Tag Archives: Japanese Cuisine

Sashimi & Sushi: The Basics 4/1: Sushi Presentations

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Sushi Millefeuille at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

SYNOPSIS:
I already have wrtitten a lot in bits and pieces on Sushi and Sashimi, including in my other blog, Shizuoka Sushi, but I felt it was time to post an article that could be used as general reference by my blogging friends.
The Basic 1: Definitions
The Basics 2: Questions & Answers
The Basics 3: Ingredients

Sushi does come ito many guises and shapes (and colours).
Too many people think it is only all nigiri and rolls.
Any chef worthy of his/her name will prove you otherwise!

Alright, then. What do they have to offer?

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Magurozuke/Marinated tuna (Akami/lean part) Nigiri at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

NIGIRI/NIGIRIZUSHI:

Nigiri/握り literally means “grip/grasp/press” in Japanese.
The shari/シャリ is made by scooping the right amount of sushi rice in one hand (usually the left hand9 and making a “ball” of it. Actually it is more oblong than round. Size varies with the chef and restaurant, but an experienced chef is capable to reproducing such a ball to the same exact amount of grains. They say it takes seven years to become a master at making shari!
The next step, but not always, is to smear a little wasabi on top of the rice ball and then top it with an ingredient of your choice. Finally the chef will press it around the top of the shari before depositing it on a plate (or on a bamboo leaf) or on small wooden plate in front of the customer.
In some cases the wasabi will be placed in the from of a small ball on top of the neta/ネタ (topping) as on anago/アナゴ (conger eel).
All kinds of neta/toppings can wrapped around the top. (See The Basics 3: Ingredients).

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Sakura Nigiri/Horsemeat Nigiri at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

More ingredients will be added as seasoning on top of the topping such as grated ginger and chopped leeks (see above),

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pickled Japanese plum/umeboshi/梅干 as above (on op of boiled mitsuba/trefoil at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City)

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grated lime zest as above (on top of pickled/marinated daikon at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City),

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grated daikon and chili pepper as above (on top of aburi sanma/lightly grilled mackerel pike)

ANAGO-SUSHI

or tare/sauce as above(on top of anago/アナゴ)

TAMAGO-NIGIRI

A strip of dried seaweed/nori/海苔 can be used to secure the neta as with tamagoyaki/卵焼き above.

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The same strip of nori can circled around a really round shari as above (thinly cut ika/烏賊/squid arranged into a tsuru/鶴/crane shape)

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Boiled trefoil/Mitsuba and fresh cucmber/Kyuuri Gunkan at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

GUNKAN/GUNKAN SUSHI:

When a wider strip of nori is wrapped around a shari to prevent the topping to fall over, it is called a gunkan/軍艦/mothership.

UMIBUDOGUNKAN
Umibudo/Sea Grapes Gunkan

It is also useful to emphasize the neta as above,

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or it can be designed as purposefully overflowing as above (ikura/salmon roe gunkan)!

ST-VALENTINE-SUSHI

What about this tiny St-Valentine Gunkan?

For more gunkan fun go HERE!

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Chirashizushi served in Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

CHIRASHIZUSHI:

Chirashizusi/散らし寿司 means “decoration Sushi”.
It is very popular in homes where large quantities can prepared for the family and still designed as to please the eye.

MILLEFEUILLE-EX
Millefeuille sushi served in Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

Millefeuille is anaother typ of chirashizushi! Very easy to make and so impressive! (use a baking circle!)

TE-NARI-ZUSHI
Home Party Te-Mari Zushi

TEMARI ZUSHI:

Te-Mari Zushi/手まり寿司/Small ball-shaped sushi are very popular in Kyoto and at homes in many Japanese homes, especially on Girls’ day (March 3rd). Great for parties and easy to make!

INARI-ZUSHI

INARI-ZUSHI:

Inari Zusi/稲荷寿司/Fried tofu pouches filled sushi rice and other ingredients are basically home-type and bento-type sushi.
Very popular with vegans and vegetarians as they can control the contents. Very healthy!

Next Article will be on Sushi Roll Presentation!

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Frank Fariello
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Elinluv Tidbit Corner

Please check the new postings at:
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Sushi & Sashimi: The Basics 3: Ingredients

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Botan ebi/Botan Shrimp and its eggs at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

SYNOPSIS:
I already have wrtitten a lot in bits and pieces on Sushi and Sashimi, including in my other blog, Shizuoka Sushi, but I felt it was time to post an article that could be used as general reference by my blogging friends.
The Basic 1: Definitions
The Basics 2: Questions & Answers

One encounters the general misconception that sushi ingredients include only fish and pre-determined seafood as neta/topping.
Fortunately, sushi offers a greater variety to please everyone, even vegetarians and vegans!

The following description is not exhaustive as possibilities are almost limitless according to avaibility, country and geography, but I hope it will help gastronomes and good food lovers to gain access to a larger scope on which they can expand at will!

