19 Japanese Steamed Cakes Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
The popularity of Japanese cuisine has been steadily increasing over the years, and one particular dish that has caught the attention of food enthusiasts is the Japanese steamed cakes. These fluffy and delicate cakes are a staple in Japanese households, often served as a sweet treat or a light breakfast. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking process, it's no wonder that this recipe has become a favorite among home cooks and bakers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the recipe for Japanese steamed cakes and how you can recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Bread Dough, Ground Pork, Spring Onions, Fresh Ginger
If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, you've probably heard of nikuman - delicious steamed buns filled with savory pork or other tasty fillings.
Nikuman is a popular street food in Japan, and for good reason. These fluffy buns are perfect for a quick snack or a filling meal. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make at home!
Start by making the dough, which consists of flour, water, yeast, and a few other simple ingredients. Knead the dough until it's smooth and then let it rise for about an hour. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling.
The most common filling for nikuman is ground pork mixed with a flavorful combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. But you can also get creative and use different meats or even vegetarian fillings.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle and then wrap the dough around it, pinching the edges closed. Steam the buns for about 15 minutes and then enjoy your homemade nikuman!
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Japanese Steamed Eggs (蒸蛋)
Main Ingredients: Egg, Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce, Water, Scallion
Japanese steamed eggs, also known as chawanmushi, are a delicate and savory dish that is traditionally served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
The main ingredient in this dish is eggs, but the secret to creating a smooth and silky texture is to use a combination of eggs and dashi, a Japanese broth made from kombu (dried kelp) and bonito flakes (dried fish flakes).
To make chawanmushi, beat eggs with a small amount of dashi and then pour the mixture into a heatproof dish. Add your desired fillings, such as shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms, and then steam the dish for about 15 minutes.
The result is a delicate and flavorful egg custard that is often served in a small teacup or bowl. This dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is a must-try for any food lover!
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Nikuman (Japanese Steamed Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Similar to Chinese baozi, nikuman is a popular steamed bun in Japan that is filled with savory pork and other delicious ingredients.
While the process of making nikuman is similar to other steamed buns, the flavor profile is distinctly Japanese. The filling is typically made with ground pork, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings that give it a unique and delicious taste.
These soft and fluffy buns are perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or even as a main dish. They can also be made in advance and frozen, making them a convenient and tasty option for busy days.
So the next time you're craving something warm and comforting, give nikuman a try and see why it's a favorite in Japanese cuisine.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
Japanese curry is a beloved dish that is often served as a hearty and comforting meal at home. While there are many instant curry mixes available, making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and yields a much more flavorful result.
The base of Japanese curry is a roux, which is made by cooking flour and butter together until it forms a thick paste. This is then combined with a blend of spices, including curry powder, garam masala, and other seasonings.
Next, add your choice of meat and vegetables, such as chicken, beef, carrots, and potatoes. Let everything simmer until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Then serve the curry over a bed of rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Pork Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Egg, Soy Sauce, Green Onions, Pork, Wonton
Gyoza, also known as Japanese potstickers, are bite-sized dumplings filled with a savory mixture of pork, vegetables, and herbs. They are commonly eaten as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine, but they can also be served as a main course.
The key to making perfect gyoza is to make sure the filling is well-seasoned and the dumplings are cooked to a crispy and golden-brown perfection. This can be achieved by pan-frying the gyoza in a hot skillet until they are crispy on the bottom, and then adding a bit of water and covering the pan to steam the tops.
Dip these tasty dumplings in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
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Japanese Gyudon Beef Bowls
Main Ingredients: Beef, Small Onion, Water, Broth, Tamari, Mirin, Honey
Gyudon, which translates to "beef bowl," is a popular dish in Japan that consists of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory broth and served over a bowl of rice.
This comforting and flavorful dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often served in fast-food restaurants, making it a quick and convenient option for a tasty meal.
