Japanese food, which was once considered a niche cuisine in American cooking, is now a popular choice. 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. Many people remain reluctant about exploring this aspect of ethnic cuisine, however, for fear that they'll find something on their plate which appears as though it came from the Iron Chef. This is far from true. This article is intended to give readers an overview of Japanese food so that they can go out and try different dishes without worrying about what they'll get.
Domburi: This is simply a bowl containing rice, with some topping. There are many toppings that are popular in Japan. Many of these toppings have been successfully imported across the Pacific to American restaurants. Oyakodon, which has both chicken and egg as its topping, is an example of this dish. Gyudon, another kind of domburi is beefy and popular in Japan. If you are a keen taster, unadon is a type of domburi that includes strips of grilled eel covered in thick soya sauce.
Ramen: For years, this soup has been a staple in the American college student diet. 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. Dumplings, pork, miso (fermented soya beans) and soy sauce are all great accompaniments to these noodles. Interesting to note is that ramen was originally created in China rather than Japan. However, the dish is almost always associated today with Japan.
Sashimi (or sushi): People who are unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine often mistake this dish as sushi. 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 Omakase stomachs sour. Several types of sashimi are served, the most popular of which is probably 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 is the most recognized Japanese dish. It has grown in popularity in trendy parts of the United States. There are far too many options to mention all the variations. To be considered sushi, the dish must contain sushi vinegar-marinated rice. Norimaki, also known as sushi rolls, is the most well-known form of sushi. These rolls contain various types of seafood and sushi rice. They are wrapped in sheets of dried saltwaterweed. Norimaki often includes vegetables, as well.
Tempura: This Japanese-inspired dish is also very popular. Tempura is a type of finger food. It consists of various types of seafood or vegetables that are fried in a special batter. The end result is a delightful treat which is crisp without being heavy, as is often the case with deep fried cuisine 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 are a good introduction to Japanese cuisine. Enjoy!