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Katsuo/Bonito sashimi at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

FISH:

The Japanese traditionally differentiate fish into the following kinds:

a) White-flesh fish:
Hirame/Sole, Makogarei or Ishigarei/Turbot or Halibut or Flounder, Sayori/Japanese Half Beak, Shirogisu/Sillago, Suzuki/Seabass, Kawahagi/Leatherback, Tobiuo/Flying fish, Yagara/Trumpet Fish, Houbo/Bluefin Robin, Funa/Crucian Carp, Koi/Carp, Tara-Madara/Cod
Seabreams: Tai, Madai, Ishidai, Amadai, Hanadai

b) Red-fleshed fish:
Maguro/Tuna = Kuro Maguro or Hon Maguro/Bluefin Tuna, Mebachi/Big-eyed Tuna, Kihada/Yellowfin Tuna, Minmamimaguro/Southern Seas Tuna, Binnaga/Albacore Tuna, Mekajiki/Big-eye Marlin.
Buri/Yellowtail,Kampachi/Amberjack, Katsuo/Bonito, Sanma/mackerel Pike, sawara/Spanish Mackerel, Iwashi/Sardine, Shimaaji/Stripe Horsemackerel, Tobiuo/Flying fish

c) Other fish: Unagi/eel, Anago/Conger eel, Noresore/Conger Eel Whitebait, Shirasu/Sardine whitebait, Nishin/Herring, Sake-Shake/Salmon, Benimasu/Salmon Trout

d) Fish related ingredients: Ankimo/Monkfish/Frogfish liver, Ikura/salmon Roe, Kazu no Ko/herring Roe, Tobikko/Flying Fish Roe, Uroko/Scales (deep-fried)

shako3
Shako/Mantis Shrimp

CRUSTACEANS:

There are many indeed, and many found only around Japan:
Shiro Ebi,White Shrimp, Botan Ebi/Large Prawn, Shako/Squilla,Amaebi/Alaskan Pink Shrimp/Pink Shrimp、Kuruma Ebi/Japanese Imperial Prawn、Ise Ebi/Japanese Spiny Lobster, Sakuraebi/Cherry shrimp, Budoebi/”Grape shrimp”
Snow Crab/Zuwagani, Red King Crab/Tarabagani, Japanese Spider Crab/Takaashigani, Japanese Mitten Crab/Mokuzugani

Crustacean-related ingredients:
Ebiko: egss from mainly of Amaebi and Botan Ebi. The only blue-colour sea ingredient in sushi?
Kani Sarada: Crab salad

KAKI-NIGIRI
Kaki/Oyster

SHELLFISH:

Shellfish are very popular raw, cooked, grilled, marinated or salted:
Abalone/Awabi, Scallops/Hotategai, Oysters/Kaki, Surf Clam/Torigai, Gaper/Mirugai, Turbo Shells/Sazae, Clam/Hamaguri, Pen Shell/Tairagi, Round Clam-Hen Clam/Bakagai, Scallops/Hotate

SQUID-LEGS
Ika Geso/ Squid legs

CEPHALOPODS

The Japanese are very fond of squids and octopus, be they raw, boiled, pickled or ciiked/grilled:
Aori Ika/Bigfin Reef Squid, Surume Ika/Japanese Common Squid-Pacific Flying Squid, Hotaru Ika/Firefly Squid-Sparkling Enope Squid, Common calamari/Yari Ika, Kensaki Ika
Madako/True Octopus, Mizudako/Shiodako/Oodako, Iidako/Komochhidako, Ishidako, Chihirodako

HOYA-1
Hoya/Common Sea Squirt

OTHER MARINE LIFE:

These include some creatures relatively unknown outside Japan!
-Sea slug/beche de mer/Sea cusumber or namako in Japanese, as well as its insides/innards called konowata in Japanese
-Common Sea Squirt: Hoya/mahoya in Japanese
-Sea Urchi/Uni
-Kurage/Jellyfish

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Sakura/Horsemeat as served in Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

MEAT:

Meat goes very well as sushi, completely raw, slightly grilled or completely cooked!
Basashi:Uma no Niku/Sakura: Horsemeat
Shika no Niku: Venison, deer meat
Gyuniku/Gyusashi: Beef
Kujira: Whalemeat

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Tamagoyaki served at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

EGGS

Chicken eggs are used for tamagoyaki,japab\nese omelette wihich is cut in various shapes according to volume and trend.
Uzura Tamago/Quail eggs are often used additionally

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Vegan Sushi at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

VEGETABLES:

Now, here is a really “open section”!
I might say it’s all up to you and your priorities.
I will just cite the most popular varieties encountered in Japan:
Kanpyo/gourd shavings first dried then marinated in rice vinegar, soy sauce and sugar.
Gobo/Burdock Root, Kooyaku/Devil’s Tongue tuber, Shiitake, Kyuuri/Cucumber, Mitsuba/Trefoil, Negi/Leek, Daikon, Radish, Shiso/Perilla, Natto, Tomato, Satsumaimo/Sweet potato, Kaiware daikon/Daikon shoots, Takenoko/Bamboo shoots, Myoga Ginger, Shooga/Ginger, Wasabi (chooped roots), Okra, Pimento, Nasu/Aubergine-Eg plant, Yamaimo/Glutinous Yam

To these you have to add the “sea vegetables”:
Konbu/Kaiso/Nori= Seaweed
Umibudo/Sea Grapes
Yuba/Tofu sheets

NOTE:

Fruit sushi has recently become popular abroad but has not caught yet in Japan!”
Foie gras (extravagant), tempura and tonkatsu may also be served as sushi!

