Pickled Plum Shiraae (Japanese Mashed Tofu Salad) Shiraae is a creamy and savory Japanese mashed tofu salad with veggies and nutty ground sesame seeds. It’s loaded with plant based protein. You can make this traditional Japanese salad in just 15 minutes from start to finish! Plus I’ll teach you a trick on how to easily drain a block of tofu. Why This Recipe Works Medium firm tofu provides a silky base for this traditional Japanese tofu salad. Mild yet poignant flavors that don’t get lost when served as part of a larger meal. Shiraae is proper Japanese shojin ryori. It’s 100% vegan on purpo ..read more

Pickled Plum Tempeh Katsu Sandwich This vegetarian katsu sandwich has a lot going on in terms of flavor and texture! There’s the mighty crunch of the fried tempeh cutlets and cabbage vs the softness of the bread. Umami and eggy Japanese mayo – plus fruity, savory tonkatsu sauce – send it over the edge. Don’t worry! It’s super easy to make this Japanese sando at home. Why This Katsu Sando Works A vegetarian version of the porky Japanese original. Intense flavor. No compromise. Tempeh is meaty. The fried cutlets have a hearty crunch you expect from a katsu sando. And the chew is fiercely sat ..read more

Pickled Plum Pinto Bean Stew (Japanese Style) When you think of hearty bean stew, umami probably isn’t a word that first pops to mind. Well, this Japanese style pinto bean stew flies in the face of convention with the addition of two simple ingredients. Think of it as bean stew plus. Get dinner on the table in minutes, not hours. Makes a great main or side! Why This Recipe Works Miso paste and soy sauce deliver a rich umami flavor to an otherwise smoky, savory classic bean stew. Rustic and hearty. Perfect for game-day, a backyard BBQ or an easy weeknight dinner. Using canned beans speeds u ..read more

Pickled Plum Hwachae (Korean Fruit Bowl) Tangy, sweet, and refreshing, hwachae is Korea’s version of a fruit punch. Made with various fruits, vinegar, and ginger ale, this traditional Korean summer punch is known for its hydrating properties and is loaded with vitamin C. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious! Why This Recipe Works Kid friendly. The vivid strawberry and watermelon colors, the sweetness of honey, and the fizz from the ginger ale, easily makes it a popular snack that kids will enjoy eating. Can be enjoyed all day long. Hwachae is so quenching and delicious that it can be enjoyed da ..read more

Pickled Plum Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) Sigeumchi namul is a popular Korean spinach side dish often served with other sides (banchan) such as sookju namul (bean sprout salad) and kimchi, as part of a Korean barbecue dinner. It’s very easy to make and only requires 6 ingredients. Why this recipe works Easy to make. Minimal chopping is required and the entire dish is ready in less than 15 minutes. Keeps well. The dish can be made ahead of time and will keep in the fridge for a few days. Simple flavors. The flavors of this Korean spinach side dish are mildly salty, savory, and ..read more

Pickled Plum Chukadon (Chinese Style Donburi) If stir fried veggies and tender shrimp, simmered in a savory gooey Chinese inspired gravy sounds like your thing, this Japanese chukadon recipe is definitely for you! I’ll show you how to make this Japanese rice bowl in under a half hour – plus we’ll have a look at some other popular donburi. Why This Recipe Works East meets East. Savory Chinese flavors in a Japanese rice bowl. All the textures – and a sauce that smacks. Springy, juicy shrimp and crunchy veggies. A thick gooey sauce that flavors your rice to the bottom of the bowl. Easy to mak ..read more

Pickled Plum Japanese Eggplant Tartare This is a light and lemony Japanese eggplant tartare recipe with Mediterranean flavors. The eggplants are pan fried until tender, minced, and seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s one of our favorite bread spreads and one that also happens to be very healthy! Why This Recipe Works Easy to make. Only 6 ingredients are needed and three simple cooking steps. Packed with bright flavors. The combination of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and eggplants, gives this dish a mildly sweet, fruity, spicy, and acidic taste that’s easy to en ..read more

Pickled Plum Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) 35 minutes is all you need to make this comforting kimchi jjigae. With its salty, savory, and smoky flavors, this classic Korean kimchi stew can be served as a main with a side of rice, or as part of a family style meal. This recipe is meat-free (vegetarian) and can be also be made 100% vegan. Making a big pot of stew is one of the easiest ways to serve dinner because little prepping is involved. It’s relatively mess-free as it only requires a cutting board, a chef’s knife, a large pot, and a ladle, and there is plenty left to enjoy as a meal for the ..read more

Pickled Plum Vegan Bulgogi Try a vegan bulgogi that honors the savory, sweet, smoky caramelized goodness of the original Korean BBQ beef. Soy curls make the perfect meaty substitute. Learn how to make a gochujang based sauce so flavorful, even rib-eye devotees will be coming back for seconds. Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish. Why This Recipe Works Soy curls mimic meat in the best way. Hearty and meaty – but 100% vegan. Traditional Korean flavors. Punchy, savory, sweet and smoky. Versatile. Perfect over rice – or use for ssam (Korean lettuce wraps). Table of contents What is Bulg ..read more

Pickled Plum Wood Ear Mushroom Salad A vibrant Chinese wood ear mushroom salad with crisp celery. It’s spicy without being volcanic – and sour, bright and umami all at once. I’ve got easy to follow instructions, whether you’re using fresh mushrooms or dehydrated. Plus a couple suggestions if you prefer to make your own chili oil rather than using store bought. Don’t miss this one! Why This Recipe Works Authentic Chinese flavor. The dressing pulls no punches: spicy, sour, salty and nutty. Textures galore. Crunchy celery and springy, chewy wood ear mushrooms. Quick and easy. A restaurant qua ..read more