Miso Dengaku with Konnyaku: Easy Japanese Recipe

Miso Dengaku, a classic Japanese dish, offers a delightful harmony of sweet and savory flavors. This comforting and surprisingly versatile recipe features konnyaku, a jelly-like food made from konjac yam, known for its unique texture and health benefits. The konnyaku absorbs the rich miso glaze beautifully, resulting in a tantalizing culinary experience that's both satisfying and surprisingly light. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible to home cooks of all levels, transforming a weeknight meal into a small taste of Japan. The slightly chewy texture of the konnyaku provides a pleasant contrast to the intensely flavorful miso glaze.

This recipe offers a simplified approach to traditional Miso Dengaku, perfect for those new to Japanese cooking or seeking a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own delectable Miso Dengaku with Konnyaku.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Konnyaku
  • Miso paste
  • Sugar
  • Sake
  • Mirin
  • Water
  • Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Konnyaku

  • Make small diagonal cuts on the surface of the konnyaku. Do this on both sides.
  • Cut the konnyaku into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cook the konnyaku in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then strain.
Make small diagonal cuts on the surface of the konnyaku. Do this on both sides.Cut the konnyaku into bite-sized pieces.Cook the konnyaku in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then strain.
Prepare the Konnyaku

Step 2. Make the Miso Sauce

  • In a pot, combine miso paste, sugar, sake, mirin, and water.
  • Cook the sauce over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
In a pot, combine miso paste, sugar, sake, mirin, and water.Cook the sauce over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
Make the Miso Sauce

Step 3. Assemble and Serve

  • Place the cooked konnyaku on a plate.
  • Pour the miso sauce over the konnyaku.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Place the cooked konnyaku on a plate.Pour the miso sauce over the konnyaku.Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Assemble and Serve

Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe

Tips

  • You can use other vegetables instead of konnyaku, such as eggplant, daikon radish, or tofu.
  • You can adjust the size of the konnyaku pieces to your liking.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of konnyaku?

Yes! Tofu, eggplant, and shiitake mushrooms are all excellent substitutes and work well with the miso glaze.

2. What if I don't have mirin?

You can substitute with an equal amount of sweet sake or even a touch of sugar and rice vinegar for a similar sweetness.


Enjoy your homemade Miso Dengaku with Konnyaku – a delicious and healthy Japanese dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create complex and satisfying flavors. We hope you'll savor every bite of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly flavorful, culinary delight.