Japanese food is a true reflection of its country. In this group of islands we can find, on the one hand, traditions that are hundreds of years old, but equally valued today, or the most modern technological creations. Gastronomy does not escape these considerations sushi near me.
classic japanese cuisine
If we focus on the kitchen, we find a gigantic respect for classical and traditional practices. The documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a fabulous example that portrays this.
Jiro Ono is a legend in the preparation of sushi and his restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro was the first, among those who specialize in preparing this Japanese dish, to receive three Michelin stars.
“You have to fall in love with your work. You should never complain. You have to dedicate your life to becoming a master at what you do. That is the secret of success”, says Jiro when talking about the sushi that he has been preparing for decades.
modern japanese food
But while technological advances advance, borders are broken and distances are shortened, the cuisine of Japan has also changed, with fusions that have their roots in this country, but that arise in the United States or France.
There are restaurants that take advantage of the yakitori practice to cook other foods besides chicken, replace wasabi with other ingredients such as radish root or marinate fish in bourbon instead of sake.
In the kitchen is where some classic traditions meet, with novel practices or ingredients from other places. As Japanese food continues to evolve, at Nestlé® Recipes we want to explore the most popular dishes.
General characteristics of Japanese food
Although the gastronomy of Japan is very varied in terms of flavors, aromas, colors and textures, there are some common elements that we can find in a few preparations.
The importance of fish: as it is a group of islands, Japan was isolated from other countries for a long time. Being surrounded by the sea, fish became one of the favorite foods of the Japanese, which is why there are so many dishes in which it is used. It may interest you: How to cook fish.
A powerhouse of rice: In addition to fish and seafood, the other food that is frequently found in Japanese kitchens is rice. If we think about sushi, perhaps the most representative dish of this country, we realize that it is the meeting point of fish and rice. Learn everything you need to know about rice.
Beyond the taste: a good plate of Japanese food can be compared to a work of art. The aromas that emerge usually attract attention, while the colors and their presentation are also pleasing to the eye, which is why it is very common to find Japanese dishes in movies or animated series from this country, because they have a remarkable presence and personality. .
A balanced gastronomy: in general terms, the ingredients used in the kitchen of Japan are quite fresh, since there the dishes vary by season. In addition, cooking techniques do not usually use a lot of oil, beyond the search for textures. Instead, steamed or grilled preparations are very common.
Iconic dishes of Japanese food
When we think of the best-known preparations in Japan, without a doubt our mind travels to traditional cuisine, where we find the most representative dishes.
the ramen
It is definitely one of the best-known Japanese food dishes outside the islands.
Broadly speaking, it is a soup with noodles (a kind of noodles or Asian pasta) and other ingredients, among which it is common to find hard-boiled eggs, pork and vegetables.
Ramen stands out for having a strong aroma, which can vary depending on the ingredients in the recipe. Likewise, we can find very interesting mixtures of flavors that are born through experimentation.
Although there are recipes for this dish, it is true that traditions are not so deeply rooted here, which is why ramen is great for giving free rein to creativity and encouraging yourself to play with flavors.