under its peel. The fiber doesn’t cook through easily so if you leave it, the final texture is not as good as if you peel it.

IMG_1358_Foodgawker2

Ingredients (servings 2)
*Click BLUE TEXT to link to the product on Amazon*

8~10-inch-length Daikon Radish

2 cups Dashi Stock (any kind)

2 Tbsp. Cooking Sake

2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce REDUCED SODIUM [Gluten Free] (Organic)

1 Tbsp. Eden Mirin, Rice Cooking Wine

Sliced fresh Ginger to taste

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Simmered Daikon Radish


by 13 Comments

Sautéed Lotus Root with Miso Sauce

Today I will introduce you to “Sautéed Lotus Root with Miso Sauce”.

img_3783_foodgawker2

Have you ever tried Lotus root? Lotus root is high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and polyphenol. It doesn’t have a particularly strong taste or aroma but the crunchy texture is amazing! Even if you simmer it 20 ~ 30 minutes, it should still have great texture. Since it has no strong taste as I said, it can be used for many types of dishes.

This miso sauce is versatile. You can use it for any sautéed dish. Very flavorful, not too sweet and not greasy. This may not be a typical sautéed dish that you have had before.

fko0000014

You can use any kind of dashi stock or broth for this recipe. I would like to introduce you to my favorite natural Dashi stock powder. It is called Kayanoya. I want you to try at some point because it is very delicious and healthy!!

https://usa.kayanoya.com/products

fullsizeoutput_598_foodgawker4

The ingredients (Servings 2)
*Click products to link to the product on Amazon*

7 oz. Lotus Root

7 oz. Thin Sliced Meat (any kind)

2 small Green Bell Peppers

1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

1 Tbsp. Organic Miso Paste

½ Tbsp. Sugar

1 Tbsp. Cooking Sake

2 Tbsp. Dashi Stock (any kind)

The ingredients have many substitutions.

If you don’t want to use alcohol in your dishes, you can use your favorite broth. The authentic dish uses pork as a meat but you can use beef, chicken, lamb, duck, or even fish. Even if you don’t use any meat, it is still very delicious!

The recipe is easy.

collage_fotorbutarenkon
Stir-fry meat and vegetables. Steam for 10 minutes. Add the mixed miso sauce, sauté for 5 minutes.

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Sauteed Lotus Root with Miso Sauce


by 19 Comments

Sautéed Salmon and Asparagus (Gluten-free)

Today I introduce you to “Sautéed Salmon and Asparagus”. 

IMG_3053_Foodgawker1

If you are tired of baked or grilled salmon, you should try this! It is very delicious, flavorful and has a very soft texture because I steam it with cooking Sake in a pan. This is the key to cooking the asparagus and salmon all the way through in such a short time. If you are not comfortable with using alcohol for cooking, you can substitute some broth.

The recipe is very easy.

Collage_Fotorsalmonaspara
Cook salmon and asparagus in a pan. Season and steam with cooking sake.

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Sauteed Salmon and Asparagus

IMG_3054_Foodgawker2

[Ingredients (Servings 2)]
*Click the blue text to the product on Amazon*

1 Fillet Salmon

7 Asparagus

½ Tbsp. Garlic Powder

¼ cup Cooking Sake

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Sauteed Salmon and Asparagus

Here is the cooking video in YouTube:


by 28 Comments

3 Ingredients! Super Easy “Corn Side Dish in Buttery Soy Sauce”

Today I introduce you to “Japanese-Style Corn Side Dish in Buttery Soy Sauce”. This is a super quick and easy recipe which takes only 15 minutes or so. It is a great side dish for your family and friends during this holiday season! In this recipe I use soy sauce and butter (or margarine) for seasoning so it has a very different taste from a corn dish seasoned with just salt and pepper, but it is incredibly flavorful and delicious!! As an aside, have you ever tried to season a sautee dish with soy sauce and butter/margarine? If not, please try it sometimes!! You can season sautéed meat, seafood, vegetables…almost anything! I love sautéed mushrooms seasoned with soy sauce and margarine, which is totally divine!! 

IMG_3354_Foodgawker2

««Easy and tasty cookbook Bento for beginners now available on Amazon»»

9781646111350_ea-2

The recipe is very easy.

Collage_Fotorcorn

Cook frozen corn kernels with butter/margarine over medium-high heat and season with soy sauce.

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Corn Side Dish in Buttery Soy Sauce

The reason I used frozen corn kernel is I always keep them in the freezer. I buy many fresh ears of corn, steam them for a short time, cut the kernels off and freeze in a plastic bag. This is why I cook over medium-high heat to evaporate the water from the frozen corn. You can use fresh corn kernels for this recipe and cook over medium-low heat.

