Recipe

Sekihan, or Red Bean Sticky Rice, is a traditional Japanese dish made with glutinous rice and red beans. It is often served on festive occasions or special holidays in Japan. Instead of using mochi rice, this recipe incorporates Shiratama flour (glutinous rice flour) to create a delightfully sticky texture. To enhance the flavor, make your own Goma-shio (black sesame salt) and sprinkle it over the rice for a nutty, savory finish.

Furikake is a crunchy, Umami-rich Japanese seasoning typically made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and other flavorful ingredients. It’s often sprinkled over hot steamed rice or mixed into Onigiri (rice balls). This recipe offers a soft-style Furikake that’s easy to make at home, using nutritious ingredients like turnip greens, Shirasu (baby sardines), and Yuzu. It's a delicious and hearty addition to your meals. 

Chili Beans is a comforting stew that you can easily recreate at home and enjoy over hot rice. Hawaiian-style is traditionally made with Portuguese sausage, spices, and kidney beans, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish. In this recipe, we use Japanese Kintoki Mame beans from Hokkaido, which are similar to kidney beans and add a rich, comforting texture to the dish.

Dashimaki Tamago is a classic Japanese rolled omelet, made light and fluffy with the addition of Dashi broth. This version is served Ankake-style, featuring a savory, thickened sauce made with Kuzu starch. Kuzu starch, derived from the Arrowroot plant (Kuzu or Kudzu), is commonly used in Japanese cooking to create smooth, glossy sauces. It also helps make the omelet extra soft. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a comforting side.

Okowa is a traditional Japanese sticky rice dish that's full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. This recipe simplifies the process by using Japanese short grain rice and adding a piece of mochi for extra stickiness. With the rich flavors of chicken, root vegetables, and a dashi-infused broth, it's an easy and hearty dish your whole family will love.

Strawberry Mochi, also known as Ichigo Daifuku, is a delightful Japanese dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with sweet bean paste, all encased in soft and chewy mochi. By using Dango flour made from glutinous rice, you can easily recreate this treat at home. And by adding the rose syrup, you may enjoy a burst of fresh, fruity and a hint of rose flavor in every bite.

This comforting Red Bean Porridge is gently sweet and aromatic, making it perfect for warming the body in the winter time. In Japanese tradition, Azuki Gayu, or Red Bean Porridge is often enjoyed at the start of the year to ward off negative energy, and wish for good health throughout the coming months.  

Chicken and Cucumber Salad is a lighter take on the classic Yurinchi chicken without frying, combined with the delicious scallion sauce. The chicken is steamed with minimal water, locking in all the savory goodness. This dish is equally delightful when made with chicken breast for a lighter touch, perfectly pairing with the freshly cooked rice.

The classic Mapo Tofu, or Mabo Tofu, combines Tofu, ground pork, and a garlicky, spicy meat sauce, and it's served over a bed of steaming rice as a Donburi (rice bowl dish). Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and flavorful rice dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. 

Hayashi Rice is a comforting dish made with tender beef and onions simmered in a rice, savory sauce. This western-inspired Japanese favorite is typically served over freshly cooked rice. While store-bought roux can be used, this recipe shows you how to make it from scratch with simple, easily accessible ingredients. 

Chuka Don is a comforting Japanese rice bowl topped with stir-fried vegetables, seafood, and meat. Packed with umami flavors and balance ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect savory and light meal to enjoy at home. 

Sweet White Bean Paste, known as Shiro-an, is a staple ingredient in many Japanese desserts. It's commonly used in treats like Fruits Daifuku (mochi filled with bean paste and fruit) and Wagashi (traditional Japanese confections). While red bean paste is widely popular, Shiro-an offers a lighter flavor with a slightly nutty taste, making it a versatile choice for various sweets.