Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Jun 26, 2022

Tsukudani: Simmer your way to rice's best friend

Hundreds of years after it first gained popularity, tsukudani remain a mealtime favorite across Japan.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials May 1, 2022

Brush up on your bento basics

Spring has more than sprung, making these eye-catching bento the perfect addition to your next warm-weather picnic.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Feb 26, 2022

Chirashi-zushi: The go-to dish for any holiday bash

Thanks to its flexibility as a main dish, scattered-style sushi is often a favorite at parties where you don't know how many people might show up.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Dec 26, 2021

Liven your year-end spread with the 'three friends of winter': pine, bamboo and plum

'Nishime' is a favorite dish among the Japanese during the year-end holidays, and this recipe will help ensure your spread makes the cut.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Oct 23, 2021

Why the land-and-sea mindset is so important for Japanese meals

Chefs have consciously included ingredients from both land and sea in the same washoku meal for centuries. What makes the practice so enduring, and how can you use it in your own kitchen?

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Oct 23, 2021

Recipe: Mushroom and salmon takikomi gohan (mixed rice)

This classic autumn dish combines the best of land and sea into one bowl. Use any combination of umami-rich mushrooms you like to complement the briny salmon and garnish with fresh herbs.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Aug 28, 2021

When you get familiar with kanten, cooking starts to gel just right

Known as agar-agar in most English-speaking countries, kanten is shelf-stable and can be found in convenient powdered form, for whenever you need a vegan-friendly way to set liquids.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Aug 28, 2021

How to make Japanese kanten fruit jelly

These bright, colorful kanten jelly desserts are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth while staying cool in the heat.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Jun 26, 2021

Approach mealtime differently with a washoku mindset

Japanese kitchen traditions — using food fully while being mindful of balancing color, flavor and method — will help you put together a meal that’s healthy, colorful and delicious.

Food & Drink | Washoku Essentials Jun 26, 2021

How to make karashi-su-miso (tart miso-mustard sauce)

This sauce combines sour (su, vinegar), salty (miso) and spicy (karashi mustard) elements for a versatile, flavor-packed dressing.