IMG_3353_Foodgawker1

 

Ingredients (Servings 2)
*Click BLUE TEXT to link to the product on Amazon*

3 cups (20~24 oz.) Frozen Corn Kernels

1 Tbsp. plus 1 Tbsp. (to taste) Margarine or Butter
If you follow vegan/vegetarian diet, please use your favorite vegan/vegetarian margarine

2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce REDUCED SODIUM [Gluten Free] (Organic)

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Corn Side Dish in Buttery Soy Sauce


by 27 Comments

Vegan Quinoa Bowl with Almond Sauce (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free)

Today I introduce you to “Vegan Quinoa Bowl with Almond Sauce”. 

IMG_3184_Foodgawker1

Lately, I love using almond butter for making sauces because it reminds me of Asian flavor!! In this recipe, I use lemon juice, onion powder and garlic powder for the sauce to make the recipe simpler. However, when I combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, almond butter and a hint of sesame oil, it becomes a totally Asian dish!! 

IMG_3230_Fopdgawker4

In addition to the sauce, I use a little bit of warm water to adjust the consistency. You can use some olive oil but since almond butter is high in healthy fat, I don’t need to add unnecessary fat. 

IMG_3186_Foodgakwer3

This dish is wonderful because you can translate the dish into a taste that fits your preference. You can use any kind of vegetables for topping. And if you are not following a vegan diet, it is good to add some cooked chicken!! Plus, you can use any kind of spice in the sauce. I like using some curry powder too!!

The recipe is so simple:
Collage_Fotorquinoasalad
Cook quinoa. Mix the sauce ingredients. Cut vegetables (Cook them if you need. I cooked the tofu and broccoli). Place everything in a serving plate.

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Vegan Quinoa Bowl with Almond Sauce

IMG_3185_Foodgawker2

Ingredients (1 serving)
*Click BLUE TEXT to link to the product on Amazon*

¼ cup Quinoa

½ cup Vegetable Broth

(for topping)

¼ pack (about 3 oz.) Firm Tofu

½ cup Broccoli floret

¼ cup Cooked Corn Kernel

½ Red Bell Pepper

½ cup Baby Arugula 

(for sauce)

1 Tbsp. Classic Almond Butter by Justin’s

Juice of ½ Lemon

2~3 Tbsp. Warm Water

Some Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder

*Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Vegan Quinoa Bowl with Almond Sauce


by 9 Comments

Simple Tofu and Tomato Salad (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-free)

Today I introduce you to “Tofu and Tomato Salad”. This dish is super easy but so delicious and a very nutritious salad!!

IMG_30902_Foodgawker1-3

In this recipe I roasted sliced tomato and tofu in the oven, but roasting is totally optional. You can make this salad without roasting! You might want to drain the tofu with paper towels and weights. See how to drain tofu here.   Sesame Tofu Recipe

The reason I cook the tomato is because the nutrition from the tomato increases when it is cooked, and more importantly I like soft and sweet tomato! If you don’t like tofu aroma very much, I highly recommend cooking the tofu and eating with lemon juice, which I use for the dressing in this recipe. 

IMG_30802

Here is a little tip to store tomatoes. For good keeping, wrap a tomato individually with plastic wrap and store in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. It will  keep longer then when it is stored in the refrigerator on its own.

The recipe is

Collage_Fotortomatosalad

Slice a tomato and tofu. Roast 10 minutes 400 °F. Drizzle with dressing which is a mixture of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Tofu and Tomato Salad

IMG_3089_Foodgawker2_2

Ingredients (1 serving)

¼ pack Firm Tofu

1 Medium Tomato

½ Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Lemon Juice from ½ Small Lemon

Salt and Pepper

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Tofu and Tomato Salad

Here is the recipe video:


by 5 Comments

Sautéed Beef and Green Beans with Ginger (Gluten-Free)

Today I introduce you to “Sautéed Beef and Green Beans with Ginger”. This dish is very healthy, easy to make, and amazingly delicious!

IMG_2995_Foodgawker1

It looks like a Chinese dish, but I use ginger, soy sauce and cooking sake (You can use some broth instead if you don’t want to use alcohol in your dish.) as seasoning so it has a very light flavorful taste, is not greasy and is not too sweet.

In Japan, most beef dishes are made with thin sliced beef. For example Sukiyaki! If you can get thin sliced beef, you might want to use it to cook this dish because it is easy to cook and it also has a soft texture that combines well with other ingredients in your mouth! In the recipe I cut the beef into strips. This is another yummy way to make the dish!!

Beef is a great source of protein as you know, but it also is high in essential amino-acid and is higher in iron than chicken. I don’t eat red meat so often, but when I feel lack of energy I try to eat beef. And it is effective! In addition eating beef with vegetables makes us absorb beef nutrition more easily. 