Next article will be about Sushi Presentations!

RECOMMENDED RELATED SITES:
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Tokyo Foodcast
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Hapabento
Elinluv Tidbit Corner

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

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Sushi & Sashimi: The Basics 2: Questions & Answers

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Vegan Sushi at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

SYNOPSIS:
I already have wrtitten a lot in bits and pieces on Sushi and Sashimi, including in my other blog, Shizuoka Sushi, but I felt it was time to post an article that could be used as general reference by my blogging friends.
The Basic 1: Definitions

Many questions are asked about sushi as there are many misconceptions, which is absolutely normal if you do not live in Japan.
I hope the following will clear up the skies for everyone.
Naturally, if you have other questions, I’ll be glad to answer them!

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Sushi set consisting only of seafood caught in Shizuoka Prefecture. Served at Ginta in Yui, Shizuoka City

Q: Are there “special seats” at a sushi restaurant?

A: The usual misconception is that sitting at the counter automatically proves more costly than sitting at a table or on a tatami floor. The price will vary accordingly to what you have ordered wherever you sit. The fact that customers sitting at tables usually order “sushi sets” will tend to demonstrate that it is cheaper, but you can order the same at the counter. On the other hand, sitting at the counter will entice you to order sushi piece by piece and venture into some exotic requests, hence a higher price. I myself always sit at the counter, especially around the “corner”, because I can enjoy the vital opportunity to converse with the chef, watch his technique and have a good look at the available ingredients of the day.

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Sakura Ebi Gunkan/Cherry Shrimps (caught in Shizuoka Prefecture only) served at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

Q:”Nigiri Zushi” should be eaten at once?

A:Yes, for two reasons:
First, the carefully-made “nigiri zushi/握り寿司” will somehow collapse on itself after some time and will not look so appetizing.
Second, the “neta” will dry up and will lose some flavour, tenderness and freshness. That is why I have always strongly felt gainst the very popular “kaiten sushi/回転寿司” (conveyor belt) restaurants!
The trick is to order one “nigiri zushi” after the other and savour them individually, one more reason to choose a counter seat.

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Mini Ikura Donburi served at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

Q: What are the prerequisites for a good “shari” (rice ball part of the sushi)?

A: As rice is actually the most important part, only high-quality rice such as “Akita Komachi” should be used.
I’m sorry to say so, but sushi made with Thai or Basmati rice abroad is not sushi. Full stop.
Next, the balance between the rice vinegar, sugar and salt is very important. Too much of any ingredient will leave an overwhelming taste inside the mouth to the detriment of the other ingredients. Not enough salt will also be detrimental. Only experience will dictate the right amounts!

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Local sashimi served at Kansawagawa Sake Brewery in Yui, Shizuoka City

Q: Should you dip the “neta” or “shari” first into the soy sauce?

A: Do as you like!
I myself very often ask the chef to add soy sauce directly onto the sushi!
Actually some sushi don’t need any soy sauce.
One can enjoy sole/hirame/平目with a tiny pinch of salt and some lemon juice on top of the neta, or sakura/raw horsemeat is served with tare, grated ginger and chopped leeks, and so forth.

VEGETARIAN-SUSHI-2
Vegetarian sushi in Kyoto

Q: Is there a definite order in ordering and eating various kinds of sushi?

A: That is widely subject to personal taste. The best way is to finish with your special favourites.
I myself start with tuna sashimi (“akami” variety, my preferred part of the tuna) and finish with “natto/ume/shiso (fermented beans+pickled plum meat+green beefsteak leaf. Mind you, I would not order that in Osaka!) maki” with soup, preferably “kanijiru/蟹汁” (miso and crab soup).
In between I shall order all kinds of “nigiri zushi” according to availability. I also make a point to order “chyawan mushi/茶碗蒸し” (Japanese steamed custard) whenever possible.

UNI-GUNKAN
Uni-Gunkan

Q: Is sea urchin (“uni/海栗”) nice to eat as “nigiri”?

A: It should be. If the “gunkan/軍艦” (literally “mother ship”, term taken from the Navy) is properly made! A “gunkan”-style “nigiri zushi” is made with a strip of dry seaweed wrapping the rice ball leaving the top free and securing the topping (“neta”). Moreover I would ask the chef to season it with soy sauce to avoid dropping it into my soy saucer (sorry for the pun!)

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Aburi Sanma Nigiri/Slightly grilled Pike mackerel served at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

Q: Should all “neta” toppings be made from absolutely fresh fish only?

A: That is another misconception.
Long ago, sushi “neta” were exclusively made of boiled, pickled or salted fish.
As hygiene, refrigeration and preservation have greatly improved, we have access to better and better fresh fish. But in some cases, such as for “maguro” (tuna), it is best to leave the fish rest in a secure place for a while before eating it.
“Maguro” is at its best after a week left in a cold (not frozen) place.
Actually, Mr. Hara, the chef at Ginta in Yui, explained that he gets his fish (of the day only) from the boat the harbour, gut and dress it within a minute before leaving the fish fillets mature on a piece of cloth in the refrigerator for at least half a day!

