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Easy 3 Ingredient Miso Sauce With Butter Recipe

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This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about an Easy 3 Ingredient Miso Sauce With Butter Recipe!

A bowl containing Miso Sauce with butter. There is a spoon in the bowl and the bowl is on top of a square dish.

You can do so much more with miso paste than just make miso soup. For starters, use it to create this delicious sauce with loads of umami flavor.

Read on for how to make this 3 Ingredient Miso Sauce With Butter Recipe. I promise you'll love how easy it is to make this versatile sauce which will delight your taste buds!

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What is Miso?

Miso is a fermented soybean paste used extensively in Japanese cuisine. It is made by fermenting soybeans with an ingredient called koji (a fungus called Aspergillus oryzae), and salt (source Wikipedia.org/wiki/miso).

There are different types of miso. Most commonly there is light miso and dark miso.

Light miso is also known as white miso, or shiro miso. We typically know dark miso as red miso, or aka miso (source FoodNetwork.com).

Miso Flavors

Each type of miso has a brilliant umami and salty flavor. However, bear in mind that the color of miso will indicate much about the flavor profile of the miso. Generally the dark (or red) miso has a much more bold and intense savory flavor than does the light miso. Shiro miso (white miso) is less salty and has a more sweet and light flavor, with a shorter fermentation process time than dark miso (source Wikipedia.org/wiki/miso).

Miso Health Benefits

Miso has a number of health benefits, which makes enjoying this delicious fermented paste all the better!

Healthline.com has an article called "Why Miso Is Incredibly Healthy" It mentions that amongst other benefits miso:

  • Is nutrient rich
  • Improves your digestion, so is good for your gut health
  • May protect against certain types of cancers
  • Might help to strengthen your immune system

So along with the delicious taste of miso, we may also benefit our health. That's all the more reason to eat more miso, starting with relishing this Japanese fermented soybean paste as part of this miso sauce recipe!

Why You Will Love This Homemade Miso Sauce Recipe!

You are going to love this Miso Sauce With Butter Recipe because:

  • You only need 3 ingredients
  • It's super easy to make this great sauce! Simply combine in a saucepan and whisk until nice and smooth
  • This smooth delicious sauce with bold and salty flavors is so versatile, akin to an all purpose miso sauce. It's also got the rich taste and feel of butter!

Why not give it a try? First let me show you what you will need!

🥘 Ingredients

A bottle of Kikkoman Soy Sauce, a container of Miso paste, and a pack of Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.
The brands I used for this recipe.
3 bowls containing butter, soy sauce, and red miso paste.
3 Simple Ingredients is all you need for this amazing sauce!

Here are the 3 simple ingredients that you will need to make this delicious homemade sauce:

  • Miso paste - I used red miso, but feel free to experiment with white miso paste (shiro miso) if you prefer
  • Butter - butter from grass-fed cows is highly recommended; I used salted butter, but you can use unsalted if you are watching your salt
  • Soy sauce - I always recommend Kikkoman, which I think is the BEST soy sauce! If you are watching your salt, consider Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce

You should be able to find these ingredients at most grocery stores. Look for miso paste and soy sauce in the international foods aisle.

I have also provided affiliate links to Amazon if you'd like to order from there (no extra cost to you).

🔪 Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan on a med-low heat.

A saucepan containing miso paste, butter, and soy sauce.

Allow the butter to melt for a bit, and then whisk until you obtain a silky smooth sauce. This took me about 5 minutes.

A saucepan containing miso sauce with butter and a whisk.

Serve immediately or allow to cool and then refrigerate in an airtight container for later use.

Suggestions For Serving

A bowl containing Miso Sauce with butter. There is a spoon in the bowl and the bowl is on top of a square dish.

It's time to enjoy your delicious sauce, replete with incomparable Asian flavors!

Here are some recommendations for this sauce (warmed):

  • Drizzle it over your favorite roasted veggies - try it over brussels sprouts, it's divine!
  • Pour a bit over your favorite protein. I love it over chicken and pork belly
  • Use it as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies such as broccoli

When this sauce has been refrigerated, it takes on the consistency of butter. You can then use it like you would butter, spreading it on anything you fancy! It's so good on cream creackers!

I do hope you will enjoy making this easy miso sauce recipe! The full recipe with printable recipe card can be found below!

FAQ

How should I store this Miso Sauce With Butter?

Store your miso sauce with butter in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

What can I add to this miso sauce to jazz it up?

Some things you can add to this miso sauce with butter to jazz it up include fresh ginger (grated finely), a little maple syrup (for sweetness), and a small amount of rice vinegar for some tang!

What exactly is miso?

Miso is a fermented soybean paste used extensively in Japanese cuisine. It is made by fermenting soybeans with an ingredient called koji (a fungus called Aspergillus oryzae), and salt (source Wikipedia.org/wiki/miso).

Some Other Great Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

Finally, I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A bowl containing Miso Sauce with butter. There is a spoon in the bowl and the bowl is on top of a square dish.

Easy 3 Ingredient Miso Sauce With Butter

Grace Stewart
Have this rich umami flavor bomb filled Miso Sauce With Butter ready in about 5 minutes! Great poured over veggies or chicken, or anything you fancy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Course accompaniment
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 6 servings
Calories 19 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 small saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoon butter I used salted butter but you can used unsalted; choose butter from grass-fed cows if possible
  • 2 tablespoon miso I used red miso for this recipe
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce If you are sensitive to salt, you may want to cut down on the amount of soy sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan on a med-low heat.
    A saucepan containing miso paste, butter, and soy sauce.
  • Allow the butter to melt for a bit, and then whisk until you obtain a silky smooth sauce. This took me about 5 minutes.
    A saucepan containing miso sauce with butter and a whisk.
  • Serve immediately or allow to cool and then refrigerate in an airtight container for later use.
    A bowl containing Miso Sauce with butter. There is a spoon in the bowl and the bowl is on top of a square dish.

Notes

Serve this warm, poured over your favorite roasted veggies or chicken.  
This miso sauce with butter is salty, so if you are watching your salt you can use it sparingly. 
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge.  Probably best used within a week or so for freshness.
When taken out of the fridge, it does have the consistency of a soft butter.  So you could spread it like butter on whatever you fancy!

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 554mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 17IUCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword miso, miso butter, miso sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Best Most Delicious Dishes To Serve With White Rice!

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This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about The Best Most Delicious Dishes To Serve With White Rice!

A collage containing Japanese Pork Katsudon, New Orleans Red Beans and Rice, Crawfish Étouffée, and Korean Short Ribs with a text overlay that says The Best Most Delicious Dishes To Serve With White Rice!

Are you a riceaholic like I am? If so, rice may grace your table very often! I love all types of rice including brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice.

However, it's typically plain white rice that is my go to rice. Which is great, because plain rice is the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes.

Here I want to share with you some of the BEST and most DELICIOUS dishes to enjoy with your cooked rice!

I include some main dishes, as well as a perfect side dish to serve with your fluffy white rice. Many of these are Asian dishes, but you'll also find a few that hail from the USA.

I've also included a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with rice.

You'll find plenty of options here that will satisfy your whole family! So without further ado, let's move onto these delicious dishes!

1. Japanese Pork Katsudon and Rice Bowl

Japanese Pork Katsudon in a bowl. The pork has been garnished with green onions and sprinkled with a chili powder. There is a pair of chopsticks resting on the side of the bowl.

Katsudon is a very popular Japanese dish. It gets its name from "donburi" which means rice bowl dish, and "tonkatsu" which means pork cutlet.

