How to Make Japanese Food: Easy Recipes for Beginners (Onigiri, Matcha & More)
How to Make Japanese Food: A Beginner’s Guide Featuring Onigiri, Matcha, and More
In Y Not Today Bingsu Cafe in Calgary, you can enjoy authentic Japanese-inspired treats like matcha-flavored milk tea, refreshing bingsu, and even delicious tuna onigiri, perfect for those looking to taste Japanese comfort food without making it at home. We have prepared a brief introduction to Japanese cuisine down below. 🍙 🍵
Introduction to Japanese Cuisine
Japanese food is more than sushi rolls and ramen noodles—it’s an art form rooted in tradition, simplicity, and seasonal beauty. Every dish balances five key tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami), five colors, and even five cooking techniques. No wonder it’s celebrated around the world.
So, what’s the secret? Japanese food is simple but thoughtful. Whether it’s a rice ball or a cup of matcha, every step matters.
Essential Japanese Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into cooking, you’ll want to stock your pantry with some staples:
Must-Have Pantry Items
- Japanese short-grain rice – the heart of most dishes.
- Soy sauce – for that salty, umami punch.
- Mirin – sweet rice wine that adds depth.
- Miso paste – used in soups and marinades.
- Nori (seaweed sheets) – for sushi and onigiri wrapping.
- Dashi – Japanese stock used as a base for many soups.
- Rice vinegar – balances sweetness and acidity.
Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients in Calgary
You’re in luck—Calgary has some great spots for Asian groceries:
- True World Foods
- H-Mart
- Arirang Oriental Market
- T&T Supermarket
Ogami Japanese Grocery (a hidden gem for matcha lovers)
Understanding the Basics of Japanese Cooking
Cooking Techniques Unique to Japan
- Simmering (Nimono): Light simmering to infuse flavors.
- Steaming: Used for dishes like chawanmushi (egg custard).
- Raw preparation: Think sashimi and sushi—freshness is key.
- Grilling: Often used with miso-glazed fish or yakitori skewers.
Tools You’ll Want in Your Kitchen
- Rice cooker: Makes life easier and rice fluffier.
- Sharp knife: Preferably a santoku or deba knife.
- Bamboo mat (makisu): For rolling sushi, if you venture into it.
- Whisk (chasen): For properly preparing matcha.
Crafting the Perfect Matcha Drink
What is Matcha?
Matcha is powdered green tea made from finely ground shade-grown leaves. It’s rich, earthy, and packed with antioxidants.
Types of Matcha
- Ceremonial grade – for drinking straight, vibrant green, slightly sweet.
- Culinary grade – best for lattes, smoothies, and baking.
How to Prepare a Matcha Drink
Whisking Techniques
- Sift 1–2 tsp matcha powder into a bowl.
- Add a splash of hot water (not boiling).
- Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) in a zig-zag motion to froth.
Matcha Latte Variations
- Hot Matcha Latte: Mix matcha with steamed milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of honey or vanilla.
- Iced Matcha Latte: Add ice and milk to whisked matcha for a refreshing twist.
Let’s Make Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
What is Onigiri?
Onigiri is the ultimate Japanese comfort food—soft rice, a savory filling, and a seaweed hug. It’s quick, delicious, and customizable.
Ingredients for Classic Onigiri
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- Salt
- 1 sheet of nori (cut into strips)
- Filling options: salted salmon, pickled plum (umeboshi), tuna-mayo, kombu (seaweed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Perfect Rice
- Wash the rice 3–4 times until the water runs clear.
- Use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio in a rice cooker.
- Let it sit 10 minutes after cooking before handling.
Shaping and Filling the Onigiri
- Wet your hands and sprinkle with salt.
- Scoop a ball of rice, flatten slightly.
- Place a teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Wrap the rice around the filling and form into a triangle or round shape.
Wrapping with Nori (Seaweed)
- Add the nori strip right before eating to keep it crispy.
- Want to pack it for lunch? Wrap separately to avoid sogginess.
The first onigiri might be lumpy, the matcha not frothy—no worries. Each try brings you closer to mastering it.
Conclusion
Making Japanese food at home is a fun and rewarding journey. From humble onigiri to a smooth cup of matcha, you’re tapping into centuries of tradition with each bite and sip. And with Calgary’s growing Japanese community, you’ve got support, ingredients, and inspiration all around you. So roll up your sleeves, grab that rice, and let’s get cooking!
Check out our post about How to Make Croffles at Home (And Where to Enjoy Them in Calgary)
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