Enjoy the Flavors You Learned in Japan, Even Back Home!

At “ajiwai,” you have the opportunity to dive into the richness of Japanese food culture while learning how to prepare delicious dishes. However, we understand that you may want to continue enjoying these flavors once you leave Japan. For those of you who want to bring a piece of Japan back home, we’re sharing simple and easy Japanese recipes that you can make even after returning to your country.

1. Basic Miso Soup

Miso soup is a staple of Japanese meals and is known for its light, refreshing flavor and health benefits. It’s easy to recreate this classic dish at home, and you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• Miso paste: 2 tbsp
• Dashi (broth): 400ml (dashi powder can be used)
• Tofu: as needed
• Wakame seaweed: as needed
• Green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring the dashi to a boil in a pot.
2. Once boiling, dissolve the miso paste into the broth.
3. Add the tofu and wakame seaweed, then simmer for a few minutes.
4. Serve and top with green onions if desired.

2. Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Onigiri is a beloved Japanese snack, easy to make and perfect for a quick meal or snack. You can make it with your favorite fillings and enjoy it on the go, just like the locals do.

Ingredients (Makes 4):

• Cooked rice: 2 cups
• Salt: a pinch
• Fillings (e.g., pickled plum, salmon, seaweed)

Instructions:

1. Cook rice and let it cool slightly. Mix in a pinch of salt.
2. Wet your hands with water and take a small amount of rice, shaping it into a triangle or ball.
3. Add your preferred filling inside the rice ball and press it together.
4. Optionally, wrap with a sheet of nori (seaweed).

3. Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelette)

Tamagoyaki is a sweet, savory rolled omelette that is commonly served in Japanese homes. It’s simple but delicious, making it a perfect dish to recreate at home.

Ingredients (Serves 1-2):

• Eggs: 3
• Sugar: 1 tsp
• Soy sauce: 1 tsp
• Salt: a pinch
• Vegetable oil: a little

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them with sugar, soy sauce, and salt.
2. Heat a little oil in a pan and pour in a thin layer of the egg mixture.
3. When the egg is half-set, roll it up to one side of the pan and pour in more egg mixture.
4. Continue this process until all the egg mixture is used and the omelette is rolled up.
5. Slice into pieces and serve.

Conclusion

These simple and easy-to-make Japanese recipes will allow you to continue enjoying the flavors of Japan in your own home. After your experience at “ajiwai,” you can recreate the Japanese dishes you loved and share them with friends and family. Cooking is a wonderful way to keep your connection with Japan alive, even after you return home!