The Wandering Kitchen: Tokyo
In the Skagit Valley Food Co-op's Wandering Kitchen Travel Blog Series, we're taking you on a virtual trip to some of the best places on Earth for world-class cuisine. Whether it comes from your backyard or a different continent, good food has the power to transport you anywhere you want to go. So while you might not travel to the heart of India, the Caribbean, or the boot of Italy by plane, train, or automobile, you can take your taste buds on a trip simply by turning your dining table into a delicious destination for some of the world's best food.
We'll be featuring locations near and far known for their food, inspirational recipes to try in your own kitchen, as well as products you can find in the Co-op to give you a taste of the cuisine.
In this edition of The Wandering Kitchen, we're hopping on a flight across the Pacific Ocean to make our way to the culturally diverse city of Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is the perfect mash-up of ultramodern and traditional architecture, lifestyle, and cuisine! It's not only an incredible place for any foodie to travel, but its rich cultural background makes it a traveler's dream—one of those rare places where you can glimpse a neon-lit skyscraper and a historic spiritual temple in the same view.
Just look at that map! On one block you've got Tokyo Tower, and just 9 kilometers away you'll find Meiji Jingu, a well-known Shinto shrine. Needless to say, you could spend a lifetime walking the streets of Tokyo and still have so many places you haven't visited, and foods you haven't tasted.
Why Tokyo?
While Tokyo landmarks are worthy of sight-seeing, we're here to rave about its world-class cuisine.
From ramen and tempura to soba and yakitori, Tokyo is famous for so many foods it's difficult to just cover a few. And of course, we can't forget to mention sushi, because Tokyo is the world capital of sushi after all.
Tokyo Inspired Recipes
Whether you're craving warm, cozy ramen or want to try your hand at homemade authentic sushi, we're diving into some delicious recipes that'll transport you to the island of Japan.
Photo Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven
Easy Sushi Rolls
Tokyo is the sushi capital of the world, so it only makes sense that we get things rolling with a homemade sushi recipe.
Making sushi at home might seem intimidating, but we encourage you to give it a shot! This is a simple recipe to get your toes wet, if you've never tried making sushi before. This recipe calls for sushi rice, nori, cucumbers, avocado, smoked salmon, and some simple garnishes.
Aside from the ingredients, you'll want to also invest in a sushi mat, a sushi knife, and chopsticks to really achieve that authentic sushi house feel in your own dining space.
The beauty of sushi is there's no one set recipe. With endless flavors and ingredient combinations, you can get really creative with your rolls. And don't get discouraged if the rolls are less than perfect on your first few tries—they'll still taste amazing!
Photo Courtesy of RecipeTin Japan
Easy Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are a must-eat in Tokyo, and this easy recipe comes from Japanese food blogger, Yumiko of RecipeTin Japan, who took her inspiration from some of the small ramen shops that you'll now find all over the globe.
The ramen base is made up of store-bought ingredients like fresh egg noodles and condensed ramen soup stock. But what really makes this recipe shine is all the toppings. Again, like sushi, you can definitely customize your ramen to include all your favorite ingredients, but here, Yumiko recommends a simple combination of braised pork slices, boiled egg, chopped shallots, and nori.
Other delicious vegetables additions for ramen include cabbage, bok choy, bean sprouts, shallots, carrots, and preserved bamboo shoots.
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Find the full recipe at RecipeTin Japan
Chicken (or Tofu) Katsu
It's worth noting that chicken or pork are used in the traditional version of katsu, but this recipe includes directions for tofu, too, if you'd like to go that route.
Katsu is essentially a thin piece of chicken that's breaded in egg and panko breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection and served over a bed of white rice.
But because it's basically Japanese fried chicken, it's super versatile and can be used in everything from burgers and sandwiches to ramen and curry.
You can serve so many different side dishes to complement katsu, like spicy noodle salad, steamed edamame, or an Asian-style slaw.
Photo Courtesy of Chopstick Chronicles
Tempura
Another fried Japanese classic, tempura has thicker batter than the light egg wash of katsu, so you end up with deep-fried veggies and shrimp that have an exceptionally crispy exterior and tender interior.
Tempura isn't a new concept. In fact, its origins date back to the 16th century when the Portuguese introduced it to Nagasaki. Centuries later, tempura has become an incredibly popular dish both in and around the island.
Some of the most popular pieces of tempura include Ebi (shrimp/prawn), Sakana (fish), Nasu (eggplant), Kinoko (mushrooms), and Kabocha (squash).
In Japan, tempura is often served as a snack or appetizer before meals, but it would make for a delicious lunch when it's served over a bed of white rice. There's even a specific name for a tempura rice bowl: tendon!
Photo Courtesy of Okonomi Kitchen
Hanami Dango
This is such a popular dessert in Japan that it has its own emoji!
Made up of just silken tofu, glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and some strawberry and matcha powder, these sweet and chewy rice balls are often sold at Japanese cherry blossom festivals, hence their vibrant, springy color!
Though they look elegant and exclusive to a specialty food shop, these sweet and tender desserts are quite easy to make at home, and are a great activity for kids, too!
Find the full recipe at Okonomi Kitchen
Japanese Food Staples Available at The Co-op
San-J Organic Tamari and Shoyu (soy sauce) -- for a wide variety of dishes
Emerald Cove Organic Toasted Sushi Nori -- for ramen & sushi
Japanese Restaurant Style Miso Cup -- for easy, instant lunches
Mori-Nu Silken Tofu -- for entrees & desserts