You know, there’s a lot more to ramen than the instant packets that so many of us grew up with. This internationally famous noodle dish first caught the hearts of the Japanese public around the turn of the 20th century (although some legends suggest that it was first introduced in the 1600s). While this dish… Continue reading Chashu Pork Belly
Tag: Meat
Tonkotsu Broth
Tonkotsu literally translates to “pork bone,” and the process for making this bone broth is completely different from any Western soup you’ve ever had. Instead of a gentle, barely-there simmer, tonkotsu is cooked by way of a rolling boil that lasts for hours. This method takes not only the collagen from the bones, but it… Continue reading Tonkotsu Broth
Taco Rice (タコライス)
I know, taco rice might sound like something you’d throw together to eat while cramming for finals week (and honestly, it’s perfect for that!). However, taco rice has a unique history as one of Okinawa’s favorite comfort foods. It’s also a prime example of the fusion nature of modern Okinawan cuisine! When US military bases… Continue reading Taco Rice (タコライス)
Jushime (Okinawan Seasoned Rice)
If you want to experience traditional Okinawan cuisine, then jushime is a must-have! Jushime (or jushi, for short) is a classic dish in Okinawan home cooking, and just about every family in Okinawa has their own recipe. While it was originally a dish intended for the Bon Festival (a late-summer festival to welcome the spirits… Continue reading Jushime (Okinawan Seasoned Rice)
Lemongrass Pork Belly
One thing I will never understand: Why has pork belly always been so hard to find in Western grocery stores? I mean, it’s the foundation of bacon—you’d think that would be a big enough selling point already. Thankfully, a few stores like Costco are catching on to how tasty this stuff is, and they’re starting… Continue reading Lemongrass Pork Belly
Rafute (Okinawan Pork Belly)
Okinawa has been a Japanese prefecture since 1879, but this area has a culture and history all its own. Okinawa was first united as the Ryukyu Kingdom under King Shunten in the 12th century, and it was fairly isolated until China arrived in 1372 with a trade agreement. They ushered in an era of prosperity… Continue reading Rafute (Okinawan Pork Belly)
Better Than Takeout Lo Mein
I come from a family of noodle fanatics, and lo mein has always been a favorite option for us. (Seriously, that’s what I always get my mom for her birthday dinner!) Those chewy noodles are irresistible when they’re combined with a savory sauce and yummy veggies! There are a couple distinct differences between lo mein… Continue reading Better Than Takeout Lo Mein
Slow Cooker Filipino Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is a Filipino dish that I grew up having all the time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it was so popular with my family! Take a quick sauce that has layers of sweet, savory, salty, and tangy flavors, then add juicy chicken thighs and braise them until they’re unbelievably tender, and… Continue reading Slow Cooker Filipino Chicken Adobo
Cheesy Cajun Pasta
You know, I’ve been craving Cajun food like crazy for a while, and I only realized why last night—yesterday was Mardi Gras. I don’t celebrate the holiday, but I can certainly appreciate the flavors inspired by New Orleans at this time of year. The lively, rich, spicy flavors feel like fireworks in your mouth, and… Continue reading Cheesy Cajun Pasta
Mom’s Sweet And Sour Meatballs
My mom is a slow cooker *Queen*. I always enjoyed guessing what we were going to eat based off of what scent was permeating the house. Sometimes it was tikka masala, sometimes it was lemon garlic chicken, sometimes it was Kalua pork, and sometimes it was these babies: Sweet And Sour Meatballs. When I tried… Continue reading Mom’s Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Hapanese Cuisine 