Japanese starters

Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) is a regular Yakitori dish items. Soft and bouncy chicken meatballs are skewered and chargrilled with sweet soy sauce, i.e. yakitori sauce. The key to my soft and juicy meatballs is the grated onion and the amount of fat in the chicken mince (ground chicken). Don't forget to see the section 'MEAL IDEAS' below the recipe card! It gives you a list of dishes that I have already posted and this recipe so you can make up a complete meal. I hope it is of help…

These mouthwateringly flavorful fried tofu patties are loaded with veggies, mushrooms, and seeds. Served in a plant-based dashi broth that's brimming with umami, this Ganmodoki recipe makes an easy Japanese entre that's delicious and satisfying, regardless of your dietary preferences.

These yasai gyoza (Japanese veggie gyoza) are packed with miso veggies then pan fried until golden before being steamed.

It’s just over a month until Christmas, and the silly season is just about to throw itself upon us like a five year old with ADD wanting to see Santa. I don’t know about you,

These Easy Enoki Beef Rolls would have to be one of the most moreish Japanese appetisers we’ve ever eaten. Marinated beef slices wrapped around tender enoki mushrooms means these bite sized morsels are guaranteed to disappear the instant they hit the table.

What do you think of fermented soybeans (natto), firefly squid with pickled wasabi, chicken bones (nankotsu) and hearts, arugula salad with dried baby fish topped with a poached egg, and sea eel with soy and lemon? Probably not much or unappealing if you're not too familiar with Japanese food.

Deliciously crunchy homemade nori chips are topped with a simple tuna tartare, made from diced ahi tuna, cucumber, fresh lime juice, chives, sriracha, and a dash of mayonnaise. An elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer! The trick to super crispy nori chips is dipping them in a slurry (cornstarch and water mixture) and frying them briefly in batches. It results in an incredibly light, crunchy, yet thin and delicate chip that is the perfect vehicle for lots of toppings.

Miso Eggplant, also known as Nasu Dengaku, is a Japanese eggplant starter recipe. Simply halve the eggplants, bake them, glaze with miso and grill. Serve on its own as a starter, or create a vegan meal by serving it with rice and salad.

The secret to perfectly cooked Beef Tataki is to quickly sear seasoned steaks over high heat to create a crisp exterior, locking in flavor, and then chilling them completely before slicing. I like to top tataki of beef with a simple ponzu sauce and crispy fried garlic chips. A classic Japanese recipe that is easy (and delicious) to make at home! Gluten-free adaptable.