KOHADA
Kohada Nigiri

Q:Especially in the case of “kohada” (gizzard shard fish or small sweet sardine) we can see at least 5 ways of cutting and presenting the fish: which is the best one?

A: Well. that probably depends both on the chef’s and the customer’s preferences. With a different cut or presentation, various parts of the fish will offer a different exposure to the eater’s palate with consequent different tastes and flavours.

vegan-sushi3
Kanpyo Maki

Q: “Kanpyo (dried gourd shavings) maki” is usually cut into 3 pieces and “tekka (tuna) maki” cut in 6. Is there a definite reason for that?

A: No. This is being dictated by two factors:
a) Easy-to-hold or to-eat portions.
b) Sometimes when the “maki” is shared so smaller portions (6) will be more practical and pleasing to the eye.

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Unusual round nigiri topped with ika/cuttlefish in the shape of a tsuru/crane served at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City

Q: Which is better, a male fish or a female fish?

A: A male fish, because a female loses part of its own nutrients for egg (roe) production, especially in the case of salmon and white-fleshed fish.

The next article will be about Ingredients!

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Tokyo Foodcast
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Hapabento
Elinluv Tidbit Corner

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

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Sushi & Sashimi: The Basics 1: Definitions

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Rainbow Roll at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

I already have wrtitten a lot in bits and pieces on Sushi and Sashimi, including in my other blog, Shizuoka Sushi, but I felt it was time to post an article that could be used as general reference by my blogging friends.
This first article will describe the different kinds of sushi in a basic manner.

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Kawahagi sashimi/Leatherback at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

Sashimi or thin slices of fish when put onto some rice could be called “sushi” as long as rice vinegar, salt and sugar have been added to season the rice beforehand.
On the other hand it does not have to be sashimi as almost anything could be used for making sushi: fish guts, roe, shellfish, meat, vegetables. etc.
Even the word “sashimi” does not actually apply to fish only as its meaning is “thin slices” (debatable).

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Sakura/Horsemeat Sushi at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

There are 3 basic kinds of sushi:
“Nare Zushi”, or pickled fish sushi.
“Nigiri Sushi” or “Edomae Zushi”,or sliced Fish et al onto small balls of rice.
“Oshi Zushi” or “Osaka Zushi”, or sliced fish et al pressed onto rice inside a wooden box or mould and then cut into equal-sized pieces.
Of course the three above kinds can be divided into numerous sub-varieties.

CHIRASHI-ZUSHI

Home-made Chirashi Zushi

One important variety is “Chirashi Zushi/散らし寿司”, basically all kinds of (available) ingredients, preferably small, strewn on a layer of rive inside a bowl or shallow Japanese dish. This last variety is commonly encountered at home meals when it is more practical for a housewife to serve to a whole family.

“NARE ZUSHI”

NAREZUSHI

Nare zushi in Wakayama Prefecture envelopped in Bamboo leaves

Nare Zushi (熟寿司, or 馴れ寿司 in Japanese) is the original form of sushi in Japan. One way to preserve fish was to gut it, slice the meat with or without the skin and pickle it (ferment it) in rice. The fish could then always be presented at meals after having taken it out of the pickle jar, cleaned it and served it on a dish as an accompaniment (or main dish) to the usual Japanese fare of rice, miso (fermented beans) soup and pickles.

FUNAZUSHI

Funa Zushi/鮒寿司

Funa Zushi is a typical example.

Then one day, somebody selling fish in Edo (old Tokyo) struck on the idea to serve it wrapped around balls of rice to which vinegar, salt and sugar had been added for preservation. These balls were 2 or 3 times as big as nowadays and
3 balls would be enough for a meal.
This form of sushi is rarely encountered or availabe these days. One modern extension of this technique is “Zuke” whereas tuna (“maguro”) or other fish has been first dipped in hot water for a while, then transfered into iced water to stop it cooking and finally marinated into a pickle brine (“tsuke shiru”) for a while. When cut, the surface is cooked and slightly harder while the inside is still soft and comparatively raw. If it is not dipped in brine it becomes “tataki”.
(Note: “Zuke/漬け” also means leaving the fish slices in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin ans sake for about a certain amount of time begore making any kind of sushi. Each restaurant has its own original secrets and recipes.)

“NIGIRI ZUSHI”/”EDOMAE ZUSHI”

SUSHI-KUJIRA

Kujira Nigiri/Whalemeat at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

“Nigiri Zushi/握り寿司”, arguably the most popular kind of sushi, consists of a small hand-formed ball of rice, or more commonly called “shari/シャリ”, seasoned with rice vinegar, salt and sugar covered with a slice of fish or other ingredients (defined as “neta/ネタ” in Japanese).
Moreover, before covering the “shari” with the “neta”, a small portion of grated Japanese green horseradish (“wasabi/山葵”) is applied on top of the “shari” to be in contact with both the the “shari” nad “neta”. But this is not always the rule. Grated ginger and chopped chives can be applied on top of the “neta” or the “neta” could be seasoned with sauce (“tare/タレ” or “tsume/ツメ”) or the horseradish could be applied on top of the “neta” (as in for “anago”=conger eel). In some cases, I myself like the “neta” sprinkled with a bit of salt and lemon juice as for “hirame” ( sole/flatfish).
The “nigiri zushi” can be then be dipped or not, according to your preference, into a small dish of soy sauce before eating it.
A “nigiri zushi” seasoned with “tare” or salt and lemon juice should not be dipped into soy sauce.