To make gyudon at home, start by cooking the beef and onions in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar until the beef is cooked and the onions are soft and caramelized. Then pour the mixture over a bowl of hot rice and top with a raw egg for a rich and delicious meal.
Japanese-style pancakes, also known as hotcakes, are thick and fluffy pancakes that are a popular breakfast treat in Japan. These pancakes are different from traditional American pancakes as they use a combination of flour, eggs, and baking powder, giving them a lighter and fluffier texture.
To make these delicious pancakes, you'll need a special pan that has ring molds to create the perfect circular shape. Pour the batter into the molds and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until both sides are golden brown.
Serve these tasty pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a breakfast that will make you feel like you're in Japan.
Okonomiyaki, often referred to as a Japanese "pancake" or "pizza," is a savory dish made with a batter of flour, grated yam, and shredded cabbage. It is then topped with various ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables, before being cooked on a hot griddle.
The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or a snack. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, for a burst of flavor and texture.
You can also get creative and add your favorite ingredients to make your own unique version of this Japanese classic.
Japanese cotton cheesecake, also known as souffle cheesecake, is a light and fluffy dessert that is popular in Japan and other Asian countries.
This cheesecake is made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and a small amount of flour, giving it a texture that is similar to a souffle. The result is a delicate and airy cake that is less dense than traditional cheesecake but still has a rich and creamy flavor.
While this dessert may seem intimidating to make, the key is to beat the egg whites until they are stiff and then gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. The end result is a beautiful and delicious cake that is sure to impress.
If you're a fan of dumplings, you have to try Japanese gyoza. These delicious potstickers are similar to Chinese dumplings but have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart.
The filling for gyoza typically consists of ground pork, cabbage, garlic, and other seasonings, which is then wrapped in a thin dough and pan-fried until crispy on the bottom and steamed to perfection.
Gyoza is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for any Japanese meal.
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Yakitori Meatballs, Japanese Teriyaki Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken Breast, Chives, Ginger, Cornstarch, Egg
Yakitori meatballs, also known as Japanese teriyaki meatballs, are a flavorful and tasty twist on the traditional meatball dish. These meatballs are grilled on skewers and basted with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
The key to making perfect yakitori meatballs is to use a combination of ground beef and pork, along with panko breadcrumbs and a few other seasonings. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, skewer them, and then grill until they are cooked through and the sauce has created a delicious glaze.
These meatballs are perfect for a party or as a main dish served over a bed of rice. They're sure to be a hit with anyone who loves meatballs and Japanese cuisine.
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Chawanmushi (Japanese Steamed Egg Custard/茶碗蒸し)
Main Ingredients: Medium Shrimp, Nuts, Carrot, Chicken Breast, Sake, Soy
Chawanmushi, also known as Japanese steamed egg custard, is a delicate and savory dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
The main ingredients in this dish are eggs and dashi, a Japanese broth made from kombu and bonito flakes. The eggs are beaten with the dashi and then combined with a variety of ingredients, such as mushrooms, shrimp, and chicken, before being steamed to perfection.
The result is a smooth and silky egg custard that is full of flavor and texture. It is often served in a small teacup or bowl and is a must-try for any food lover.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono, also known as Japanese cucumber salad, is a refreshing and light side dish that is commonly served with Japanese meals. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, which are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for balancing out heavier dishes and is a staple in Japanese cuisine. You can also add other ingredients, such as seaweed, sesame seeds, or crab, to create your own unique version of this classic dish.
Ramen is a popular noodle dish that originated in China but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. This delicious and comforting soup consists of wheat noodles, a flavorful broth, and various toppings, such as pork, vegetables, and seaweed.
The key to making perfect ramen is to create a rich and flavorful broth using a combination of pork bones, chicken, and various seasonings. The noodles are then cooked separately and added to the broth along with the desired toppings.
While there are many variations of ramen, the most popular is tonkotsu ramen, which is made with a creamy and rich pork bone broth. Give it a try and see why ramen is a beloved dish in Japan and around the world.
