In recent years, Japanese cuisine has been gaining popularity, having once been a niche in American cuisine. The combination of lightness and harmony in a typical Japanese dish appeals greatly to Americans, who have long been accustomed to heavy, deep-fried food. People are afraid that ethnic cuisine will be too bland or tasteless. This is far from the truth! This article is meant to show readers a range of Japanese cuisines so they can try new things without worrying about what they'll eat.
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. Complimenting these noodles are such ingredients as dumplings, pork, miso (fermented soybeans) and soya sauce. 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 Oao Sushi cuisine. Although it is presented artistically, the truth remains that sashimi, which is raw fish, is still a dish. This fact turns many an American's stomachs sour. 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. There are many options for how to prepare sushi. 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 various types of seafood and sushi rice. They are wrapped in sheets of dried saltwaterweed. Norimaki can also include vegetables.
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish. Tempura can be described as a finger food that consists of different types of seafood and/or vegetable fried in a special batter. The result is a tasty treat that's crisp and light, not heavy like deep fried food in America. There are many ingredients that go into tempura. These ingredients can vary greatly from one restaurant or another.
These five dishes should offer a great introduction to Japanese cuisine for the novice chef. Enjoy!