So tonkatsu is pork cutlets, breaded and fried. Later it will be added to a sweet and savory sauce, which includes soy sauce, along with onions. Then the tonkatsu is placed on top of the onions. To finish, beaten egg is added around the tonkatsu and onions and cooked until set.

The delicious tonkatsu and egg and onion mixture is then placed on top of a steaming bowl of rice for your enjoyment!

You can use Japanese rice (which is a short-grain rice) for this dish, however regular white rice works just perfectly for this dish.

2. Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

A bowl containing white rice and Japanese Chicken Teriyaki. The chicken is garnished with green onions and a chili powder. There is a pair of chopsticks resting on the bowl.

Another Japanese dish that begs for white rice is Teriyaki Chicken. "Teriyaki" comes from two words in the Japanese. "Teri" which means "shine" and "yaki" which means "grill".

My easy recipe for Teriyaki Chicken is no fuss, quick to make, and only requires 6 ingredients.

Be sure to start cooking rice in your rice cooker before starting to make the teriyaki chicken. More than likely your rice will take longer to cook than the time it will take you to make this dish!

3. Korean Short Ribs (Galbi)

A gold rimmed serving dish containing Korean Short Ribs garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Korean short ribs, also known as galbi, is absolutely mouthwatering! Achingly tender meat and the wonderful savory flavors have made this Korean dish a global favorite.

I think there is a law that galbi has to be accompanied by rice 😂. Whether law or not, a side of rice is a must. And do as the Koreans do for a complete meal serve some simple side dishes called "banchan." For some great banchan recipes please visit "The 10 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Korean Short Ribs (Kalbi)." One of which is plain old rice, of course!

4. Mouthwatering Shrimp With Black Bean Sauce!

Shrimp With Black Bean Sauce with onions, green onions, and dried red chilies in a cast iron pan.

Shrimp with Black Bean Sauce is a classic Chinese dish! It's salty, spicy, and absolutely delectable!

This stir fry is a great option for when you are pressed for time and need a quick meal. It takes all of 15 minutes to make and when accompanied by white rice it makes for a delicious meal!

5. New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice in a white bowl, garnished with green onions. There is a bowl of red beans in the background.

When the word "rice" is in the name of the dish, it's a given that it's a rice dish!

New Orleans Red Beans and Rice is a classic dish from Louisiana. It's pretty much a one-pot meal which includes red beans, the Holy Trinity (green bell pepper, onion, and celery), and smoked sausage. Add a ham hock and cook it in chicken broth for tremendous flavor, and serve it over some perfect rice that you've cooked up!

Enjoy this amazing dish, which was Louis Armstrong's favorite meal! This is one of the greatest white rice meals ever!

6. Easy and Delicious Crawfish Étouffée!

Crawfish Étouffée garnished with green onions in a cast iron pan. There is a blue spoon with a wooden handle in the pan.

Another classic dish from Louisiana is Crawfish Étouffée. This dish is rich, elegant, and features a delectably creamy sauce. You could use crusty bread to mop up the sauce. But I think the best way is to serve this over cooked long-grain rice for an unforgettable meal!

You'll love cooking this meal which uses fresh ingredients and is easy to make!

7. Creamy Chicken and Leeks

A cast iron pan containing creamy chicken breasts and leeks. There is a blue spoon with a wooden handle in the bowl.

Another dish with a creamy texture that is perfect to serve over white rice is Creamy Chicken and Leeks.

You'll enjoy moist cooked chicken enveloped with a creamy and mustardy sauce and surrounded by tender and tasty leeks!

This main course dish is ideal for a busy weeknight as it's quick and easy to make. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

8. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken garnished with green onions in a bowl. There is a pair of chopsticks resting on the side of the bowl.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is absolutely fragrant and delicious! You'll adore the zingy taste of the lemongrass and this recipe is super easy to create!

Simply cut chicken thighs into small pieces, and make a marinade which includes lemongrass, vegetable oil, garlic, shallots, oyster sauce, fish sauce, chili flakes, lemon juice, and sugar. Marinate the chicken for about an hour and then do a quick stir fry until the chicken is cooked through.

Finish off with freshly ground black pepper, then serve alongside your white rice with your favorite pair of chopsticks.

It's as good as you'll get at your local Vietnamese restaurant!

9. Scrumptious Vegetarian Thai Panang Curry

Thai Panang Curry with vegetables garnished with cilantro and green onions in a silver bowl. There is a plate with bread, bowl with olives, and bottle of hot sauce in the background.

It's time to introduce a creamy and delicious Thai-inspired dinner! This Thai Panang Curry includes Panang curry paste, coconut milk, and plenty of healthy and nutritious ingredients such as chickpeas, eggplant, and butternut squash.

This nutritious meal is perfect served over white rice. You'll be in Thai curry heaven when dining on this Panang curry!

10. Easy Spicy Korean Braised Tofu

A white serving dish containing Dubu Jorim which is Korean Braised Tofu garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. There is a pair of silver chopsticks resting on the side of the dish.

And here's a great side dish that pairs perfectly with white rice! The tofu in this Easy Spicy Korean Braised Tofu if first pan fried, and then simmered in a spicy braising sauce.

The Korean name for this is "dubu jorim", which means simmered tofu.

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, grab your favorite chopsticks and a bowl of steaming white rice, and enjoy this delicious dubu jorim!

Which Dishes Will You Make To Serve With Your White Rice?

So I hope you've discovered some great options for dishes to serve with white rice! Whether you have leftover rice to use up or you make it fresh, any one of these dishes will pair superbly with your rice.

Which dishes will you make? Serve one or more and enjoy a delicious and complete meal featuring some steaming white rice!

FAQ

What foods pair well with white rice?

Rice pairs well with so many foods! It goes especially well with dishes that are creamy or saucy such as Thai or Indian curries, and many Asian dishes as well.

What do Asians eat with rice?

Rice is an essential component to most every Asian meal, including breakfast! Koreans love to eat rice with banchan (Korean side dishes). Indians and Thais will enjoy their curries with rice. Japanese will eat rice with miso soup and use it as part of their rice bowls, and Chinese will enjoy steaming white rice with stir fries!

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Super Easy Japanese Taco Rice Recipe

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Super Easy Japanese Taco Rice Recipe!

Japanese Taco rice which is rice topped with taco seasoned ground beef garnished with avocado, diced tomato and onion, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce and cheese, sour cream and salsa in a white dish.

Let me introduce you to a fantastic dish for Taco Tuesday! Japanese Taco Rice, or Tacoraisu, is easy and delicious and your whole family will absolutely love it!

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What Is Japanese Taco Rice?

Tacoraisu, also spelled takoraisu, is a dish created in Okinawa prefecture, Japan. It's sold at King Tacos in Okinawa. King Tacos was founded by Matsuzo Gibo, and they claim that Mr. Gibo is the creator of Taco Rice. Their main branch is super close to the main gate of Camp Hansen, a US Military Base in Kin, Okinawa. So, as you can image Taco Rice is a very popular dish with American military personnel, as well as Okinawans!

Taco Rice is a western style dish, or "yoshoku." It's a creative fusion between Mexican food and Japanese cuisine which delights everyone who tries it! This dish is basically taco flavored ground beef on top of a bed of rice. Basic toppings may include shredded lettuce and cheese, and diced tomatoes.

Homemade taco rice makes for a delicious weeknight meal!

So if you're excited to try Okinawa taco rice, please read on and I'll tell you what you'll need to make this fun dish!

🥘 Ingredients

Bowls containing shredded cheese, diced tomato, rice, diced onion, tortilla chips, soy sauce, sour cream, salsa, and lettuce, avocado, cilantro and sliced jalapenos. There is also a pack of Grass Fed Ground beef and Taco seasoning mix.