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Negi-toro Nori Maki/leeks and toro nori maki at Sushi Ko, Shizuoka City

“Edomae Zushi/江戸前寿司”, apart of “nigiri zushi” comprises “te-maki zushi/手巻き寿司” (a sushi made inside dry seaweed in the form of a cone served in one piece),”ha-maki/葉巻” (the same as “te-maki-zushi” but with lettuce instead of dry seaweed), “nori-maki/海苔巻き”
(a long thin roll usually wrapped in dry seaweed, then cut in 2, 3 or 6 portions), “futo-maki/太巻” ( a thick roll wrapped in seaweed cut into thin slices), “inari zushi/稲荷寿司” (plain or mixed with some finely-cut ingredients seasoned rice wrapped inside fried toofu pouch, also known as “0-inari San”) , or “chakin zushi/茶巾寿司” (seasoned rice plain or mixed with other ingredients inside a pouch made of thin omelette).
The possibilities for “edomae zushi” are almost limitless.

TE-MARI-ZUSHI

Te-mari zushi, kyoto style

TE-MARI-ZUSHI2

Te-mari zushi, home-style

Ome more variety made in Kyoto called “te-mari zushi” (small round “nigiri zushi”) ought to be mentioned as its shape is particularly beautiful and its size is popular with diet-conscious ladies!

“OSHI ZUSHI”/”OSAKA SUSHI”

OSI-ZUSHI-1

Oshi Zushi out of it press box

This type of sushi is made from rice (“shari”) seasoned as in “edomae zushi” and then stuffed inside small wooden boxes, smeared or not with horseradish (“wasabi”). Finally thin slices of fish or else are carefully arranged on top usually so as to form a pattern. A wooden lid will then be pushed on top of the sushi to press it evenly and firmly. The sushi will be then slid out out of the box and cut into regular rectangular portions to be served accordingly to the chef’s taste and skill.

Next to come: Sushi & Sashimi: The Basics 2: Questions and Answers

RECOMMENDED RELATED SITES:
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Please check the new postings at:
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Japanese Cuisine: Karei no Karaage/Whole deep-fried Flounder

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Here continues the mini-series on easy Japanese fish recipes:

Karei no Karaage/Whole deep-fried Flounder!
Have a look at the flounder pic below!

INGREDIENTS:

-Flounders: 1 per person
-salt: to taste
-Black pepper: To taste
-Cornstarch

RECIPE:

KAREI-KARAAGE-2

-Take scales off the fish. Take out innards. Clean the fish under running cold clear water. Dry off with kitchen paper.

KAREI-KARAAGE-3

-make a incision under the gills and take these out cleanly. Sprinkle with salt and let rest for 10 minutes.

KAREI-KARAAGE-4

-Wipe water and salt off the fish. Make a cross section cut along the skin as in picture. Season with salt and pepper and leave inside fridge for a while to let the fish suck in the seasoning.

KAREI-KARAAGE-5

-Sprinkle both sides of the fish with cornstarch (enough to cover the fish as “thinly” as possible)

KAREI-KARAAGE-6

-Heat the oil to 160~170 degrees Celsius. Drop the fish in the oil.

KAREI-KARAAGE-7

-When the fish has attained a nice colour and that the tail and fins have become crispy, finish the cooking by raising the temperature of the oil for a little while.

KAREI-KARAAGE-8

-Take off excess oil on a piece of kitchen paper.
Apart of the bones around the eyes, not only the flesh, but the bones, fins and tail can be eaten!

NOTE:

Take care not to start the deep-frying at too high a temperature, otherwise the fish will “burn out”!

KAREI-FLOUNDER

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Japanese Cuisine: Mebaru no Nitsuke/Stewed Rockfish

MEBARU-1

I found a bunch of simple fish recipes in my notes and thought that the faster I published them the better.
So after yesterday’s Simmered Turbot, here is a similar recipe for “mebaru” or Rockfish. a very popular fish here in Shizuoka and elsewhere!
Have a look at the pic of the fish at the end of this posting!

INGREDIENTS:

-Mebaru/Rockfish: 1 whole
-Water: 75 ml
-Soy sauce, Japanese Sake, Mirin/Sweet sake: 1 tablespoon each
-Sugar: 1 teaspoon
-Ginger, grated: 1 teaspoon

RECIPE:

-Dress the fish (take out the gills and innards.

-Wash the fish in running clear cold water. Dry it off with a piece of kitchen paper.
In a large pan, drop water, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Mix well. Heat just before boiling point. Lay the fish inside.

-Bring the fire down to low-medium. Keep spooning “juices/soup” over the fish as it cooks.

-Cook until soup is reduced to one third.

-Check the taste of the soup halfway. If too astringent add sugar or mirin.

-The juices/soup having reached a slightly sirupy state, add the grated ginger. It is better to add it at the last minute, otherwise the taste will disappear.

