Authentic Japanese Cuisine

[DampCharcoal]

I asked about authentic Japanese recipes and Princess Fiona suggested a new thread.

I made sushi once and it was barely passable because I was lazy about getting the proper recipe for it.

So how about this? Regarding the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, does anyone have any favorites?

All good cooking starts with the basics!

[Greg Who Cooks]

I don't understand how one topic could cover all authentic Japanese cuisine. That's the topic for thousands of cookbooks, hundreds of websites, and that's only the most popular.

I like Japanese cuisine too. Perhaps you should narrow it down.

[DampCharcoal]

Originally Posted by Gourmet Greg

I don't understand how one topic could cover all authentic Japanese cuisine. That's the topic for thousands of cookbooks, hundreds of websites, and that's only the most popular.

I like Japanese cuisine too. Perhaps you should narrow it down.

Well, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of "where do I start?"

[PrincessFiona60]

I suggest the basic Rice and Sushi: Japanese Basics: How to make Japanese-style plain rice and sushi rice | Just Hungry Sushi means "Seasoned Rice" once you have that down...you are well on your way.

Also: Just Bento | a healthy meal in a box: great bento recipes, tips, and more both by Makiko Itoh, I have her Just Bento book.

Both Blogs have a wealth of information from Basic to Elegant. Maki has been ill, so she has stepped back a bit, but she is still turning out fantastic recipes.

[PrincessFiona60]

There are ingredient lists on the site, too. They can help you find what you need to get started. And there are a few of us who really enjoy helping each other along. Spork is a fantastic resource and Powerplantop has really good videos on you tube for techniques. Kathleen and I are Bento Queens...

[PrincessFiona60]

Back to Japanese Basics: The essential staples of a Japanese pantry | Just Hungry

Okay, I will stop now...

[Greg Who Cooks]

Originally Posted by DampCharcoal

Well, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of "where do I start?"

Start by frequenting Japanese restaurants in your locale, order interesting dishes.

sushi
sashimi
teriyaki beef or chicken
teppan
teppanyaki
tonkatsu
tempura shrimp
tempura vegetables

Visit a local Japanese restaurant and order a California roll (no raw fish) as an appetizer and then follow it with a mixed tempura shrimp and vegetables and share that with your partner/guest with teriyaki chicken, beef or a mix of the two.

[DampCharcoal]

Originally Posted by PrincessFiona60

Back to Japanese Basics: The essential staples of a Japanese pantry | Just Hungry

Okay, I will stop now...

No, by all means, continue!

I'm a sponge when it comes to this stuff. Granted, I might not retain all of it because I'm kind of a leaky sponge but I'll take all I can get!

[DampCharcoal]

Oh, I've had my share of sushi, I'd just like a better understanding of how it's made. :)

[Greg Who Cooks]

Get The Great Sushi and Sashimi Cookbook (641.5952 G7865 at the library) which is part of an editorial series (no author to cite). (Amazon link) Oddly, a Canadian publisher, but the best sushi cookbook I've found. The essential element of my own sushi cookbook collection--a collection of perhaps only 1-2 books, lol. It is IMO the best sushi cookbook out there and the best starter cookbook for anybody wanting to know the sushi basics. It has everything you need to know in just one book. I reviewed dozens of sushi cookbooks from my public library and this is the one I bought. I suggest more books if you want to understand Japanese cuisine in general but this is the single book if you want to understand sushi. IMO.