Essential Kitchenware For Cooking Japanese Cuisine At Home

Must-Have Kitchenware for Delicious Japanese Cooking at Home

As people worldwide have been staying more at home, many have started cooking more of their own meals in the kitchen. Some may have attempted to cook Japanese dishes because of their healthy, wholesome image. Luckily, there are useful kitchen utensils for making washoku cuisine .

You can either purchase them at Kappabashi district in Tokyo or online. This article will introduce must-have kitchenware when cooking Japanese cuisine and the websites where these tools are sold.

Tamagoyaki Omelet Specialized Frying Pan

Tamagoyaki (Japanese-style omelet) is a popular Japanese breakfast menu and a beloved side dish in bento boxes.

Unlike a Western-style omelet, tamagoyaki is made by rolling thin layers of egg while it fries in a pan. While this can be done with a conventional frying pan, a special skillet for tamagoyaki will create the perfect rectangular-shaped omelet.

In particular, this copper frying pan is recommended for making these rolled omeletes. With the high thermal conductivity of copper, the pan evenly distributes heat to create an evenly-cooked, fluffy tamagoyaki.

This handy tool can be purchased on Amazon.

A Tempura Fryer Pot

Crispy tempura is another popular dish enjoyable in Japan and abroad. While it can be prepared with a frying pan, it's easier to maintain the oil temperature and keep the cleanup contained in a deep pot. The tempura will also look more appetizing having turned a deep brown color.

Similar to the tamagoyaki frying pan, a copper pot distributes heat evenly, which quickly cooks crispy tempura. Additionally, iron pots can be used on an induction cooktop. A heavy iron pot is ideal for frying tempura because it maintains the same oil temperature throughout.

A tempura pot can also be used to cook French fries and fried chicken. Both the iron and copper fryer pots can be purchased via Amazon.

A High-Quality Grater For Daikon Radish, Ginger, and Refreshing Condiments

Yaki zakana (broiled fish) is not only served at breakfast, but also as a side dish in bento boxes and a staple at dinner. Those who've ordered yaki zakana at a Japanese restaurant may have noticed an accompaniment of daikon oroshi (grated radish).

In addition to its refreshing flavor, daikon is eaten for its beneficial digestive enzymes.

Daikon oroshi can be easily made with a grater. A cheese grater, however, is not suitable because daikon contains a large amount of dietary fiber. Those planning to cook Japanese dishes at home should opt for a daikon grater instead.

A grater with a sharp blade will create a fluffy texture while a blunt blade will retain the radish's chunky texture. A grater made from bamboo is another popular option that produces flaky daikon oroshi. Additionally, a grater with a sharp blade can be used on ginger and garlic to make yakumi garnishes.

All of these types can be purchased on Amazon.

A Japanese Mortar That Adds Flair to Various Dishes

Goma-ae (boiled vegetables with sesame dressing) is a tasty Japanese side dish. The dressing is typically made with a Japanese mortar called a suribachi.

Most mortars come with a pestle and are available in a wide variety of sizes.

This simple dressing is made by grinding sesame seeds then seasoning it with soy sauce with sugar. In addition to sesame seeds, the mortar can be used to mash boiled potatoes for potato salad or grind boiled carrots for homemade baby food.

This useful item is a perfect addition to any kitchen when preparing various dishes. The suribachi is available for purchase on Amazon.

Collect Stylish Japanese Tableware

When cooking Japanese cuisine, try plating the dishes on stylish tableware.

By arranging cooked rice in a rice bowl, soup in a wooden bowl, and fish on a rectangular plate, the table setting will appear more beautiful with a chic selection of tableware.

If you arrange all of the dishes on a wooden tray, the meal will look like it was served in an authentic Japanese restaurant.

Rice bowls, wooden bowls, plates for yaki zakana, and wooden trays are sold on Amazon.

Recreate Japanese Dishes at Home

MATCHA has several articles featuring Japanese dishes that can be replicated for those living abroad, and local cuisine that can be purchased by readers in Japan.

Please use these articles as a guide and enjoy cooking Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your kitchen!