Craving a taste of Japan without the lengthy cooking time? Harumi Kurihara's four small dishes offer a delightful solution. These quick and easy side dishes, perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual gathering, showcase the vibrant flavors of Japanese cuisine in miniature. Each dish is designed to be simple, using readily available ingredients and minimal fuss, making them ideal for even the busiest cooks. Expect a delightful combination of textures and tastes, from the refreshing crunch of a cucumber salad to the savory umami of a simple seaweed dish.
These four recipes are not just quick; they're incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to your preferences and what you have on hand. Ready to elevate your next meal with these simple yet elegant Japanese side dishes? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a culinary journey to Japan in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Bean sprouts
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Chili oil
- Burdock root
- Carrot
- Sugar
- Mirin
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Prepare bean sprouts for Namul (bean sprout salad)
- Prepare eggplant for Pirikara Koumi Zuke (spicy eggplant pickle)
- Prepare ingredients for Lapatsai (Chinese-style braised greens)
- Prepare burdock root and carrots for Kinpira Gobo (braised burdock and carrot)
Step 2. Cook the Dishes
- Cook the bean sprouts
- Fry the eggplant
- Cook the Lapatsai
- Cook Kinpira Gobo
Step 3. Season and Finish
- Season and finish the bean sprouts
- Season and finish the eggplant
- Season and finish the Lapatsai
- Season and finish the Kinpira Gobo
Step 4. Plate and Present
- Plate the dishes
- Final touches and presentation
- Complete the dishes
Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Adjust seasonings to your preference
- These dishes are great as side dishes, appetizers, or part of a bento box.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute ingredients in Harumi Kurihara's 4 small dishes recipes?
Yes! Many ingredients can be swapped for similar alternatives. For example, if you don't have mirin, you can use a combination of sugar and rice vinegar. Feel free to adjust to your taste and what you have available.
2. How long does it take to prepare all four dishes?
The entire process, from prep to plating, should take approximately 20-30 minutes. Each dish is designed for speed and efficiency.
These four small dishes are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Japanese cooking. They offer a delicious and accessible way to experience authentic flavors, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any meal. Enjoy the delightful results and the newfound ease of preparing delicious Japanese side dishes!