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Japanese Gyoza Rose
Main Ingredients: Gyoza Wrappers, Pork Mince, Cabbage, Shallots, Ginger
If you're looking for a creative and impressive way to serve gyoza, try making a gyoza rose. This beautiful and tasty dish is perfect for special occasions or for impressing your friends and family.
To make a gyoza rose, simply arrange the gyoza in a circular pattern in a skillet and cook until they are crispy on the bottom. Then cover the skillet and let the gyoza steam until they are fully cooked and resemble a rose in shape.
Serve these gorgeous gyoza roses with a dipping sauce and watch as your guests marvel at both the presentation and the delicious taste.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a simple and portable snack that is commonly eaten in Japan. These bite-sized snacks are made by shaping rice into a triangular or oval shape and then filling them with various ingredients, such as tuna, salmon, or pickled vegetables.
Onigiri is a popular snack for picnics, school lunches, and on-the-go meals. They are also a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan that is loved for its flavorful filling and crispy exterior. These dumplings are made with a simple dough and filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and other seasonings.
The key to making perfect gyoza dumplings is to make sure the edges are sealed tightly, so they don't open up while cooking. You can also get creative and make different shapes or designs with the dumplings, making them a fun and delicious dish for any occasion.
Udon noodle soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is beloved for its hearty and comforting flavors. This soup consists of thick, chewy udon noodles served in a flavorful broth that is often made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
The toppings for udon noodle soup can vary, but some popular options include green onions, tempura, and sliced fish cake. This soup is perfect for a cold or rainy day and is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, and tempura.
This type of eggplant is long and slender, with a deep purple skin and a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It is often cooked with other ingredients, such as miso, soy sauce, and sesame oil, for a delicious and flavorful dish.
Next time you're at the grocery store, give Japanese eggplant a try and see how it can add a unique and tasty element to your meals.
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Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Chinese Chives, Salt, Sugar, Minced
Gyoza, also known as Japanese potstickers, are a type of dumpling that is often served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine.
These bite-sized dumplings are made with a simple dough and filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and other seasonings. They are then pan-fried until the bottom is crispy and golden brown and then steamed to perfection.
Gyoza is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil, making them a must-try for any lover of dumplings and Japanese cuisine.
The Basic Ingredients
When it comes to making Japanese steamed cakes, the ingredients are relatively simple and can easily be found in most kitchens. The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and sugar. Other key ingredients include eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a light and airy texture, making the cakes soft and moist.
Choosing the Right Flour
One of the secrets to making the perfect Japanese steamed cakes is using the right flour. All-purpose flour is essential for creating the base of the cake, while cake flour adds a finer and lighter texture. Baking powder is also crucial in creating the airy texture of the cake, so make sure to use fresh and good quality baking powder for the best results.
The Importance of Eggs
Eggs are a crucial ingredient in Japanese steamed cakes as they provide structure and stability to the cake. When whipping the eggs, it's important to beat them until they are light and fluffy to ensure that the cakes will rise properly. Some recipes also call for separating the egg whites and yolks, beating them separately, and then folding them together to create an even lighter and fluffier cake.
The Steaming Process
The steaming process is what makes Japanese steamed cakes unique. Instead of baking the cakes in the oven, they are cooked using steam. This method allows the cakes to cook evenly and results in a moist and tender texture. To steam the cakes, you will need a steamer or a large pot with a steamer insert. It's important to make sure that the steamer is placed over boiling water to create enough steam to cook the cakes.
Flavor Variations
While the traditional Japanese steamed cake is made with vanilla flavor, there are many variations you can try to add some extra flavor to the cakes. Some popular options include matcha (green tea), chocolate, and red bean. These flavors can easily be incorporated into the batter and will give the cakes a unique and delicious twist.
In conclusion, Japanese steamed cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that anyone can recreate in their own kitchen. With its light and airy texture and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for novice bakers and experienced chefs alike. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delightful Japanese dessert?
