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Japanese Cuisine

June 23, 2014 By Delia

The Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular Asian food that has conquered the world. Wherever you go today, there’s bound to be a Japanese restaurant where locals and visitors can enjoy their favorite dishes.

There are many factors that led to the popularity of Japanese cuisine, one being it is very healthy. Japanese food is normally prepared in small servings and makes use of fresh and healthy ingredients such as fish, rice and vegetables.

History

China and Korea had a major influence on the early food of Japan before the country developed its own dishes. Due to its close proximity to other Asian nations, it was not surprising that this culinary influence will happen.

rice in Japanese food

Korea was the first to introduce the short grain rice to Japan as a result of the migration of some of its tribes. Eventually, the technique of growing the crop was also passed on to Japan. In fact, other than food, rice was also utilized in making wine, fuel and building materials.

As for China, the country contributed tea, soy sauce as well as the use of chopsticks. In the eighth century, the sakubei noodles which was made by adding rice powder to flour was introduced.

By the 16th century, fried foods was introduced to Japan by the Portugese and Dutch. They influenced the so-called breaded food such the popular fried tempura made of shrimp, flour and bread crumbs.

Popular Dishes

In many restaurants today that serve international cuisine, one would normally see a buffet that allows diners to simply pick their preferred food and condiments. On the Japanese food side, surely you would find the most popular dishes from the sushi and sashimi to the tempura and yakitori.

Sushi

Sushi is a small piece of raw seafood particularly fish placed on a ball of vinegared rice. It can have either tuna, squid or prawn and served together with cucumber, pickled radish and sweet egg omelet.

Sashimi is sliced raw fish and served with soy sauce. The soy sauce provides the flavor for the fish.

Sukiyaki features a mix of sliced beef, vegetables, tofu and vermicelli. It is normally prepared right on the table before diners.

Tempura uses either fish or prawns that are dipped in egg and then coated with flour. They are then deep fried to make them crisp. Vegetables may be served with tempura.

Noodles are also a staple in Japanese food. Soba and udon are the most popular and served either as a soup or dipped in sauce. Soba is made from buckwheat flour while udon is made from wheat flour.

Basing on how the Japanese cuisine evolved, the influence of China could not be discounted. Japan and China had always been closely associated particularly in terms of culture but unfortunately today, politics has led to certain conflicts that up to now remains unsolved. These include Japan and China’s island disputes concerning the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and the accusation of China that the Japanese Imperial Army was responsible for the Nanking massacre.

Filed Under: The Facts / History, World Cuisine Tagged With: Japanese cuisine, japanese food, sashimi, sushi, tempura, Udon, yakitori

Yakitori

January 5, 2012 By Delia

Yakitori or grilled skewered chicken is a Japanese dish which is an ultimate bestseller. People of all ages love these sweet and tender chicken bites infused with a Japanese sauce. The leeks and bell peppers add more taste to it too.

 

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup mirin

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup sake

1 lb. chicken meat

7oz. chicken liver

4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed

2 bell peppers, cut into cubes

1 leek, cut into cubes

Chili powder

16-20 skewers

Lemon wedges for garnish

 

First prepare the sauce by combining the sugar, mirin and soy sauce in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 15 minutes or until the sauce is reduced to 1 cup.

Next cut the chicken and liver into cubes. Thread it on the skewers and alternate it with leeks and bell peppers. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for an hour before using.

Baste the skewered chicken and vegetables with the prepared sauce and then grill them for 3-5 minutes. Turn and baste them every few minutes until the chicken and the liver are cooked. Do not overcook. We want the chicken to remain juicy.

Remove from heat and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chili powder and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  chibidelux

Filed Under: Asian Recipes, Chicken, Grilling Out Recipes, Recipe Tagged With: Chicken Yakitori, Grilled chicken skewers, japanese food, japanese recipe, yakitori

Yakitori

May 15, 2011 By Delia

Yakitori or chicken teriyaki skewers are always a treat. They are marinated in sweet soy sauce and boiled or grilled to suit your taste.

 

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 spring onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 teaspoon grated ginger root

1 red capsicum, seeded and sliced

1 green capsicum, seeded and sliced

1 yellow capsicum, seeded and sliced

 

Place the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sugar, onion, garlic and ginger root in a large bowl. Mix well.

Slice the chicken into 1 inch cubes and marinate it in the marinade for at least 1 hour to overnight.

Soak eight bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from scorching. After, pre-heat the grill.

Thread the chicken cubes and capsicums on to the skewers. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes or until the chickens are cooked. Turn at least once and brush it with marinade. Serve immediately.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  TheCulinaryGeek

 

Filed Under: Appetizer Recipes, Asian Recipes, Chicken, For the Grill, Grilling Out Recipes, Yummy Can't Say No Chicken Recipes Tagged With: chicken, chicken teriyaki, grilled chicken, japanese food, japanese recipes, yakitori

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