Umejiso Onigiri and Soy Garlic Butter Steak Bento

Umejiso Onigiri and Soy Garlic Butter Steak Bento

I bought a small package of umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) at the supermarket–I haven’t had it in a long time and memories of the salty-sour treat compelled me to make some onigiri for today’s bento. It’s a traditional pairing with rice and shiso (the red 

Wasabi/Spicy Tuna Onigiri Bento

Wasabi/Spicy Tuna Onigiri Bento

At one of the largest Japanese outlets in the northeast, Mitsuwa, they have onigiri in the flavor of spicy tuna and wasabi tuna. I really enjoy both, and usually buy one two munch on while I shop. I sometimes recreate it at home because it’s 

Marinated Shiso

Marinated Shiso

I brought my pot of shiso indoors before the first below freezing temperatures to see if I could extend the growing season for just a bit. I had transplanted a few of each variety that had self sowed in my garden into a pot for 

Cucumber Shiso Salad

Cucumber Shiso Salad

A quick pickle with shiso, meant to be eaten as a side dish. I like roughly chopping the shiso but some people might prefer mincing it. This is a great way to use shiso if you have an abundance of them (red, green, or Korean 

Freshly Caught Bluefish Sashimi: Waste Not, Want Not

Freshly Caught Bluefish Sashimi: Waste Not, Want Not

I had been itching to try the bluefish snappers that we’ve been catching raw, sashimi style. The internet fishing community is a bit unsure about it raw, mainly because few people try it that way. Is it worth it? Heck yeah. The fish, while young 

Hamachi Kama: 3 Ways

Hamachi Kama: 3 Ways

My sister (follow her on Instagram), who is a chef working at an upscale Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, gave me three hamachi kama (yellowtail collars) the other day when I went to visit her and my parents where they live in Queens. I was daunted 

Sauteed Clams, Shiso Batayaki Style

Sauteed Clams, Shiso Batayaki Style

For those wanting a less Asian approach to using shiso while using a large quantity of it, this is the recipe for you: Sauteed Clams, Shiso Batayaki style. My husband (who is part Italian) LOVES this sauce as it is wonderful for all kinds of 

Hitsumabushi (Unagi Eel Over Rice)

Hitsumabushi (Unagi Eel Over Rice)

I was never as fond of Japanese grilled eel as my sister was (my sister once had to go to the hospital when she was 3 because there were leftover bones in the unagi-don that got stuck in her throat) mainly because I couldn’t stomach 

Tamago Gohan: You Game?

Tamago Gohan: You Game?

One of my daughter’s favorite things to eat (and mine too) is Tamago Gohan, directly translated from Japanese as Egg Rice, a raw egg mixed with hot rice and soy sauce. It’s a simple but delicious meal, comfort food, and I guess the Asian equivalent 

Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)

Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)

For those who grow their own onions, shiso, chives, etc., and collect their own eggs (duck or otherwise) this is a great recipe for those days you’re craving something a bit more savory and substantial. Gyudon is a Japanese beef bowl meal–the suffix “-don” (short