To make a most AWESOME Okinawan taco rice dinner you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Ground beef (I used 85% lean/15% fat)
  • Taco Seasoning Mix
  • Long grain rice (you could also use Japanese white rice such as Nishiki or even sushi rice if you like)
  • Soy sauce - YES! Add a little soy sauce for some lovely Japanese umami flavor!

Now, the following ingredients are suggested toppings for your taco rice. Select what you like or have on hand, or enjoy them all!

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa (try my Carolina Reaper Salsa if you like HOT salsa!)
  • Shredded lettuce (could use iceberg lettuce or red leaf lettuce)
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Cilantro
  • Tortilla chips
  • Diced tomato
  • Diced red onion
  • Shredded cheese (could use cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend of cheeses)

It's lovely to select toppings with lots of different colors to make your tacoraisu so beautiful!

🔪 Instructions

Let's have a fun experience creating a stunning Okinawan Taco Rice!

Start by cooking the rice according to your package directions. I estimate 2 cups of cooked rice per serving.

While the rice is cooking, prep the vegetables you are going to use: slice the avocado and jalapenos, shred the lettuce, dice the tomato and red onion, and chop the cilantro. Make a nice spread of these along with your cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.

Cook and brown the ground meat in a large skillet or frying pan on a medium heat to a medium-high heat. This should take around 5 minutes or so. You can drain the fat if you like, but I prefer to leave it in (more flavor that way 😊).

Browned ground beef and its fat in a wok with a blue slotted turner resting on the rim of the wok.

Now add the taco seasoning packet mix and cook according to the packet directions. My packet directions instructed me to add ¾ cup of water, bring to the boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.

A wok with browned ground beef in the background and a packet of Taco Seasoning Mix being held by someone's hand in the foreground.
I used a Taco Seasoning Packet from my local grocery store.
Browned ground beef with taco seasoning and water added to it in a wok with a blue silicone spoon resting in the wok.
Add the taco seasoning mix and cook according to packet directions.

Ok here's a fun part...add some soy sauce to your taco meat! I added 1 tbsp, but feel free to skip this or change the amount to suit your tastes.

Browned ground beef cooked with taco seasoning in a wok in the background and a small bowl with soy sauce being held by someone in the foreground.
Let's go crazy and add some soy sauce!

Now here's the SUPER FUN PART! Enjoy creating a beautiful work of art by placing all your colorful toppings on top of the rice which has been topped with some of the seasoned beef! Tanoshimi! ("Enjoy" in Japanese!)

Japanese Taco rice which is rice topped with taco seasoned ground beef garnished with avocado, tortilla chips, diced tomato and onion, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce and cheese, sour cream and salsa in a white dish with chopsticks resting on the side of the dish.

Suggestions For Serving

This popular Okinawan dish is pretty much a meal in itself. However, why not enjoy this with some Japanese Pickled Cucumber or Mexican Borracho Beans as side dishes? These are great options for rounding out your Japanese-Mexican fusion experience!

Japanese Taco rice which is rice topped with taco seasoned ground beef garnished with avocado, tortilla chips, diced tomato and onion, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce and cheese, sour cream and salsa in a white dish.

Tacoraisu would also work great as a taco rice bowl! However you decide to savor this dish, consider saying "itadakimasu" before eating it. Japanese people typically say this word to express gratitude before the meal. 😊

FAQ

Where does Taco Rice come from?

Taco Rice comes from the Japanese southern island of Okinawa. This dish is a highly popular dish with the American military stationed in Okinawa, as well as Okinawans.

What is Taco Rice made of?

Basic Taco Rice is made of rice, seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce and cheese, and diced tomatoes. It's fun to add additional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, and other ingredients that we love to put on tacos!

Do they sell Taco Rice in Tokyo?

You can find Taco Rice at the Taco Bell in Tokyo!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes that you may enjoy:

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Japanese Taco rice which is rice topped with taco seasoned ground beef garnished with avocado, tortilla chips, diced tomato and onion, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce and cheese, sour cream and salsa in a white dish with chopsticks resting on the side of the dish.

Super Easy Japanese Taco Rice Recipe

Grace Stewart
This Super Easy Japanese Taco Rice Recipe is what your family wants for dinner tonight! Also called Tacoraisu, this comes from Okinawa and is a delicious Japanese style Western food dish which you will absolutely love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 1173 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan to cook the beef
  • rice cooker or small or medium saucepan to cook the rice

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef I used 85% lean/15% fat
  • 1- 1.25 oz taco seasoning mix I used a packet from my local grocery store; other good options are McCormick or Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mixes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce add more than 1 tablespoon if you like!
  • 8 cups cooked rice I am estimating 2 cups of rice per person for a total of 4 servings; I used long grain rice but you could use Japanese white rice or even sushi rice

Suggested Toppings - Total Quantity Is For 4 Servings

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa try my Carolina Reaper Salsa!
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce could use iceberg lettuce or red leaf lettuce
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1 jalapeno sliced
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • 1 cup tortilla chips
  • 1 tomato diced; I cored and deseeded a Roma tomato for use in this taco rice
  • ¼ each red onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese I used a blend of Mexican cheeses; cheddar cheese also works well!

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice according to your package directions. I estimate 2 cups of cooked rice per serving.
  • While the rice is cooking, prep the vegetables you are going to use: slice the avocado and jalapenos, shred the lettuce, dice the tomato and red onion, and chop the cilantro. Make a nice spread of these along with your cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.
    Bowls containing shredded cheese, diced tomato, rice, diced onion, tortilla chips, soy sauce, sour cream, salsa, and lettuce, avocado, cilantro and sliced jalapenos. There is also a pack of Grass Fed Ground beef and Taco seasoning mix.
  • Cook and brown the ground beef in a large skillet on a medium to a medium-high heat. This should take around 5 minutes or so. You can drain the fat if you like, but I prefer to leave it in (more flavor that way 😊).
    Browned ground beef and its fat in a wok with a blue slotted turner resting on the rim of the wok.
  • Now add the taco seasoning packet mix and cook according to the packet directions. My packet directions instructed me to add ¾ cup of water, bring to the boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.
    Browned ground beef with taco seasoning and water added to it in a wok with a blue silicone spoon resting in the wok.
  • Ok here's a fun part...add some soy sauce! I added 1 tbsp, but feel free to skip this or change the amount to suit your tastes.
    Browned ground beef cooked with taco seasoning in a wok in the background and a small bowl with soy sauce being held by someone in the foreground.
  • Now here's the SUPER FUN PART! Enjoy creating a beautiful work of art by placing all your colorful toppings on top of rice which has been topped with some of the seasoned beef! Tanoshimi! ("Enjoy" in Japanese!)
    Japanese Taco rice which is rice topped with taco seasoned ground beef garnished with avocado, tortilla chips, diced tomato and onion, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce and cheese, sour cream and salsa in a white dish.

Notes

Enjoy this tacoraisu or Japanese Taco Rice with plenty of salsa and sour cream.  If you like it HOT, try my Carolina Reaper Salsa for some extra SPICE!
Customize your taco rice with any or all of the suggested toppings, and be sure to take a picture of your colorful creation before you eat it!  Send it to me on Instagram @explore_cook_eat I'd love to see it!!  Enjoy! 

Nutrition

Calories: 1173kcalCarbohydrates: 131gProtein: 40gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 2338mgPotassium: 1088mgFiber: 11gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2904IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 314mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Japanese western food, taco rice, yoshoku
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan Recipe

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a delicious and fun Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan Recipe!

A white bowl containing Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan with sliced ham, sliced onions and sliced green bell pepper with grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. There is a fork resting in the bowl and a bottle of ketchup and small bowl with Parmesan in the background.