-Consider the size of the fish as regards the ingredients for the soup/stock. It will be ok to double the ingredients quantity anyway.

NOTE:
Youmay increase the quantity of ginger and sugar. If the fish does not seem to be absolutely fresh increase the amount of sake and decrease accordingly the amount of water.

MEBARU-ROCKFISH

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Japanese Cuisine: Karei no Nitsuke/Simmered Turbot

KAREI-RECIPE-1

Karei/Turbot or halibut is a cheap and very popular fish in Japan, especially cooked, steamed, simmered or deep-fried.
Here is a very easy recipe found in many homes and izakayas:

Karei no Nitsuke/Simmered Turbot!

INGREDIENTS: For 3 “slices”

-Turbot/Halibut: 3 large cuts
-Soy sauce: 130 ml
-Sugar: 2 tablepsoons
-Mirin/sweet sake: 4 tablespoons
-Japanese sake: 4 tablespoons
-Miso paste: 1 tablespoon
-Garlic, grated: half a tablespoon
-Ginger, grated: Half a tablespoon

RECIPE:

KAREI-RECIPE-2

-In a large pan drop soy sauce, miso paste, sugar, mirin and sake, and bring slowly to boil.

KAREI-RECIPE-3

-Add fish and bring slowly to boil.

KAREI-RECIPE-4

-Add grated garlic and ginger and cook on a low-medium fire until fish is almost cooked.

KAREI-RECIPE-5

-Cover the fish with foil paper and simmer for 5 more minutes. Take care not burn anything.

KAREI-RECIPE-6

-Discard foil paper and keep spooning the juices over the fish util it has reached a nice brown colour and reduced to a nice texture.

KAREI-RECIPE-7

-Serve at once with some lettuce or greens. The fish and the sauce should have a shiny aspect.

The juices might look a bit dark, but that is when it’s at its best. Cooking time is difficult to determine exactly, but make sure nothing “burns”.
Great with plain steamed rice.

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Sushi Restaurant: Sushi Ko (’09/09/25)

SUSHIKO-09-25-5

Last night, I took two of my students to Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City to introduce them to the highest quality for the best value sushi in town.
Most sushi restaurants in Japan do not advertize their prices, whereas Sushi Ko does so expcept for the sashimi of thday, which are nonetheless of very good value.

Moreover they serve local seafood whenever possible, and seasonl one only. You do not visit Sushi Ko to fill yourself with cheap fat rolls, but to appreciate healthy top class sushi and sashimi.

SUSHIKO-09-25-9

My students, being both ladies. we ordered a Chablis bottle to start.
Halfway, I ordered for myself a glass of succulent Shizuoka Sake, “Shosetesu/正雪 brewed by Kansawagawa Brewery (located in Yui, one of the best spots for fihing in the Prefecture!).
SUSHIKO-09-25-8
Sashimi: Katsuo/bonito, Shimaaji/Stripde Jack and Kinmedai/plendid alfonsino

Since the last time I visited the place in June with the Missus, the seasonal fish haven’t changed that much yet and we almost ordered the same.
We started with a plate of sashimi consisting of katsuo/bonito, shimaaji/striped jack (a variety of saurel) and kinmedai/plendid alfonsino (a variety of grouper) all caught off Shizuoka’s shores!

SUSHIKO-09-25-4

Next we ordered a “tennen-aji” a saurel caught in the wild as a tataki/Japanese-style tartare served with the rest of the fish.

SUSHIKO-09-25-3

The fish being extremely fresh, its bones and head were later served deep-fried/karaage!

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Then, it was for the Sushi Ko classics:
Sushi Millefeuille with maguro/tuna, kyuuri/cucumber, avocado adn topped with tobikko/flying fish roe!

SUSHIKO-09-25-2

Piri kara hotate maki/spicy scallops roll. A superlative roll made with with finely cut scallops, tobikko, chili pepper, finely chopped leeks and peanuts with mayonnaise and what else.
A must at Sushi Ko!

SUSHIKO-09-25-1

A plate of vegan sushi!

SUSHIKO-09-25-6

The last order is unfortunately going to creat consternation among some of my friends in the US: kujira/whalemeat seasoned with a little salt and a good amount of goma a bura/sesame oil without any siy sauce. Succulent!

Sushi Ko
shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho. 2-3-1 (Aoba Koen)
Tel.: 054-2512898
Business Hours: 17:00~25:00. 17:00~23:00 (Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Japanese Cuisine: Buta Miso Tsuke/Miso-pickled Pork

BUTA-MISO-1

The Japanese use miso not only for soup or seasoning but also to preserve other foods, eggs, fish and meat in particular
I would like to introduce here a very easy and tasty recipe to preserve and season pork:
Miso-pickled pork!

INGREDIENTS: For 4 persons

-Pork: 4 large slices of 100g each with as little fat as possible
-Miso: 400 g
-Sugar: 80 g
-Mirin/Sweet sake: 3 tablespoons
-Japanese sake: 1 tablespoon
-Ginger: grated, half a tablespoon

RECIPE:

BUTA-MISO-2

-In a separate bowl drop miso, sugar, mirin, Japanese sake and grated ginger.
Mix well.

