I recently looked around my kitchen and realized I have a lot of Japanese condiments! And I use them all the time. When it comes to Japanese cooking, there are a few condiments that are the foundation of what I consider “must-haves” for beginners and experts alike. These condiments will help you further create andRead On >
Easy Japanese Recipes for the Home Cook
Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or new to cooking in general, these easy recipes are a great place to start. Not only does Lucy walk you through easy Japanese hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, and desserts, but she covers donburi and ramen as well!
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Recipes by Category

My Favorite Tools for Japanese Cooking
When it comes to Japanese cooking, there are a few tools that I consider “must-haves” for beginners and experts alike. Whether you’re looking to set up your Japanese kitchen or just streamlining your cooking processes, these kitchen tools will help you get started with easier (and more fun!) Japanese cooking. My Favorite Tools for JapaneseRead On >

Visiting Japan After the Pandemic
What’s it like to visit Japan after the pandemic? My friend Sheila recently visited and is kind enough to share her experience as the country finally re-opens! Visiting Japan After the Pandemic As most of us know, Japan is finally open after being closed to outsiders since the beginning of the pandemic. I suppose weRead On >

Japanese Seafood Recipes
Looking for delicious Japanese seafood recipes? Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites! From appetizers and small meals to easy family dinners, you’ll love the fresh flavors of these Japanese seafood recipes. Japanese Seafood Recipes A perfect Japanese-style appetizer – steamed clams in sake! Saute small fresh clams in the in sesameRead On >

Japanese Noodle Recipes
In the mood for some delicious Japanese noodles? Whether you’re looking to try your hand at a new yakisoba recipe, on the hunt for ramen, or simply exploring different noodle recipes, these are sure to delight! Japanese Noodle Recipes Let’s start with one of my favorites – Yakisoba! Yakisoba is very easy to make atRead On >

Kuri Kinton
The first few days of the new year in Japan, known as O-shogatsu, are a gourmet’s delight. In particular, the New Year’s Day banquet, or Osechi, traditionally enjoyed in every home features many special foods. It is truly my favorite holiday and one I look forward to every year. And let’s be honest, it isRead On >

Hoto: Udon Stew Recipe
A long and mysterious history lies behind hoto, an udon noodle-based stew from Yamanashi Prefecture, near Tokyo. It appears to be mentioned in the Pillow Book, a collection of essays of the Heian era (794-1185), but its precise origins are unknown. Many intriguing stories have grown up around it, however, all likely containing an elementRead On >

Japanese Recipes to Make This Fall
As the cooler fall months are right around the corner, now is the perfect time to cozy up to some traditional Japanese autumn dishes. These meals are hearty, delicious, and in many cases, healthy options as we wind down summer and enter the later part of the year. If you’re entertaining guests, tucking in forRead On >

Fresh Fusion Sashimi Salad for Summer
This simple yet delicious and easy main course salad is truly a mingling of Eastern and Western cuisines, a fusion of cultures and ingredients to create something new and exciting for your palate. The main ingredients –raw sashimi-grade fish and Japanese herbs – are unmistakably Japanese, but the presentation is a Western – style salad.Read On >

Japantown on Sawtelle in Los Angeles
Japantown on Sawtelle in Los Angeles is about as close to Japan as we’ve been able to get these last two years. As someone who considers Japan to be a second home, the inability to travel to Japan has been rough. One thing that helped (a little anyway…) is knowing I’m not alone in missingRead On >

Onigiri – Rice Balls Recipe
Onigiri (rice balls) also called omusubi is Japan’s brilliant, versatile and endlessly creative answer to savory sandwiches. It is completely portable and you can take onigiri to school excursions, exams, picnics…well just about anywhere. For an added treat, you can grill the onigiri, wrap in nori (seaweed) if desired and serve hot. Typical shapes ofRead On >

Unusual Edo Tastes: The use of Black Pepper and Garlic
Japan may have been cut off from the rest of civilization during the Edo period (1603-1867), they sure didn’t suffer when it came to food and had a surprisingly rich food culture. They had a vast and plentiful diet, that included many western imports. Over 300 cookbooks were written during the Edo Era. The followingRead On >