One of my FAVORITE pasta dishes is Spaghetti Napolitan, otherwise known as Japanese Ketchup Spaghetti.

I learned about this dish from Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide.

So delicious, budget friendly, and made up of mostly pantry ingredients, I believe that this classic Japanese dish will become one of your favorite pasta dishes as well!

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What Is Spaghetti Napolitan?

A white bowl containing Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan with sliced ham, sliced onions and sliced green bell pepper with grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. There is a fork resting in the bowl.

Spaghetti Napolitan (or Spaghetti Naporitan), was created in Japan by chef Shigetada Irie of the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama (source Wikipedia.org). This western style dish, or "yoshoku," was named after the Italian city of Napoli (Naples).

Coffee shops all over Japan specialize in this dish, which features a ketchup based sauce. Ketchup in spaghetti may sound strange, but please don't knock this until you try this! And you won't knock this because you'll love it!

In addition to ketchup common ingredients in this, one of Japan's most popular pasta dishes, include luncheon meat, sausages, onion, bell pepper, button mushrooms and finished off with Tabasco sauce.

Why You Will Love This Japanese Pasta!

You will want to make this pasta and will absolutely love this recipe because:

  • It's absolutely delicious! The ketchup imparts a wonderful sweet tomato flavor to the pasta which makes it irresistible!
  • This is budget friendly, and made up of common ingredients. You may already have most of these ingredients available and ready to make some yummy Spaghetti Naporitan!
  • You can have a fantastic family friendly meal on your table in about 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight!

So now let me tell you what you will need to make one of the most famous Japanese yoshoku dishes!

🥘 Ingredients

A white plate containing slices of ham, green bell pepper and onion. A bag of spaghetti and bowls containing olive oil, butter, and minced garlic.

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this Napolitan recipe:

  • Spaghetti
  • Reserved starchy pasta water (collected just prior to draining the spaghetti)
  • Ham (can sub other type of luncheon meat)
  • Onion
  • Green bell peppers
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil

And you will need these ingredients to make the delicious ketchup based sauce:

Bottle of ketchup, bottle of Worcestershire sauce, and bowls containing tomato paste, sugar, and salt and pepper.
  • Tomato ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Water

I also recommend these items for the perfect finishing touches to this awesome Japanese creation:

  • Parmesan cheese (as much or as little as you like)
  • Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce for a little bit of heat

As you can see, many of these ingredients are pantry staples which you may already have available.

So what are we waiting for? Let's make this delightful Japanese spaghetti dish!

🔪 Instructions

It's super easy to make this simple pasta dish. Begin by preparing the ketchup sauce by combining the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Then set this aside and we'll start working on the pasta!

A ketchup based sauce in a white bowl. There is a spoon containing some of the sauce in the bowl.

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Collect ½ cup of pasta water just prior to draining the pasta, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

A large stock pot filled with boiling water and spaghetti with a red ½ cup measuring cup containing some of the pasta water poised above the stock pot. There is part of a red Dutch oven in the background.

While you are cooking the pasta, heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add the onion and the minced garlic, and stir for 3 minutes until the onion is softened.

Add the sliced green bell pepper and ham, and stir for around 2 minutes.

Now add the sauce to the ham and veggies, and stir to combine.

Sliced onion and minced garlic in olive oil in a dutch oven.
A dutch oven containing sliced ham, sliced green bell pepper and onions with minced garlic.
A dutch oven containing sliced ham, sliced green bell pepper and onions with minced garlic. There is a ketchup based sauce poured over the vegetables and a blue turner utensil in the bottom right of the picture.

Ok it's time to add the pasta and mix everything together. Start adding reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon until your pasta is nice and loose and doesn't stick together. You may or may not use all of the reserved pasta water. Then add the butter and mix it in, allowing it to melt. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Japanese spaghetti with ketchup, slices of green bell pepper and onions in a dutch oven with a dab of butter and black pepper. There is a blue spaghetti server resting on the pasta.

Time To Enjoy Your Japanese Ketchup Spaghetti!

A white bowl containing Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan with sliced ham, sliced onions and sliced green bell pepper with grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. There is a fork resting in the bowl.

Et voila! Your Spaghetti Napolitan is now ready to enjoy! Add as much or as little Parmesan cheese as you desire, and a few dashes of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce.

I'll just bet there will be no leftovers, and your family will request this Japanese-style pasta on a regular basis. 😊

FAQ

What is Spaghetti Napolitan?

Spaghetti Napolitan (or Spaghetti Naporitan), was created in Japan by chef Shigetada Irie of the Hotel New Grand in Yokohama (source Wikipedia.org). This western style dish, or "yoshoku," was named after the Italian city of Napoli (Naples). This dish features a ketchup based sauce and commonly includes luncheon meat, onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, and hot sauce.

How can I store any leftover Spaghetti Napolitan?

Store leftover spaghetti napolitan in an airtight container in your refrigerator and consume within 4 days.

What are some other ingredients I can add to Spaghetti Napolitan?

Some other ingredients or substitutions to consider for this dish include sliced hot dogs, sliced button mushrooms, or even Japanese sausages. It would also be great served with a fried egg on top!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes that you may enjoy:

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A white bowl containing Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan with sliced ham, sliced onions and sliced green bell pepper with grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. There is a fork resting in the bowl and a bottle of ketchup and small bowl with Parmesan in the background.

Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan Recipe

Grace Stewart
This Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan Recipe is so easy and delicious! Also known as Ketchup Spaghetti, this dish is a wonderful example of Yoshoku, or Japanese Western food!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 5 people
Calories 482 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot to cook the spaghetti
  • 1 large pan to fry the spaghetti and other ingredients together

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti cooked according to package directions
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water collect this water just prior to draining the pasta (you may not use all of this water but be sure to reserve it just in case)
  • 4 oz ham cut into thin strips; can sub other type of lunch meat
  • ½ onion select a large onion and cut ½ the onion into thin slices
  • ½ green bell pepper select a large green bell pepper and cut ½ the green bell pepper into thin slices
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Ketchup Based Sauce

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 ts Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ ts sugar
  • ¼ ts salt
  • ¼ ts pepper
  • 2 tablespoon water

Garnishes

  • Parmesan cheese as little or as much as you want!
  • Tabasco sauce for a lovely bit of heat!

Instructions
 

Prepare The Ketchup Sauce

  • Combine the sauce ingredients (ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and water) in a small bowl and mix well. Set the sauce aside.
    A ketchup based sauce in a white bowl. There is a spoon containing some of the sauce in the bowl.

Cook The Spaghetti

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Collect ½ cup of pasta water just prior to draining the pasta, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
    A large stock pot filled with boiling water and spaghetti with a red ½ cup measuring cup containing some of the pasta water poised above the stock pot. There is part of a red Dutch oven in the background.

Get The Veggies And Ham Ready

  • While you are cooking the pasta, heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add the onion and the minced garlic, and stir for 3 minutes until the onion is softened.
    Sliced onion and minced garlic in olive oil in a dutch oven.
  • Add the sliced green bell pepper and ham, and stir for around 2 minutes.
    A dutch oven containing sliced ham, sliced green bell pepper and onions with minced garlic.
  • Add the sauce to the ham and veggies, and stir to combine.
    A dutch oven containing sliced ham, sliced green bell pepper and onions with minced garlic. There is a ketchup based sauce poured over the vegetables and a blue turner utensil in the bottom right of the picture.

Now Add The Pasta, Reserved Pasta Water, and Butter!

