Japanese food, once little more than a niche occupant in the greater scope of American cuisine, has become increasingly popular in recent years. The harmony of flavors and lightness emphasized in the typical Japanese dish appeals to the palettes of many in the United States, where heavy and often deep fried foods have long dominated the market. People are afraid that ethnic cuisine will be too bland or tasteless. This is far from reality! The intent of this article is to introduce readers to a variety of different Japanese dishes, that they might go out and try something new without fear of what they'll be eating.
Domburi is a dish that consists of a bowl with rice and some type of topping. Many toppings are quite popular in Japan. Some of them have made their way to the United States. Oyakodon (which uses both chicken breast and egg as its topping) is one example. Gyudon, another type of domburi that is rich in beef, is becoming more popular in Japan. Those of you who are especially outgoing tasters might like to sample unadon, a type of domburi wherein strips of grilled eel coated in a thick soya sauce are used to top the rice bowl.
Ramen: This soup has been a staple for American college students for years. Ramen is a popular soup that's enjoyed all over the globe. It is as beloved by the Japanese as a hamburger and fries. Ramen can be made with many different bases, but its most distinctive feature is its long, thin noodles. To complement these noodles, you can add dumplings or pork, miso (fermented bean paste), and soya sago. It is interesting to see that ramen was first created in China and not Japan. But, it is almost always associated with Japan today.
Sashimi: Many people mistake this dish for sushi when they first learn about Japanese cuisine. Although it may be presented in a beautiful way, the fact that sashimi contains raw fish is a reality. This truth will make many Americans uncomfortable. There are many types of sashimi, with the most popular being tuna. It is important to pay attention to the aroma when eating this dish. The fish used to prepare sashimi must be exceptionally fresh and as such, it should be devoid of any fishy scent.
Sushi: One of the most well-known Japanese dishes, sushi is very popular in trendy places throughout the United States. Oao Sushi There are far too many options to mention all the variations. To be considered sushi the dish must contain sushi-grade rice. Norimaki (or sushi rolls) is the most widely recognized type of sushi. These rolls contain sushi rice and various sorts of seafood rolled in sheets of dried seaweed. Norimaki may also contain vegetables.
Tempura: This Japanese-inspired dish is also very popular. Tempura is something of a finger food, consisting of differing types of seafood and/or vegetables fried in a special batter. It's a delicious treat that is crispy without being heavy like deep-fried foods in America. It is impossible to list all the ingredients used in tempura. They also vary widely from one restaurant to another.
These five dishes should offer a great introduction to Japanese cuisine for the novice chef. Enjoy!