BUTA-MISO-3

-In a large recipient drop half of the miso mix, spread all over the bottom and insides of the recipient and flatten it with a spatula.

BUTA-MISO-4

-After having placed the pork slices in one single layer, lay a piece of gauze all over the meat (wet the gauze with clean water and press all water out of cloth). Pour the remaining miso mix over the gauze.

BUTA-MISO-5

-Spread the miso evenly.

BUTA-MISO-6

-Cover with cellophane paper and leave inside refrigerator for 24 hours.

BUTA-MISO-7

-The pork will attain a certain transparency upon pickling.

BUTA-MISO-8

-Fry slowly on a frypan. Take care not to burn the miso!

ANOTHER DISH SAMPLE:
BUTA-MISO-1a

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Japanese Cuisine: Tamago Miso Tsuke/Miso-pickled Egg Yolk

TAMAGO-MISO-1

Eggs are one single ingredient used all over the World (except for the glacial caps mybe!), and people have come up with infinite ways of preserving them.
Tamago Miso Tsuke/卵黄味噌漬け is a popular way in Japan to preserve egg yolk in miso.
I decided to publish this very simple recipe as it could become useful for a tasty decoration!

INGREDIENTS:

-Raw eggs: 2
-Japanese sake: half a tablespoon
-Miso: 50 g
-Sugar: half a tablespoon

RECIPE:

TAMAGO-MISO-2

-Mix miso, Japanese sake and sugar well.

TAMAGO-MISO-3

-Line two cups (narrow bottom and wide top) with gauze cloth (first clean it in cold clean water and press out all water). Pour half of the miso mix on each.

TAMAGO-MISO-4

-Wash the egg and wipe it clean of water. Use it to fashion a “bed” inside the miso.

TAMAGO-MISO-5

-Break the egg and separate yolk from white. Drop the Egg yolk (only!) inside the miso bed. Cover with cellophane paper and leave inside the refrigeartor for 2 days.

TAMAGO-MISO-6

-After the first two days take the cup out and turn the egg yolk over delicately with a spoon. Leave in the fridge for three~four more days.
It should be ready by then!
It can be safely preserved inside a tightly closed tupperware inside the fridge for up to ten days!

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Japanese Cuisine: Datemaki/Tamagoyaki Roll

DATEMAKI-1

I do not need to tell you how much tamagoyaki/Japanese Omelette and Maki/Rolls are popular, do I?LOL
Now, many of you have seen and wondered how to make those Tamagoyaki Rolls? Their real name is “Date maki/伊達巻.
There are cheap and dubious varieties abounding, and frankly speaking, I would recommend everyone to make their own than buy cheap “junk food”-style ones ready-made at supermarkets, so here is a simple and deicious recipe.
It also has the advantage to be very healthy and become a full full meal with a salad!

INGREDIENTS:

-Eggs: 5
-White fish or shrimp (without skin, shell or bones!): 100 g
-Sugar: 3 tablespoons
-Mirin/sweet sake: 3 tablespoons
-Soy sauce: half a tablespoon

RECIPE:

DATEMAKI-2

-This time shrimps were used. I repeat: do not forget to take of heads and shells!

DATEMAKI-3

-In a blender/mixer drop 2 eggs (without the shells!LOL), the sugar, mirin and soy sauce. Blend for 30 seconds.
Add the remaining 3 eggs (without the shells! I told ya, dinya?) and blend for 30 more seconds.

DATEMAKI-4

-Line the bottom of 20×26 cm rectangular mold with a sheet of cooking paper. This should result in an approximately 7 mm thick omelette.

DATEMAKI-5

-Bake in oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes.
The surface of the omelette should attain a nice even brown colour.

DATEMAKI-6

-Roll the omelette with a sushi roll bamboo sheet.
The brown surface should on the outside, meaning that you should lay the omelette on the bamboo sheet upside down.
Do this while the omelette is hot.
Don’t wait for it to cool down!

DATEMAKI-7

-Roll the omelette tight and bind the whole with a string or rubber band.

DATEMAKI-8

-Wait at least for 30~40 minutes for the egg roll to cool down completely.
Cut and serve!

DATEMAKI SAMPLE PICS:

DATEMAKI-PIC-1

-Simple is best?

DATEMAKI-PIC-2

-Combined in O-Sechi New Year Bento

DATEMAKI-PIC-3

-Combined with sushi

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Japanese Cuisine: Buri Teriyaki/Yellowtail inTeriyaki Sauce

BURI-TERIYAKI

Here is a simple recipe for preparing fish in teriyaki style.
I chose Yellowtail/buri as it is about to come in season!

INGREDIENTS: For 3 people

-Yellowtail slices/steaks: 3
-Salad Oil: 1 tablespoon

Tare/sauce:
-Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons
-Mirin/sweet sake: 4 tab;espoons
-Japanese sake: 4 tablespoons
-Sugar: 2 tablespoons

RECIPE:

– Prepare the tare/sauce first by mixing all the ingredients well in a small bowl.

-Heat oil in frypan.
Fry fish on the their skin first, however narrow. Then fry on one side util a nice colour is attained.

-fry other side until a nice colour is attained. Lower fire. Cover with lid and steam fry for 2~3 minutes.