  • Now add the pasta and mix everything together. Start adding reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon until your pasta is nice and loose and doesn't stick together. You may or may not use all of the reserved pasta water. Then add the butter and mix it in, allowing it to melt. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
    Japanese spaghetti with ketchup, slices of green bell pepper and onions in a dutch oven with a dab of butter and black pepper. There is a blue spaghetti server resting on the pasta.

Enjoy!

  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle some Tabasco and enjoy!
    A white bowl containing Japanese Spaghetti Napolitan with sliced ham, sliced onions and sliced green bell pepper with grated Parmesan on top of the spaghetti. There is a fork resting in the bowl and a bottle of ketchup and small bowl with Parmesan in the background.

Notes

The nutrition information doesn't include Parmesan cheese or Tabasco.
Feel free to sub other types of luncheon meat for ham if you like.
Itadakimasu!  (Bon Appetit!)

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 18gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 598mgPotassium: 444mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Keyword ketchup spaghetti, napolitan, spaghetti, yoshoku
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Japanese Soy Braised Acorn Squash Recipe

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Japanese Soy Braised Acorn Squash Recipe!

Wedges of cooked acorn squash with sprinkles of Japanese chili pepper on a white dish with chopsticks resting on the side, an acorn squash to the left of the white dish and a few white rose petals.

Simmering acorn squash with Japanese ingredients including soy sauce, sake, and mirin is a totally delicious way to enjoy acorn squash.

In Japan, kabocha squash (Japanese pumpkin) is typically cooked in a similar fashion as this. I find that acorn squash is a fabulous substitute!

You'll find that this recipe offers you a great way to enjoy this lovely winter squash!

Why You Will LOVE This Recipe!

I know you will absolutely LOVE this recipe as much as my family does because:

  • It's incredibly delicious! The simple ingredients we use in this recipe combine to give this wonderful winter squash a deep and rich savory flavor that you won't be able to get enough of.
  • This recipe is super easy! You only need 5 ingredients (and an optional garnish of Japanese chili peppers) for this dish, which cooks up in a flash.
  • Japanese inspired simmered acorn squash makes a perfect side dish to accompany your favorite main dishes. Or, you can simply enjoy it with steamed rice and a runny egg, as I am apt to do!

Let me now show you the simple ingredients you will need to make this delightful side dish!

🥘 Ingredients

An acorn squash, carton of chicken broth, bottle of soy sauce, bottle of sake, mirin, and Ichimi Togarashi Japanese Chili Pepper on a wooden table.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this simple side dish:

  • Acorn squash - around 1 pound in weight
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sake
  • Mirin
  • Chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - we will use around 1 cup of this broth, but please reserve another cup or so just in case needed
  • Japanese chili pepper Ichimi Togarashi or Nanami Togarashi. This is optional, but I love the extra bit of kick these chili peppers give this dish.

So you only really need 5 simple ingredients for this recipe, but I do highly recommend the Japanese chili pepper so that would make it 6. 😃

Now let's move on to the very simple instructions to make this delicious acorn squash!

🔪 Instructions

As mentioned, it's super easy to make this dish. The hardest part is cutting up the squash and removing the seeds and pulp. Once you've achieved that it's all downhill from there!

Acorn squash, with its beautiful orange flesh, has a fairly tough skin. Please be sure to use a sharp knife and take care with your fingers. The best way I find to prepared the squash is to top and tail it first (cut off the top and bottom). Then cut it down the middle and remove the seeds and pulp (save the seeds for roasting if you like). Now cut the squash into 1" wedges.

Wedges of acorn squash, a quarter portion of an acorn squash with seeds removed, and 2 large wedges of squash with seeds intact.

Add all the ingredients to a wide bottomed saucepan or skillet. Try to place the squash in a single layer if you can. Now bring to the boil. You'll want most of the liquid to cover the squash so if you need to add a little more broth that's fine.
Now lower to a simmer, and cover. Cook between 20-30 minutes or to your desired level of tenderness.

Wedges of acorn squash in a saucepan with soy braising liquid.
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and try to cover the squash with the liquids.
Wedges of acorn squash cooking in a saucepan with soy braising liquid and steam rising from the pan.
Bring to the boil and then simmer for around 20-30 minutes.

💭 Top tip

The squash is quite fragile and will fall apart easily. If you want your squash to be intact and not so mushy as this, then it's best to keep the squash in a single layer and not move them around very much if at all.

As you can see, this squash fell apart on me (plus side...it's so tender!) so to avoid this try not to disturb the squash while cooking and try not to crowd them as seen below.

Also when removing the squash from your pan or skillet, take extra care by removing them delicately with a kitchen turner so they don't fall apart.

Tender wedges of acorn squash cooked in a soy braising liquid with a pair of chopsticks holding some of the squash.
The simmered acorn squash is so tender it fell apart on me! But I like it that way. 😃

The last step is to sprinkle some Japanese chili pepper Ichimi Togarashi or Nanami Togarashi over the squash if using.

Cooked wedges of acorn squash in a soy braising liquid and a hand holding a bottle of Ichimi Togarashi in the foreground.
I love adding Japanese chili pepper to my squash.

And that's it! Now it's time to enjoy your deliciously tender Japanese simmered acorn squash!

Suggestions For Serving

Wedges of cooked acorn squash with sprinkles of Japanese chili pepper on a white dish with chopsticks resting on the side.

This beautiful and delicious simmered acorn squash is now ready to serve! It's a superb side dish to accompany Japanese main dishes such as Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl) as well as Japanese Teriyaki Chicken.

I also enjoy it simply served with rice and some luscious melted butter. Talk about comfort food!

Once you try this dish I'm sure it will become a favorite way to prepare acorn squash.

Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use Kabocha Squash with this recipe?

Absolutely! Kabocha squash would be perfect simmered with these Japanese ingredients!

Do you need to remove the skin from an acorn squash before cooking?

It's not necessary to remove the skin from an acorn squash before cooking it. The skin is edible, and this recipe will give you a tender flesh and skin which you will devour!

Is kabocha squash the same as acorn squash?

Kabocha squash is different from acorn squash. Kabocha is a Japanese variety of winter squash and is also know as Japanese pumpkin. Acorn squash is a winter squash which originated in North America and Central America.

Some Other Japanese Dishes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other Japanese side dishes that you may enjoy:

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Wedges of cooked acorn squash with sprinkles of Japanese chili pepper on a white dish with chopsticks resting on the side, an acorn squash to the left of the white dish.

Japanese Soy Braised Acorn Squash Recipe

Grace Stewart
Braising Acorn Squash with Japanese ingredients including soy sauce, sake, and mirin is a fabulous way to enjoy this wonderful winter squash!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 86 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 wide bottomed saucepan or large skillet with a cover You will need to cover during cooking and the equipment you use should be wide bottomed or large sized as we aim to place the squash in a single layer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb acorn squash
  • 1 cup chicken broth can sub vegetable broth; please reserve an extra cup of broth if needed
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoon sake
  • 2 tablespoon mirin can sub 2 ts sugar
  • Ichimi Togarashi Japanese chili pepper as optional garnish, to your taste

Instructions
 

  • Top and tail the acorn squash and then cut it down the middle. Remove the seeds and pulp (save the seeds for roasting if you like!), and then cut into 1" wedges.
    Wedges of acorn squash, a quarter portion of an acorn squash with seeds removed, and 2 large wedges of squash with seeds intact.
  • Add all the ingredients to a wide bottomed saucepan or large skillet and bring to the boil. You'll want most of the liquid to cover the squash so if you need to add a little more broth that's fine. PLEASE NOTE: try to lay the squash in a single layer if you can. This will help to avoid having to disturb the squash while cooking.
    Wedges of acorn squash in a saucepan with soy braising liquid.
  • Now lover to a simmer, and cover. Cook between 20-30 minutes or to your desired level of tenderness. I cooked mine for 30 minutes and you can see it is fall apart tender!
    Tender wedges of acorn squash cooked in a soy braising liquid with a pair of chopsticks holding some of the squash.
  • Sprinkle some Japanese chili pepper over the squash if you like to give it a little kick.
    Cooked wedges of acorn squash in a soy braising liquid and a hand holding a bottle of Ichimi Togarashi in the foreground.

