Japanese cuisine is mainly known for its subtle yet flavourful combinations of ingredients.
Do you know that some radical food pairing actually works? Some of these really delicious Japanese food pairings may shock you!
We will explore 5 Japanese food pairings that surprisingly taste really good.
These pairings may not be commonly found in restaurants, but they are definitely worth a try.
Table of Contents
Shiso-wrapped tuna sashimi with wasabi mayonnaise
Shiso-wrapped tuna sashimi with wasabi mayonnaise is a dish that consists of thin slices of fresh tuna that are wrapped in shiso leaves, a Japanese herb known for its aromatic flavour.
The tuna is served with a creamy and spicy wasabi mayonnaise sauce that adds an extra layer of flavour.
The shiso leaves add citrusy to the tuna and dip it into the wasabi mayonnaise which has a similar taste to horseradish.
It’s a simple and elegant dish that shows the delicate flavour of tuna, with the wasabi mayonnaise, adding depth!
Sake steamed clams with yuzu butter
Sake steamed clams with yuzu butter is a dish that features fresh clams steamed in a mixture of Japanese sake and mirin until they open up.
Then mixed with yuzu butter, it creates a citrusy and mildly sweet flavour with tons of fats in the dish.
The yuzu butter adds richness and depth to the dish while complementing the natural sweetness of the clams.
This dish can be seen in some menus of Japanese izakayas.
Though it may seem like a normal dish the fact that there’s yuzu butter in it makes it unusual.
It’s a savoury yet citrusy seafood dish that is perfect with beer!
Tempura shrimp with matcha salt
Tempura shrimp with matcha salt is a dish that consists of succulent shrimp coated in a light and crispy tempura batter and served with matcha salt.
Matcha salt is a blend of Japanese green tea powder and salt that adds a unique and delicate flavour to the dish.
The tempura batter is made with a mixture of flour, egg, and cold water, which creates a light and crispy coating around the shrimp.
The matcha salt packs a flavourful punch as it adds layers to the flavour, good for sweet and savoury food.
This dish is a perfect combination of crispy and savoury flavours that is easy to make and sure to impress.
Natto & Avocado Toast
Natto and avocado toast is a dish that involves spreading ripe avocado on a slice of toasted bread and topping it with natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
Natto has a unique texture and a strong flavour that is often described as nutty and savoury.
Though many natto lovers can’t put a precise flavour on natto.
Natto is an unusual ingredient, it can be eaten by itself.
Although it may not be for everyone, some may like or dislike it but it’s worth a try before dissuading it.
The combination of creamy avocado and umami-rich natto creates a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option that is packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
It’s a simple dish that satisfies your nutritional needs that is in Japanese cuisine.
Grilled miso eggplant with sesame sauce
Grilled miso eggplant with sesame sauce is a dish that involves grilling the eggplant until it is tender and smoky, then brushing it with a mixture of miso paste and other seasonings.
The eggplant, when cooked right, becomes very silky and smooth and will absorb all of the umami flavours.
The miso paste adds a rich and savoury flavour to the dish, while the grilling process gives the eggplant a smoky and slightly charred taste.
The eggplant is then served with a sesame sauce made from ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, and other seasonings, which adds a nutty and creamy flavour to the dish.
This is a simple and flavorful vegan dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. Are these unusual food pairings only found in Japan?
A. While these pairings are traditional in Japan, they can be enjoyed anywhere in the world.
Q. Is natto safe to eat?
A. Natto is safe to eat, but it has a strong flavour and odour that may take some getting used to.
Q. Can these unusual food pairings be found in Japanese restaurants?
A. Some of these pairings may be found in Japanese restaurants.
Conclusion
Japanese cuisine is full of unique and delicious food pairings that may surprise you.
From Shiso-wrapped tuna sashimi to Grilled miso eggplant with sesame sauce, these bizarre and scarce combinations are worth a try.
Whether you are a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, give these unusual Japanese food pairings a go and discover your new favourite dish!
- Which bizarre dish caught your eye?
Tell us in the comment section below and share this with your friends who have never heard of these bizarre dishes before!