-Add all tare/sauce.
Fry on a low fire for 7~8 minutes, scooping the sauce over the fish regularly.
It will be ready whenthe sauce has reduced and started caramelizing!

NOTE:
-Serve it topped with grated daikon!

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Japanese Seasonal Fish: Buri/Yellowtail

BURI-1

As explained in a precedent posting on Kampachi we are just between two distinct seasons for Buri/鰤 or Yellowtail, as Hiramasa or young Yellowtail is caught in Summer and Buri/Mature Yellowtail is caught in Winter.

How do you recognize them apart?

BURI-AGO
Buri has a “square chin” as they say in Japanese. Look at the back extremity of the mouth,

BURI-HIRAMASA-AGO
whereas it is more rounded for the hiramasa.

In Japan they are caught south of Hokkaido Island.
They come under many names: Wakashi, Inada, Warasa, Wakana, Hamachi and Mejiro.

Buri/Yellowyail is most popular when caught in rising waters in Winter when called Kan Buri/寒鰤 or “Cold Yellowtail.

BURI-SASHIMI
Buri sashimi after light grill/Aburi/炙り

Young Yellowtails are best eaten as sahimi or

BURI-SUSHI-2
Buri Sushi

or as sushi as they are leaner then.

Older buri, cotaining a lot of fat, are better eaten cooked

BURI-TERIYAKI
Buri Teriyaki,

BURI-ARA
Buri Ara with the whole head, or

BURI-MOPPONZU
Buri Mopponzu, including innards, especially liver and heart.

In the West of Japan, a New Year Meal cannot be conceived without buri!

Natural Buri catch accounts for 70,000~80,000 tonnes, while human-raised buri accounts for over 130,000 tonnes every year.
Imported buri account for less than 3,000 tonnes.

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Japanese Seasonal Fish: Kampachi/Amberjack

KAMPACHI-1

With the first days of Autumn upon us, Kampachi or Amberjack is appearing on our plates in Japan!

The fish seems to have so many names in any language: Amberjack, Purplish Amberjack, Yellowtail, Greater Yellowtail, and Ruderfish in English, whereas in Japanese it is called Kampachi, Akahana, Kampa, or Shokko among others, not accounting for regional names!.

KAMPACHI-3

It is caught along Central and South Honshu Island, including a lot in Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture!
It is a very popular fish as it happens to come just in between Hiramasa/Young Japanese Amberjack-Five ray Yellowtail in Summer and Buri/Mature Japanese Amberjack-Five Ray Yellowtail in Winter, making a favourite for the season, but bringinga lot of confusion on foreign tables because of the similar names.
Kampachi (Seriola dumerili (Risso) in Latin) and Buri (Seriola quinqueradiata Temminck and Schlegel in Latin) are very similar but their season is different. Beware of scams! Actually the meat looks different.

KAMPACHI-2BURI-SUSHI
Kampachi vs Buri Sushi

Natural Kampachi is quite rare in Japan these days whereas human-raised are plenty.

Kampachi is savoured in many ways: Sashimi & Sushi, Grilled (Yakimono), Simmered (Nizuke), Meuniere and fried.
Choose comparatibely small specimens. Beware of the large cheap specimens!
Ask for a variation in Sushi called “Kampachi Aburi”?kampachi lightly grilled on one side: a beauty!

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Japanese Cuisine: Yakitori/Tsukune-Recipes 5

TSUKUNE-PORK

Here is the fourth of (long) series of simple recipes that I hope will stimulate into you creating more recipes!

INGREDIENTS: For 2 persons

-Minced pork: 200 g
-Thin green leeks: 4~5
-Ginger, grated: 1 piece, 5×5 cm
-Japanese sake: 2 tablespoons
-Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
-Naga imo/glutinous Japanese yam/Chinese yam, grated: 2 tablespoons
-Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon

Tare/Sauce
-Soy sauce: 2~3 tablespoons
-Sugar: 2 teaspoons
-Mirin/sweet sake: 3 tablespoons

-Japanese sake: 2 tablespoons (for steam/fry)
-Onsen Tamago/Japanese-style poached eggs (normal poached eggs are great!)

RECIPE:

-Chop the thin leeks coarsely.
In a bowl mix minced pork, Japanese sake, soy sauce and grated ginger until smooth.

-Add grated Chinese yam and mix until smooth. It will take some time as the yam will tend to separate at first. Add cornstarch and mix until smooth.

-Add chopped leeks and mix well.

-Heat a frypan. Pour in a little oil. Make 6~7 round patties/tsukune by hand or with a mold.
Fry both sides on a medium fire.

-When “eyes” have appeared on both sides, reduce fire to small. Add sake, cover with glass lid and steam fry.

-When you are sure that the tsukune are well cooked, add soy sauce, mirin and sugar and let simmer until sauce has “caramelized” the tsukune.

-Serve with a poached egg in a separate ramequin for each person who will choose either to break it directly over the tsukune or use it as a dip (the former will be probably easier!LOL)

NOTE:
-You can increase the amount of leeks and gingeraccording to your taste.
-You may replace leeks with parsley.
-Any soy sauce is fine, although a sweet variety is recommended. Otherwise you may increase the amount of mirin.

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