5 Mouth-Watering Japanese Dishes to Try This Winter

The cold weather is the perfect time to curl up with a hot Japanese dish. From sushi to okonomiyaki to tonkatsu, these dishes will have your taste buds tingling in delight. So whether you’re looking to warm up your tummy or soul, these 5 dishes are sure to do the trick. Bon appétit!

Sushi

Sushi is typically made with vinegared rice and Tsukiji-sake (unfiltered, unpasteurized sake). The ingredients are often combined and arranged on top of sheets of seaweed called Nori. There are many different types of sushi to try, so it’s important to get creative! Make sure to order your sushi nigiri correctly – if the rice isn’t fresh enough, it will be tough to eat and may not taste very good. In the end, sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please. so go ahead and give it a try this winter!

Sushi is also a dish that can be enjoyed in the winter. When you think sushi, your typically thinking of a cold dish with raw fish, but sushi done the right way should be room temperature and there are sushi dishes that consists of cooked meat such as unagi (eel), tempura rolls and even fried rolls where the whole roll is deep fried and crispy. If you’re looking to try something new this winter, try some of the top nigiri or rolls found in Japan such as cooked eel, soft shell crab (fried) or a warm onigiri (rice ball).

Another sushi dish that is perfect to enjoy in the winter is sashimi. This seafood dish consists of raw fish or seafood served on rice vinegar seaweed called nori. When ordering sashimi, it is important to know how to order sushi correctly so you can get the freshest ingredients possible. Sashimi should be ordered with ginger and wasabi sauce on side for those who want to add some flavorings to their meal.

Tempura

This winter, why not try some mouth-watering tempura dishes? This delicious dish is made from battered and fried seafood or vegetables, and is usually served with a dipping sauce, called soy sauce or wasabi paste. Because it is a fried dish, it is perfect for cold weather and can be consumed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. My personal favorite is tempura friend vegetables such as pumpkin, brocolli and onions. If your looking for the number one type of tempura eaten in Japan, you should try shrimp tempura. Shrimp tempura is often deep-fried and contains a batter made of wheat flour, eggs, soy sauce and green onion. The shrimp is typically straightened and fried in a way that keeps it straight and perfect for dipping.

Ramen

When the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing like a hot bowl of ramen to warm up! Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that is enjoyed both hot and cold. It’s made from noodles and broth, and can be served with toppings like pork, chicken, shrimp and vegetables. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable meal option, ramen is the perfect choice. And if you’re looking to experiment a little, try out some of the ramen dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From miso ramen to shoyu ramen, there’s a ramen for everyone to enjoy. So ramen up and get ready to enjoy some delicious noodles this winter!

A most popular ramen found in Japan would be Tonkatsu Ramen. Tonkatsu ramen is a ramen dish that is made with pork cutlets and Ramen noodles. The tonkatsu sauce is a garlic soy sauce based soup which washes down the savory, succulent pork chop. Tonkatsu ramen broth also contains miso paste to enhance flavor profile while the noodles are boiled in dashi broth until they’re soft and pliable. Tonkatsu ramen toppings usually includes green onion, seaweed sheets, nori (seaweed) slices and tempura batter fish balls for an extra crunchy layer of deliciousness! If your unsure of what kind of ramen to get, this is a perfect default.

Okonomiyaki

This winter, make sure to try okonomiyaki – a Japanese pancake made from flour, water, and cabbage. It’s usually eaten as a savory dish, but you can also enjoy it with sweet toppings like ice cream or syrup. Make sure to order okonomiyaki at your local Japanese restaurant – it’s definitely worth trying! If you find yourself walking the streets of Japan in the winter, Okonomiyaki would be a street food easy to find. Different parts of japan have their own versions of Okonomiyaki – some made with pork while others are made with a mix of seafood. If you want to impress some friends at dinner, ask for this dish but make sure your at an authentic Japanese restaurant as its not a dish found in American style restaurants.

Tonkatsu

Japanese cuisine is known for its variety and deliciousness, and tonkatsu is no exception. Tonkatsu is a pork cutlet that is breaded and then fried, and it’s usually served with rice and miso soup. However, it can also be enjoyed with different toppings such as curry or green beans. If you’re not a fan of fatty food, tonkatsu might not be for you – it’s very rich in protein and fat.

What types of tonkatsu are there?

There are different types of tonkatsu, but the most popular ones are the pork cutlet and the chicken cutlet. You can also find a hybrid tonkatsu dish which is made out of both types of meat.

When to order tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu can be ordered at different restaurants, but the best time to eat it would be during lunch or dinner. You don’t have to worry about being disappointed – there are so many different types of tonkatsu that you’re sure to find something that you’ll love.

BONUS: Yakitori

As I was writing this, it dawned on me that one of my favorite street foods in Japan was yakitori! Yakitori is a dish that is typically served at yakitori stands or restaurants, and it’s made up of skewers that are filled with different types of chicken. The skewers are then grilled to perfection, and the chicken can be dipped in soy sauce, wasabi paste, or vinegar before being eaten. Yakitori is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your food – so don’t hesitate to order it if you find yourself in Japan!

What types of yakitori are there?

You’ll find yakitori that consists of everything from chicken legs to whole chickens. Some skewers are made with different spices, so you can also order yakitori that is spicy or flavoured with miso.

When to order yakitori?

You can order yakitori at any time of the day, but it’s typically most popular during lunch and dinner. If you’re looking for something different to eat, Yakitori is a great option – it’s sure to please!

Frequently Asked Questions?

How to tell if sushi is done right

Despite what mainstream American sushi standards are, you can judge sushi based on a system mainly focused on the rice. If you want to read our take on how sushi should be judged, click here.

Which type of Japanese cuisine is best for vegan or vegetarian friends?

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, then you’ll want to try out some of the Japanese cuisine that is best suited for your diet. This cuisine typically includes tofu and tempeh that can be substituted with any other type of protein. In addition to this, you’ll also love the option to choose between Osaka cuisine which is heavy in seafood flavors or Kyoto cuisine which is lighter and has a greater focus on vegetables. Tempura is also a perfect vegetarian dish as you can order a mixed vegetable tempura.

What is the most popular sushi roll in Japan?

The most popular sushi roll in Japan is the California Roll. This dish features seaweed wrap sushi rice with tempura fish and avocado inside. Other popular rolls include the Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Skin Lover’s Roll, and the Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll. All of these sushi rolls are delicious and sure to please sushi lovers everywhere!

Conclusion

Japanese food is always a delight to the taste-buds and this winter, why not try out some of Japan’s most popular dishes? From seafood to savory pork tonkatsu, these mouth-watering dishes will have you sashimi-ing your way to food heaven! This winter, give Japanese food a try with this new knowledge of the best dishes to try.

What is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.