Notes

The squash is quite fragile and will fall apart easily. If you want your squash to be intact and not so mushy as this, then it's best to keep the squash in a single layer and not move them around very much if at all.
To avoid mushy squash try not to disturb the squash while cooking and try not to crowd them.
Also when removing the squash from your pan or skillet, take extra care by removing them delicately with a kitchen turner so they don't fall apart.
Great with Japanese chili pepper such as Ichimi Togarashi or Nanami Togarashi!

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 896mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 416IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
Keyword acorn squash, winter squash
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tami's Sushi Rice Recipe For The Rice Cooker

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about how to make my sister Tamiko's Sushi Rice Recipe for the rice cooker!

Sushi rice in a bowl with a pair of wooden chopsticks on the left hand side
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If you want the perfect sushi rice, then you will want to make it in an electric rice cooker for the best results! Making it in the rice cooker is the easiest way, and yields great results every time!

Please read on to learn how to make the most delicious sushi rice in your rice cooker!

What Kind Of Rice Will I Need To Make Sushi Rice?

Let me begin by explaining what rice you will need to use to make sushi rice.

Sushi rice is a short grain rice. The short rice grains cook up tender and moist, and becomes a sticky rice.

Other types of rice such as long-grain rice and jasmine rice are not suitable for use to make sushi rice. These rices are either too fragrant or too dry and will not yield the chewy and sticky texture that we are after.

Use any Japanese short grain white rice or rice that is labeled "sushi rice" for this recipe. Some very well known brands include Nishiki (which is actually a medium grain rice from California) and Kokuho Rose, also from California. It's perfectly ok to use a short grain rice from your local grocery store brand labeled "sushi rice" which is what I used for this recipe.

What Ingredients Will I Need To Make Sushi Rice?

Now that we know what kind of rice we need to make sushi rice, let's discuss the other ingredients.

The word sushi actually means "sour rice" in Japanese. The rice used for what we know as sushi is seasoned and moistened with vinegar, hence the "sour rice." So, making great seasoned rice for sushi is the most important step!

Here are the ingredients you will need to make our sushi rice:

  • Japanese short-grain rice, or rice labeled "sushi rice." Great options are Nishiki and Kokuho Rose
  • Rice vinegar. I like to use Nishiki Rice Vinegar, which is a product of Japan
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Sake. I like to use Gekkeikan Sake, which is commonly found in grocery stores.
  • Kombu (dried seaweed). This is optional but adding it to your rice cooker will impart a lovely umami flavor to the rice!
Panasonic rice cooker, bag of sushi rice, red bowl with sushi rice, package of kombu and piece of kombu on a wooden table.
Bag of sugar, bottle of sake, bottle of rice vinegar, and container of salt on a wooden table.

You may come across a product labeled "sushi vinegar." This vinegar mixture already has salt and sugar mixed into it. You can sub sushi vinegar if you like, and omit the sugar and salt if using this.

Now, let's get that rice cooker out and let's make this sushi rice recipe for the rice cooker!

Instructions

Cook The Sushi Rice In The Rice Cooker

Begin by washing the uncooked rice with cold water. Place the rice in a large bowl and cover with the water. Gently mix with your hands until the water becomes cloudy and milky. Pour off most of the water, and add more cold water. Massage again, and continue these steps until the water is mostly clear.

Drain the water from the rice once the water is almost clear.

Sushi rice covered with clear water in a blue bowl.

Place the rinsed rice in your rice cooker bowl, and add fresh water. The normal water to rice ratio when cooking sushi rice is 1:1. However when making sushi rice, we will add slightly less water than normal, around 10 percent less.

Sushi rice covered with water and a piece of kombu in the bowl of a rice cooker.

At this time, also add the kombu if using. Cover the rice cooker, and cook the rice according to your rice cooker instructions.

Make The Sushi Vinegar Dressing

While the rice is cooking, make the sushi vinegar dressing.

A saucepan filled with vinegar, sake, salt and sugar that is dissolving and a wooden spoon on the right hand side.

Combine the sake, rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over a low heat and stir to dissolve the sugar and the salt. Keep it on a low heat until ready to use.

Combine The Cooked Rice With The Sushi Vinegar Dressing

When the rice has finished cooking, remove the kombu.

Then it's time to combine the cooked rice with the sushi vinegar dressing. Now, you can use a shallow container such as a Pyrex baking dish as I did. Or, you can enjoy a more authentic experience by the traditional way of using a hangiri! A hangiri is a traditional wooden mixing tub which is designed to absorb moisture and to aid in cooling the rice down quickly.

Place rice in your container of choice, and then add the mixture of rice vinegar, sake, sugar and salt to the rice. Try to pour the mixture as evenly over the rice as you can. Be sure to add the dressing to HOT rice and do not allow the rice to cool prior to adding the dressing.

Now it's time to mix! Many rice cookers come with a plastic rice paddle. If you have this, use the paddle to mix your rice. I read in this thekitchn.com article called "Yes, the Paddle That Came with Your Rice Cooker Has a Purpose" the paddle is ideal to use to mix the rice, because it "cuts through the grains of rice as you mix, instead of smashing the grains together."

If you do not have a rice paddle, then you can use a spatula or wooden spoon.

Sushi rice in a glass dish with a hand holding a rice paddle

Take your rice paddle, and mix the rice by slicing through it from top to bottom, and then left to right. Be sure not to stir or mash the rice, but use slicing motions. You are aiming for the dressing to coat each grain of rice.

Sushi rice in a glass dish with a hand holding a rice paddle

Once the dressing has coated each grain of rice (as much as you can tell anyway!), it's time to spread out the rice in an even layer, and allow it to cool to room temperature as quickly as possible.

One way to do this is to use a fan (paddle fan or folding fan) or even an electric fan! During this cooling process, turn the rice over so that the bottom portion of the rice can be fanned as well.

sushi rice in a glass dish in the background with a purple folding fan in the foreground

And that's it! You have made the perfect sushi rice in the rice cooker!

Storing Your Perfect Rice!

It's important to cover your vinegared rice with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. After covering, you can leave it on your counter until you are ready to use your rice.

A damp cloth that states in a perfect world, every dog wold have a home and every home would have a dog on top of a dish with sushi rice.

It is recommended to enjoy the rice on the same day that you prepare it.

How To Use Your Sushi Rice

Sushi rice in a bowl with a pair of wooden chopsticks on the left hand side

You can enjoy your sushi rice in so many ways! Here are some ideas on how to use your sushi rice:

  • Sushi roll (such as California rolls)
  • Rice bowls
  • Poke bowls
  • Side dish to accompany any of your favorite main meals

I hope that this excellent sushi rice recipe for the rice cooker will become your go to easy recipe for this dish!

My Sister Tami

My sister Tami was Japanese and one of her favorite foods was sushi. Our family recently lost her on July 10, 2022. Tami was an incredible and beautiful person, simply one of the best people ever and I will miss her always.

She suffered from lupus for many years and had many times when she suffered tremendously. During one of those times, I remember we got together and made sushi. She also hand wrote her sushi seasoning recipe for me, which you see here.

