Deep-fried chicken wings are an iconic staple in Japanese cuisine, particularly as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. However, from a health perspective, traditional deep-frying isn’t the most nutritious cooking method. Enter the air fryer—a modern kitchen innovation that transforms this beloved dish by reducing significant amount of oil compared to traditional deep-frying. The air fryer, developed in the early 2000s, is a groundbreaking culinary technology that promises crispy, mouthwatering results with minimal oil and effort. As health consciousness grew and prices became more affordable, this app ..read more

Satumaimo Gohan or Japanese Sweet Potato Rice is a popular rice dish to make at home when satsumaimo is in season in the fall and winter. Naturally sweet and somewhat sticky satsumaimo go really well with steamed rice. It is so easy to make if you have a rice cooker at home, and you only need 5 ingredients. All you need to do is to put all of the ingredients in the rice cooker and push the button! Salt is all you need for flavor, but adding sake will enhance the aroma. If you don’t have sake or don’t want to use it, you can skip it. Satsumaimo Gohan is great to serve with grilled fish or meat ..read more

Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese tea made by blending green tea with roasted brown rice. It’s a type of tea characterized by the toasty aroma of roasted grains, typically made by blending relatively inexpensive tea leaves with roasted brown rice and other grains as everyday tea. Its distinctive roasted flavor makes it stand out from other types of Japanese green teas. Because genmaicha uses less tea leaf—about half the amount typically found in green tea blends, due to the addition of grains—it contains less caffeine. This makes it a suitable choice for those who don’t want to take too much ..read more

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs, a delicious fusion dish that brings together Japanese and American flavors, creates something both familiar and excitingly new, perfect for everyday dinners or as elegant appetizers at holiday gatherings. We’ve paired ground turkey, a beloved American protein, with the irresistible sweet and savory notes of Japanese teriyaki sauce to create something really special. Ground turkey has become a go-to in American kitchens, and for good reason. It’s leaner than most ground meats and incredibly versatile – you’ll find it in everything from oven-baked casseroles to healthy ..read more

Roasted Kabocha with Soy Maple Butter is an easy and delicious way to eat Kabocha squash, also known as Japanese pumpkin. Kabocha is cut into bite sized pieces and coated with melted butter mixed with maple syrup, olive oil, and soy sauce. There are so many ways to cook Kabocha (see all of our Kabocha recipes here), but this is one of my favorites, and it’s probably the easiest! Maple syrup and soy sauce pair surprisingly well together. Maple syrup is naturally sweet, and it resembles Mirin, a traditional Japanese sweet wine and a common ingredient in Japanese cooking. You can certainly use mi ..read more

Today’s miso soup features pork and white button mushrooms. Use ordinary white mushrooms that can be found at any local store. While they don’t have as strong a flavor as shiitake mushrooms, not everyone always wants distinct mushroom flavors in their miso soup. White button mushrooms have just enough umami flavor for everyday soup. Pork adds more savory flavor, but you can substitute with tofu or other vegetables if you prefer a milder taste. Dashi is omitted here because there are rich flavors from the pork and mushrooms. It’s a very easy but satisfying miso soup. Hope you give it a try ..read more

Today’s miso soup is with grilled tofu and spinach. Grilled tofu and spinach miso soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that blends the smoky, savory flavor of tofu with the fresh, earthy taste of spinach. The grilled tofu, broiled to achieve a charred surface, adds a hearty texture, while the spinach provides vibrant color and nutrients. Combined with the umami-rich miso broth, this soup is a perfect balance of flavor and health, ideal for any meal. If you can’t find grilled tofu at your stores, don’t worry! Broil regular tofu with a handheld burner (a kind you use for crème brûlée), or ev ..read more

Miso Mayo Dip is an easy and delicious dipping sauce you can make in just a few minutes with only 5 basic ingredients! You can quickly mix all the ingredients, cut some fresh vegetables, and you have a delightful appetizer in no time! It is a great flavor combination of creaminess from mayo and yogurt, saltiness from miso, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. If you like to add some kick to it, add some shichimi togarashi or chili oil to it. It can’t be any easier to whip up an appetizer at the last minute for a party or family gathering ..read more

Stick Harumaki are deep-fried spring rolls filled with shrimp, edamame, and cheese. Long and skinny, they’re perfect finger food for party appetizers. Unlike traditional Japanese spring rolls where fillings are tightly wrapped, these Harumaki have a more relaxed wrapping style, making them easier to prepare. The filling doesn’t require pre-cooking – just cut and stuff. When planning a holiday meal, appetizers should be as simple as possible, and these are easy enough that kids can help (except for the deep-frying part). Important steps to remember when making Stick Harumaki: Make sure to caref ..read more

Skillet Korokke is a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional deep-fried korokke. The mashed potato filling and crispy panko topping come together in an iron skillet, creating the same great taste as the deep-fried version. If you want to enjoy korokke but don’t have the time to cook the potatoes, shape the patties, batter them, and deep-fry, this skillet method is perfect for you. It’s all done right in the skillet, and you can serve it straight to the dining table. The key is getting that signature crispy exterior on the panko topping, which gives you the authentic korokke experie ..read more