I always recommend eating small portions of a variety of  dishes. The recipe is a handful size of food as a main dish. When you make this dish you can serve it with some rice, soup and salad, which is very filling and nutritious!!

The recipe is easy!

Collage_Fotorbeefsautee
Cut all ingredients. Cook and season. (Cook green beans well because we can’t eat raw green beans.)

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Sauteed Beef and Green Beans with Ginger

IMG_2995_Foodgawker2

Ingredients (servings 2)
*Click BLUE TEXT to link to the product on Amazon*

0.3 lb. Beef Sirloin

15 ~20 Green Beans

½ Red Bell Pepper

1 tsp. Grated Ginger

1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce REDUCED SODIUM [Gluten Free] (Organic)

1 Tbsp. Cooking Sake

1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Sauteed Beef and Green Beans with Ginger


by 20 Comments

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Today I introduce you to Homemade Vegetarian Spring Rolls. The ingredients are tofu, carrot, mushroom and some seasoning.

IMG_2777_Foodgawker2

Sometimes we feel frying is too much work but these spring rolls are out of this world! It is worth the little bit of extra effort. The spring rolls have a nice crunchy wrap and smooth and flavorful filling. They are irresistible! Plus, I use a plastic bag to mix the filling so that makes cleanup easier. 

On the PDF recipe, I explain how to wrap the filling step by step. It is not difficult. You should already be used to it when you roll a second spring roll. If you have children, it may be fun to roll the spring rolls up with them. I used to do that when I was little.

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Vegetarian Spring Rolls

The recipe is

Collage_Fotorharumaki
Process drained tofu in a food processor. Put all ingredients in a plastic zipper bag and mix well. On a wrapper, squeeze the filling out directly from the plastic bag and roll up. (To store, before frying put them in a plastic zipper bag carefully and keep in the freezer.) Fry until it is nice golden brown.

IMG_2776_Foodgawker1

Ingredients (20 spring rolls)
*Click BLUE TEXT to link to the product on Amazon*

20 Spring Roll Wraps

1 pack Tofu

4 Mushrooms

3 Cabbage Leaves

1 Carrot

1 tsp. Grated Ginger

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Soy Sauce

1 Tbsp. Cooking Sake

1 Egg

1 Tbsp. Flour plus 1 Tbsp. Water for slurry

Vegetable Oil for frying

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Vegetarian Spring Rolls


by 22 Comments

Easy Chicken Meatballs Soup (Gluten-free)

Today I introduce you to Easy Chicken Meatball Soup. It takes only about 15 minutes to cook so is great to add as one more dish for weekday dinners. You can use any kind of ground meat that you have in your refrigerator.

IMG_2593_Fodgawker1

I sometimes add tofu to my meatballs recipes but in this recipe I use only ground chicken so it is very juicy and flavorful!! 

It is low calorie and low fat dish. This dish makes you warm, gives your metabolism a boost, and helps improve your immunity so it is great to help you recover from sickness and get back a good appetite.

The recipe is very easy.

Collage_Fotormeatballsoup
Mix ground chicken and seasoning well, and cook in the soup.

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Easy Chicken Meatballs Soup

IMG_2595_Foodgawker3

Ingredients (servings 2)

½ lb. Ground Chicken Meat

1 tsp. Grated Ginger

2 Tbsp. Corn Starch

¼ tsp. plus 1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Soy Sauce

2 cups Chicken Stock

Some Chopped Green Onion (to taste)

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Easy Chicken Meatballs Soup


by 31 Comments

Cod Tempura

Today I introduce you to “Cod Tempura”. 

Cod has soft white non-fatty meat and a light taste. It is high in good protein and vitamin B12. In Japan we use Cod a lot for homemade dishes. For example, hotpot dishes, simmered dishes, fried dishes and so on. 

IMG_2715_Foodgawker

I would like to talk about Tempura a little bit. At many restaurants in the US, tempura has a very thick and seasoned batter. But Authentic tempura has thin, crunchy and unseasoned batter to enjoy the taste of the fresh ingredients. When we eat tempura, we can spread a little bit of salt or dip into a light dashi sauce which comes with it.

In this recipe, I don’t use any seasoning, but if you want, you can use some salt when you eat it.

IMG_2716_foodgawker

««Easy and tasty cookbook Bento for Beginners now available on Amazon»»

9781646111350_ea-2

The recipe is

Collage_Fotortempra
Cut cod and dredge with some flour. Mix egg, cold water and flour as batter and dip the cod into the batter. fry for 4 minutes.

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Cod Tempura

IMG_2719_foodgawker

Ingredients (Servings 2)

2 Cod Fillets 

½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. Flour

½ cup Cold Water

1 Egg

Vegetable Oil for frying

Detailed and visual instructions can be found in the recipe PDF: Cod Tempura