My sister Tami holding a glass dish with different colored and types of sushi
ingredients for sushi rice dressing written down on a piece of paper it states 2 ts sake, 5 ts rice vinegar, 2 ts sugar, and 2 ts salt.

There were also very many good times when she enjoyed better health, times that we were so grateful for.

Two sisters sitting on a bench in nature
Four sisters standing together in front of a Christmas tree

I hope that I am able to do my sister proud and so happy to share her recipe for her beloved sushi rice here with you.

I love and miss you Tami. ❤️

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Easy and Delicious Blistered Japanese Shishito Peppers Recipe!

Blistered shishito peppers in a white bowl.

Super Easy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken!

Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 😊

Cheers!

Grace

Sushi rice in a bowl with a pair of wooden chopsticks on the left hand side

Tamiko's Sushi Rice Recipe For The Rice Cooker

Grace based on Tamiko Perez's recipe
Sushi rice made in the rice cooker will give you perfect results every time! Seasoned with an amazing Sushi Vinegar Dressing, this rice is perfect for stellar sushi or any rice bowl!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 94 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 electric rice cooker
  • 1 large shallow container to combine the rice and sushi vinegar dressing in
  • 1 damp cloth to cover the rice and keep it moist
  • 1 rice paddle or wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 small saucepan to make the sushi vinegar dressing

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 1.8 cups water use just under 2 cups to cook the rice
  • piece kombu optional but adds a great flavor!

Sushi Vinegar dressing

  • 2 ts sake
  • 5 ts rice vinegar
  • 2 ts sugar
  • 2 ts salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by washing the uncooked rice with cold water. Place the rice in a large bowl and cover with the water. Gently mix with your hands until the water becomes cloudy and milky. Pour off most of the water, and add more cold water. Massage again, and continue these steps until the water is mostly clear. Drain the water from the rice once the water is almost clear.
    Sushi rice covered with clear water in a blue bowl.
  • Place the rinsed rice in your rice cooker bowl, and add fresh water (around 1.8 cups of water). At this time, also add the kombu if using. Cover the rice cooker, and cook the rice according to your rice cooker instructions. My rice cooker took around 15 minutes to cook the rice.
    Sushi rice covered with water and a piece of kombu in the bowl of a rice cooker.
  • While the rice is cooking, make the sushi vinegar dressing. Combine the sake, rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over a low heat and stir to dissolve the sugar and the salt. Keep it on a low heat until ready to use.
    A saucepan filled with vinegar, sake, salt and sugar that is dissolving and a wooden spoon on the right hand side.
  • When the rice has finished cooking, remove the kombu. Place rice in your large shallow container, and then add the mixture of rice vinegar, sake, sugar and salt to the rice. Try to pour the mixture as evenly over the rice as you can. Be sure to add the dressing to HOT rice and do not allow the rice to cool prior to adding the dressing. Take your rice paddle (or spatula or wooden spoon), and mix the rice by slicing through it from top to bottom, and then left to right. Be sure not to stir or mash the rice, but use slicing motions. You are aiming for the dressing to coat each grain of rice.
    Sushi rice in a glass dish with a hand holding a rice paddle
  • Once the dressing has coated each grain of rice (as much as you can tell anyway!), it's time to spread out the rice in an even layer, and allow it to cool to room temperature as quickly as possible. One way to do this is to use a fan (paddle fan or folding fan) or even an electric fan! During this cooling process, turn the rice over so that the bottom portion of the rice can be fanned as well.
    sushi rice in a glass dish in the background with a purple folding fan in the foreground
  • And that's it! You have made the perfect sushi rice in the rice cooker!
    Sushi rice in a bowl with a pair of wooden chopsticks on the left hand side

Notes

It's important to cover your vinegared rice with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. After covering, you can leave it on your counter until you are ready to use your rice. 
It is recommended to enjoy the rice on the same day that you prepare it.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 1173mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword Rice, sushi, sushi rice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy and Delicious Blistered Japanese Shishito Peppers Recipe!

by Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my affiliate link. This post is about an Easy and Delicious Blistered Japanese Shishito Peppers Recipe!

Blistered shishito peppers in a white bowl.
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Blistered Shishito Peppers have got to be one of the world's great healthy snacks. Give me a bowl of this over a bag of chips anyday!

The Japanese shishito peppers recipe that you find here is easy to make and incredibly delicious. So, you have every reason to run to your farmers markets or major grocery stores and grab some shishitos ASAP to enjoy! 😊

What Are Shishito Peppers?

The Shishito pepper, which has a beautiful bright green color, comes from East Asia. These amazing little peppers are around 3"-4" long and slender, with a thin skin that blisters or chars quite easily.

Typically they are only mildly spicy. However you may find the odd one here or there which does carry a bit more heat. It's a bit like Russian roulette!

Japanese shishito peppers have a sweet and lovely smokey taste, especially when blistered.

As mentioned, they are also healthy! BaywaterFarms.com has a great article on the Health Benefits of Shishito Peppers. After reading this article, I aim to include and enjoy more Shishitos in my diet!

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Dish?

Package of shishito peppers, bottle of soy sauce and grapeseed oil, pack of bonito flakes and pack of furikake.

You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious dish! They are:

  • Japanese shishitos
  • Grapeseed oil or avocado oil
  • Bonito flakes
  • Soy sauce
  • Furikake seasoning (can sub sesame seeds if you prefer)
  • Sea salt (optional seasoning)

Furikake is known as a rice seasoning, but it can be used in a variety of ways, including sprinkled over shishitos! There are different types of furikake, so I recommend you just use a variety that sounds good to you.

Bonito flakes, or katsuobushi, are used here to give an extra punch of flavor. This ingredient is dried bonito fish flakes, and is widely used in Japanese cooking.

Let's gather our ingredients, and make blistered shishito peppers as good as you'll find at your local Japanese restaurant!

Easy Instructions

This simple recipe comes together very quickly!

Begin by heating up the grapeseed (or avocado) oil on a medium-high heat to high heat in a pan (cast iron pan is preferred). Add the fresh shishitos to the hot skillet and cook until charred (turning often), softened and tender around 5-7 minutes. You may need to cook in batches so the peppers aren't too crowded in the skillet and will be in a single layer.

Blistered shishito peppers in a cast iron pan.

Once cooked, place the shishitos in a large bowl, and add a little soy sauce, the bonito flakes, and furikake. Stir to combine and add a sprinkle of salt if you like!

Blistered Shishito peppers in a glass bowl with small white dishes containing soy sauce, furikake, and bonito flakes.

And that is it! Your wonderful blistered shishitos are ready to enjoy!

Suggestions For Serving These Japanese Peppers

Blistered shishito peppers in a white bowl.

My favorite way to serve this is simply as a healthy snack. They also make for a delicious appetizer or side dish!

They also pair well with a Japanese cold beer such as Sapporo or Asahi during a fun happy hour!

Enjoy these blistered small green peppers however you decide to serve them!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Healthy and Nutritious Spicy Edamame!

Edamame in the pods with chili sauce on a white plate with a set of chopsticks on the upper right side.
#29 Edamame

Amazing Vermont Curry With Chicken!

Vermont Curry With Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions, with kimchi and a salad in the background

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

If you'd like to come along on this food journey with me, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 😊

Cheers!

Grace

Blistered shishito peppers in a white bowl.

Easy and Delicious Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe!

Grace
This easy and delicious blistered shishito peppers recipe will leave you wanting more! Sweet and smoky on their own, they are seasoned with a trio of Japanese ingredients and result in a mouthwatering snack!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2 people

Equipment

  • pan or skillet cast iron is preferred

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz shishito peppers
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil can sub avocado oil
  • ½ tablespoon bonito flakes
  • ½ tablespoon furikake seasoning can sub sesame seeds
  • 2 ts soy sauce
  • sea salt optional - add a pinch at the end if you like!

