I was lucky enough to visit Okinawa once and loved it! Here is one of my favorite recipes from there. Modern Okinawa cuisine is based on dishes enjoyed by the rulers of the Ryukyu dynasty, which controlled Okinawa from 1372 to 1879, and traditional island homecooking. Originally, royal Ryukyuan cuisine was served only during specialRead On >
All Recipes
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. (Part of Thanks for the Meal’s regional Japanese recipe collection.) This is a unique type of sashimi, the only kind toRead 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 >
With the New Year comes Osechi!!
What is Osechi? Osechi is Japanese food made to celebrate the coming new year. Anyone who has spent any time with me, especially towards the end of December knows that I celebrate Japanese New Year’s and Osechi very seriously! I don’t like New Year’s Eve, but New Year’s Day, enjoying Osechi is my type ofRead On >
Kaminari Dofu aka Thunder Tofu
Let’s face it, tofu can be bland, but also quite versatile in any number of Japanese dishes. That’s why I am always looking for innovative ways to make it more tasty and interesting. Used as a foundation for a recipe, it can take on very assertive flavors. Kaminari Dofu (aka Thunder Tofu) is no exception.Read On >