Cooking the Japanese way: Things to keep in mind

Japanese cuisine is characterized by simple dishes. This easy and austere approach to cooking is governed by the belief that products of the earth and sea should be utilized in a manner wherein natural forms and flavors are minimally altered, or not at all.

The Japanese also use fresh produce and incorporate simple cooking methods. While Japanese cooking itself is marked by simplicity, the presentation is nevertheless elaborate and meticulous. This is because they believe that good food should not only appeal to the taste buds, but also to the mind and the eye.

What are the important considerations when cooking Japanese food?

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To begin with, Japanese cuisine consists of mix-and-match food items. It is often marked by contrasting flavors. For instance, a sharp tasting sunomono dish might be served with teriyaki, a broiled food with a sweet sauce. Or a crunchy tsukemono is paired with nebemono brimming with seafood and vegetables. While salt dominates other cuisines, soy sauce is the staple seasoning in Japanese cooking. Other ingredients include sake, ginger, Japanese mustard, mitsuba, and nori.

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Another staple in Japanese cooking is rice. Rice is called goha in Japanese. For the modern Japanese, rice cookers are used to ensure that this vital part of the meal is perfectly cooked. Although rice is an important element, the Japanese also regard noodles as their main source of carbohydrates. Another mainstay in Japanese dining are soybean products, including miso, a soybean paste used in soup, and < i>tofu, a firm and custard-like substance made from soy.

Soup is also a must in cooking, and it is included every Japanese meal. Typically, soup or osumashi is served before the meal, and is delicately flavored but can be complemented with different garnishes.

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Another characteristic of Japanese cuisine are the nabemono dishes. These dishes are composed of meat and vegetables in a pot. Typically, nebemono dishes are cooked in the table through a pot heated over a charcoal or gas burner.

JC Uni-tec is a premier distributor of Japanese kitchen equipment useful in creating meticulous and delicate Japanese dishes. Visit this site to get tips and insights on Japanese cooking and cuisine.