Instructions
 

  • Heat up the grapeseed oil on a high heat in a skillet (cast iron is preferred). Add the shishitos to the skillet and cook until charred (turning often), softened and tender around 5-7 minutes. You may need to cook in batches so the peppers aren't too crowded in the skillet.
    Blistered shishito peppers in a cast iron pan.
  • Once cooked, place the shishitos in a large bowl, and add the soy sauce, bonito flakes, and furikake. Stir to combine and add a pinch of salt if you like!
    Blistered Shishito peppers in a glass bowl with small white dishes containing soy sauce, furikake, and bonito flakes.
  • Your shishitos are now ready to serve!
    Blistered shishito peppers in a white bowl.

Notes

This is great as a healthy snack, appetizer or side dish!  Enjoy!
Keyword Japanese peppers, shishito pepper
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Super Easy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken!

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. Here you will learn how to make Super Easy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken!

Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.
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Unbelievably Easy and Delicious Chicken Teriyaki!

If you love Japanese food or easy and delicious food, then you NEED to make this recipe. This Chicken Teriyaki is:

  • No fuss and such an easy recipe!
  • Quick to make (takes about 15 minutes)
  • Requires only 6 ingredients
  • MOUTHWATERINGLY DELICIOUS and bursting with salty, sweet, and umami flavors!

What Is Teriyaki?

"Teriyaki" comes from two words in the Japanese. "Teri" which means "shine" and "yaki" which means "grill".

In Japan, teriyaki actually refers to the method or technique of grilling or broiling food with a glaze consisting of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The "teri" or "shine" comes from the sugar. Here is an article from Wikipedia about Teriyaki, which also discusses teriyaki sauce as well as some variations.

Here, I will show you how to make a "shine grill" chicken, which is one of the most beloved foods of the world!

Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make This Easy and Delicious Dish!

You will only need the following 6 ingredients to make the most delicious Japanese Teriyaki Chicken ever!

Chicken thighs in a white bowl, Aji-Mirin bottle, bottle of soy sauce, olive oil bottle, sugar in a glass container, pepper in a small dish, green onions in a white dish, Ichimi Togarashi.
  • Boneless chicken thighs (skin on if you can find them)
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar (can sub brown sugar)
  • Mirin (Japanese cooking rice wine)
  • Olive oil
  • Black pepper

In addition to these ingredients, I highly recommend the following garnishes:

  • Green onions
  • Nanami Togarashi (Japanese assorted Chili Pepper) or Ichimi Togarashi (Japanese Chili Pepper) for a little spice!
  • Sesame seeds are also a nice touch!
Nanami Togarashi

Ok, now let's make some divine Chicken Teriyaki!

The Method To Make Super Easy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken!

The method I will share with you involves pan frying. We will begin by combining the 3 sauce ingredients: sugar, soy sauce, and mirin.

Chicken thighs with black pepper in a white bowl, teriyaki sauce in a white bowl, Aji-Mirin bottle, bottle of soy sauce, and a container of sugar.

Next season your chicken thighs with some black pepper, and then pan fry in olive oil until both sides are browned.

Chicken thighs frying in a cast iron skillet seasoned with pepper and starting to brown.

Then the magic happens! Add the sauce and continue to spoon the sauce over the chicken, turning the chicken several times during this process. When the sauce thickens and becomes glossy your masterpiece will be ready!

Teriyaki chicken being cooked in a cast iron skillet with sauce turning glossy and thick spoon holding some of the thick sauce and a utensil in the background.
Beautiful glossy sauce!

What To Serve With Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken is absolutely terrific served with heaps of white steamed rice or brown rice. I love to add some sliced green onions and Nanami Togarashi or Ichimi Togarashi for a little spice as well. This is not traditional, but it is delicious!

Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.

This easy and delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite! You may want to plan on making a double batch for your weeknight dinners!

A Huge Thank You To Makoto of Kyushu Island Cooking!

Makoto of Kyushu Island Cooking taught me the technique I present here during an online cooking class I took with her. Please visit her blog, Simple Japanese Food Recipe, for some fantastic Japanese and Asian recipes!

Some Other Dishes You May Enjoy!

Easy To Make Superb Spicy Chicken Bulgogi!

Spicy Chicken Bulgogi garnished with green onions and sesame seeds on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks.
Spicy Chicken Bulgogi

Yurinchi Chicken

Pieces of fried chicken atop iceberg lettuce drizzled with a soy based sauce and topped with sliced green onions on a white plate.

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 😊

Cheers!

Grace

Teriyaki Chicken served with rice and garnished with green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.

Super Easy Japanese Teriyaki Chicken!

Grace
This delicious Japanese Teriyaki Chicken is super easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite! Be sure to make extra for seconds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2 people
Calories 705 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs use 6 thighs if they are on the small side; skin on the chicken thighs if you can find this
  • 6 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoon sugar can sub brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon mirin
  • 4 teaspoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes

  • green onions sliced
  • Nanami Togarashi for a little extra spice!
  • sesame seeds as you wish!

Instructions
 

  • We will begin by combining the 3 sauce ingredients sugar, soy sauce, and mirin in a small bowl. Mix well.
    Chicken thighs with black pepper in a white bowl, teriyaki sauce in a white bowl, Aji-Mirin bottle, bottle of soy sauce, and a container of sugar.
  • Next season your chicken thighs with some black pepper. On a medium heat pan fry the chicken in olive oil until both sides are browned (about 3-4 minutes each side).
    Chicken thighs frying in a cast iron skillet seasoned with pepper and starting to brown.
  • Now add the sauce (but stir well just prior to adding!) and continue to spoon the sauce over the chicken, turning the chicken several times during this process. It's important to keep basting during this time.
    Chicken thighs frying in a cast iron skillet seasoned with pepper and teriyaki sauce which was poured over the chicken
  • Continue this process until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It is at that point that your chicken is cooked and ready to serve!
    Teriyaki chicken being cooked in a cast iron skillet with sauce turning glossy and thick spoon holding some of the thick sauce and a utensil in the background.

Notes

Teriyaki Chicken is absolutely terrific served with heaps of brown or white steamed rice. I love to add some sliced green onions and Nanami Togarashi or Ichimi Togarashi for a little spice as well. This is not traditional, but it is delicious!

Nutrition

Calories: 705kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 42gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 221mgSodium: 3386mgPotassium: 578mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 176IUCalcium: 29mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Chicken, chicken teriyaki, easy recipe, quick recipe, teriyaki chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Learn How To Make Delicious Okra Ohitashi!

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the simple and delicious Japanese salad called Okra Ohitashi!

Okra Ohitashi

Do you like okra? It seems that this is a fruit, yes FRUIT! that people either love or hate! I'm a member of the lovers of this fruit, and was so very happy to find out about this Japanese salad called Okra Ohitashi!

This dish, Okra Ohitashi, was inspired by a post from my friend @kitchennao. She had written about this dish, and mentioned that she had used red okra for it!

We have been growing red okra in our garden, and as soon as I saw this I knew that I absolutely had to try this simple Japanese salad made with okra!

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How To Make Nasu Dengaku - Miso Glazed Eggplant

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This page may contain affiliate links. So I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the classic Japanese dish called Nasu Dengaku!

Nasu Dengaku

Japanese eggplant is called Nasu. If you've never tried it, you MUST! We have had a Japanese eggplant plant in our front garden for several years now. This year, we are having a bumper crop! So I look forward to trying many new ways to enjoy this delicious fruit! Yes, it's actually a fruit. 🙂

...

Read More