I was lucky enough to visit Okinawa once and loved it! Here is one of my favorite recipes from there. Print Rafutei Course Main Course Cuisine Japanese Servings 6 Author Lucy Seligman Ingredients 2-1/4-2-1/2 lbs boneless pork belly, ideally with three layers each of meat and fat 1-1/4 cups Awamori, an Okinawan liquor distilled fromRead On >
Katsuo no Tataki: Seared Bonito Sashimi with Garlic
Katsuo (Bonito) is a seasonal Japanese delicacy of early summer. The most popular way to eat it is as katsuo no tataki (“pounded bonito sashimi”), a traditional dish from Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. This is a unique type of sashimi, the only kind to be eaten with garlic or seared before eating. In theRead On >
Recommended Shojin Ryori Restaurants in Japan
When it comes to sampling authentic Shojin Ryori, there are dozens of options throughout Japan. When it comes to sampling the best of the best, though, there are seven restaurants that you absolutely must check out. Must Visit Shojin Ryori Restaurants in Japan Shigetsu (Tenryuji, Arashiyama, Kyoto) This was my very first experience withRead On >
Shojin Ryori: The Spirit of the Japanese Zen Kitchen
What is Shojin Ryori? Despite the image of Japan as a land of seafood, wagyu beef and other carnivorous delights, there is a longstanding tradition of vegetarian temple food known as Shojin Ryori. Dating back to the 13th century, this beautiful and healthful cuisine is deeply rooted in Zen philosophy and nourishes the mind asRead On >
Opening Moments: Japanese-Style Hors D’oeuvres
Walk into a Japanese bar and, inevitably, you’ll be served a tasty little morsel to tide you over until your drink is served. Known by a variety of names—o-tsumami, o-toshi, sake no sakana—these appetizing hors d’oeuvres are derived from the first course of kaiseki (Japan’s haute cuisine), known as hassun. They take the form ofRead On >
Eating Japanese Food While Maintaining Ketosis
Following a ketogenic diet is a great way to lose weight, but can you eat Japanese food on keto? The answer may surprise you, but YES! Eating keto, otherwise known as a low-carb-high-fat diet, is beneficial for a number of reasons, but a big part of it is eating in such a way that allowsRead On >
Bamboo Shoot, Chicken and Fried Tofu Rice
We know spring is here when fresh bamboo shoots start popping up from the ground. In keeping with the traditional Japanese concept of enjoying food during its peak season, why not try this tasty and easy version of bamboo rice to celebrate spring, the season of renewal. I know I am ready for spring….aren’t you?!Read On >
Japanese Inspired Cocktails
Corina Seligman, my niece, is back again as a guest blogger, offering up some amazing Japanese Inspired Cocktails! I call her my secret Sake goddess! Here are some of my favorite classic cocktail formulas reimagined using ingredients like Shiso, Japanese beer, Japanese pear, Japanese Whisky, Yuzu, Japanese black honey and Matcha tea. *If the namesRead On >
Yuzu-Meyer Lemon Poundcake
I love all things citrus, and for the past year or so, I have been very captivated (okay obsessed) by yuzu (Japanese citron), which has such a delectable and aromatic citrus bouquet. Both the peel (fresh or dried) and juice can be used. It is used as a condiment in savory dishes such as nabemonos,Read On >
The Japanese Pantry
The Japanese Pantry is dedicated to bringing the best quality artisanal Japanese ingredients that we have found in our travels in Japan to professional and recreational cooks in North America.” That’s The Japanese Pantry’s motto (started in 2015). And of course, I wanted to know more about this intriguing company! I found them a numberRead On >