Make perfectly plump and tender Japanese brown rice in a donabe with easy instructions for HARIO Gohangama and regular donabe pots.

READ: How to Cook Brown Rice in a Donabe 玄米の炊き方 (土鍋)

The wall of instant ramen in a Japanese conbini is overwhelming, so I'm sharing how I find the best packs and the tricks to upgrade them at home.

READ: Best Instant Ramen in Japan: What to Buy and How to Upgrade

My homemade Yuzu Kosho recipe inspired this 3-ingredient snack. One small step before marinating makes all the difference.

READ: Yuzu Kosho Edamame 柚子こしょう枝豆

One cabbage, two totally different salads. It all comes down to which way you slice it. Once you know the trick, you'll never make this salad the same way again.

READ: Japanese Shredded Cabbage Salad キャベツの千切り

One cabbage, two totally different salads. It all comes down to which way you slice it. Once you know the trick, you'll never make this salad the same way again.

READ: Japanese Shredded Cabbage Salad

Dashi packets are the souvenir I recommend to every traveler. Here's which type to choose, where to find them, and what to cook once you're home.

READ: Best Dashi Packets to Buy in Japan

Miso Eggplant Stir-Fry recipe with silky Japanese eggplant in a sweet-savory miso-ginger glaze. A classic Japanese side dish, ready in 20 minutes.

READ: Miso Eggplant Stir-Fryナスの味噌炒め

I'll show you the two-minute step most people rush, plus how to cut the blocks so they press into neat, even strands every time.

READ: Tokoroten (Japanese Jelly Noodles) ところてん

Join the September 2026 JOC Cooking Challenge! Learn how to make easy Osaka-style Tonpeiyaki in 30 minutes and enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

READ: JOC Cooking Challenge September 2026

A spoonful of potato starch in the egg is my trick for a fold that never tears, and it's ready in 20 minutes when I'm craving okonomiyaki.

READ: Tonpeiyaki (Pork and Cabbage Omelette) とん平焼き

Leftover bean sprouts never go to waste in my kitchen. I’ll show you the best way to blanch and the prepping secret I use every time.

READ: Bean Sprout Salad もやしのナムル

Learn how to make Bitter Melon and Tofu Salad with a creamy mashed tofu dressing. Blanching the bitter melon in salted water keeps it mild and delicious.

READ: Bitter Melon and Tofu Salad ゴーヤの白和え

Master the simple nikiri technique to remove alcohol from hon-mirin in minutes—perfect for salad dressings and dipping sauces.

READ: Nikiri Mirin (Boiled/Alcohol-Free Mirin)

Yuzu kosho is my go-to Japanese condiment this summer. Make it easily at home with three simple ingredients to add punchy, zesty flavor to any dish.

READ: Yuzu Kosho (Homemade Japanese Yuzu Pepper) 柚子胡椒

A Midnight Diner regular devoured ten pickled plums in one scene, and I couldn't resist racing to the kitchen to recreate Master's rice ball snack!

READ: Umeboshi Onigiri (Plum Rice Ball) (Midnight Diner) 小梅のおにぎり

Omurice is my go-to Japanese comfort food. Discover the simple technique for making perfectly silky eggs every time.

READ: Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice) (Video) オムライス

Juicy shrimp and pork wontons in savory broth. Features an easy folding technique and freezer tricks for quick weeknight meals!

READ: Wonton Soup (Video) ワンタンスープ

This ramen staple comes together quickly for a comforting weeknight meal. I'll show you how to build a creamy broth and cook the veggie toppings in one pot.

READ: Black Sesame Tantanmen (Dan Dan Noodles) 黒胡麻担々麺

Tofu is more than a meat substitute. This complete guide to Japanese tofu covers the types, prep tips, and how to cook it at home.

READ: Tofu

Ceamy, nutty, sweet, and savory, this Japanese Black Sesame Ice Cream recipe is easy to make at home with my step-by-step instructions.

READ: Black Sesame Ice Cream 黒ゴマのアイスクリーム