Soy sauce is a staple ingredient, adding depth and flavour to many Japanese dishes. However, the world of Japanese condiments extends far beyond soy sauce. As a restaurant chain specialising in Japanese cuisine, Maki & Ramen understands the versatility of Japanese condiments and wishes to share our vast knowledge with our patrons. Learning more about this rich culture’s spices and seasonings opens up a world of possibilities in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned Japanese food lover or just beginning to explore this vibrant cuisine, here are five essential Japanese condiments that will tantalise your taste buds and bring a new dimension to your dishes!
Add a Touch of Sweetness to Your Dish With Mirin
Mirin is a sweet rice wine commonly used as a seasoning and flavour enhancer in Japanese cuisine. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth to various dishes and is often used in teriyaki sauce, glazes, and marinades to give the food a glossy finish. Its natural sweetness helps to tenderize meats and seafood while providing a delicate aroma. Mirin can also be found in several traditional Japanese desserts, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out other flavours.
Many Acidic Marinades & Dressings Feature Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar (rice wine vinegar) is made from fermented rice, resulting in a mild, slightly sweet vinegar with a delicately tangy flavour. Rice vinegar is a favourite in Japanese cooking due to its ability to enhance and balance flavours. It is often used in dressings, marinades, and pickling, adding a refreshing acidity to dishes. With its mild taste, rice vinegar is a popular choice when making the sushi rice found on Maki & Ramen’s menus, as it creates the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Take Your Stir-Fry to the Next Level With Savoury Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a versatile and aromatic oil derived from sesame seeds. Found in many Asian dishes, it features a rich, nutty flavour that adds a distinct taste and aroma. It is commonly used as a finishing oil, drizzled over stir-fries, noodles, or salads, giving each dish a bold and savoury note. Sesame oil is also a key ingredient in traditional Japanese dressings and sauces, lending its unique flavour to dishes like goma-ae (sesame spinach) and sesame chicken. Additionally, sesame oil is renowned for its high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying and deep-frying.
Spice up Your Life With Some Shichimi Togarashi
Shichimi togarashi is a traditional seasoning that adds a unique kick in Japanese dishes. Also known as “seven spice,” shichimi togarashi is a mixture of seven ingredients, typically including dried chili peppers, sesame seeds, orange peel, Sichuan pepper, nori seaweed, ginger, and poppy seeds. This spice blend offers a harmonious balance of heat, citrusy notes, and umami. It is commonly sprinkled over udon noodles, rice dishes, grilled meats, and even soups to add a burst of flavour and a touch of heat. Shichimi togarashi is a versatile Japanese seasoning that adds an exciting and distinctive element to various dishes.
Yuzu Kosho Brings a Dash of Citrusy Brightness With Spicy Heat
Yuzu kosho is a zesty Japanese condiment made from a blend of yuzu zest, chili peppers, and salt. Creating a unique combination of citrusy brightness and spicy heat, yuzu kosho is praised for its complex and refreshing taste. This versatile condiment can be used as a grilled meat marinade, seafood seasoning, sashimi dip, or a flavour enhancer for soups and dressings. Its bold and refreshing flavour profile makes yuzu kosho a must-try for those seeking an adventurous, authentic Japanese culinary experience.
Cultivate Your Appreciation for Japanese Cuisine at Maki & Ramen
Whether it’s adding yuzu kosho as a meat marinade or sprinkling shichimi togarashi over noodles, these Japanese food ingredients can help elevate any dish. Maki & Ramen encourages you to explore these essential condiments and let their unique flavours transport you to the colourful culinary world of Japan. Develop an even deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine by staying updated with our blogs or by visiting our nearest location for an unforgettable dining experience. We look forward to seeing you!