Japanese red bean paste (anko) comes in two forms: koshi-an and tsubu-an. Koshi-an is smooth and free of bean skins. Tsubu-an is chunky and textured. Although both have the same flavor, I recommend the chunkier tsubu-an for this dish. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½...
Pickled Eggplant Inari Sushi
If you don’t have the time to make Miso-Pickled Eggplant, you can still enjoy this sushi. Roasted or grilled eggplant with neutral seasonings makes a good substitute. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 8 inari-sushi pouches 1 teaspoon...
Vegetable Inari Sushi
Most types of sushi do not fare well after a day of refrigeration. These inari pouches are an exception. The sushi rice is mixed with a flavorful sauce, then completely concealed inside moist tofu-skin pouches. This minimizes the usual drying that occurs when sushi...
Seaweed Salad
Did you know that the seaweed salad offered in sushi bars often contains dried fish? If you love seaweed salad but don’t eat fish, this salad will help satisfy your cravings. Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 4 servings 3 oz (85 g) dried mixed seaweed½ cup (125 ml) Amazu...
Party Spinach Salad
A classic potluck favorite gets a snazzy update! Mango takes the place of canned mandarin oranges, and wasabi-flavored peas offer a fun surprise. Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 5 minutesMakes 6 servings Two 3 oz (85 g) packages ramen noodles1 cup (80 g) slivered...
Daikon Slaw
If you need a make-ahead side dish, look no further. Daikon holds up well when refrigerated; this slaw tastes fresh even after 4 or 5 days. Prep Time: 5 minutesMarinating Time: 1 hourMakes 2 servings One 4-in (10-cm) length daikon radish, peeled2 large carrots2...
Kale with Sesame Dressing
Use your favorite variety of kale for this salad. Even chopped collards or mustard greens can be substituted. The key to the salad is massaging the greens with the dressing. This helps to break down the coarse veins in the leaves and takes away the bitter “raw”...
Pickled Lotus Root
It is not uncommon to slice open a lotus root and find that it is dirty inside. To clean, place lotus root slices in a bowl of cool water. Swish them around for a few seconds, then allow them to sit undisturbed. The lotus root slices will float to the top and the dirt...
Miso Asparagus Salad
Since the asparagus is raw, you’ll want to use the freshest spears possible. Avoid asparagus with overly thick stalks, as these tend to be tough. For best results, make this salad when asparagus is in season. Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 4–6 servings 1 lb (500 g) fresh...
Pickled Ginger
If you don’t have a mandoline, use a vegetable peeler to slice the ginger root as thinly as possible. Prep Time: 25 minutesMakes about 4 servings One 2-in (5-cm) length fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced4 tablespoons salt1 cup (250 ml) Sushi Rice Dressing...
Miso-Pickled Eggplant
You can reuse this pickling medium several times. Simply add more salted eggplant and stir thoroughly. You’ll know it’s time to start fresh when the miso begins to get thin and watery. Prep Time: 15 minutesPickling Time: 4 hours or up to 2 days Makes about 6 servings...
Vegan Kimchi
Kimchi is another one of those tasty dishes that often contains dried seafood. If that isn’t your thing, here’s a version you can make at home. The best part? It’s relatively instant gratification: it can be ready in less than an hour. Prep Time: 45 minutesMakes about...












