Sweet, juicy corn and freshly steamed Japanese rice — this simple combination is one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer in Japan. Tomorokoshi Gohan (とうもろこしご飯), or Japanese corn rice, is a seasonal rice dish made by cooking fresh corn together with Japanese short-grain rice.
The ingredients are incredibly simple, but there is one little trick that makes it even more flavorful: Don’t throw away the corn cob!
Cooking the cob together with the rice adds a natural sweetness and wonderful corn aroma to the entire pot.
What is Tomorokoshi Gohan?
In Japan, we enjoy changing our rice dishes with the seasons.
In spring, you might find rice cooked with bamboo shoots. In autumn, mushrooms, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes often appear. And during summer, fresh sweet corn is one of my favorites.
Tomorokoshi means corn, and gohan means rice.
Unlike heavily seasoned mixed rice, this recipe uses only a little salt and sake. The idea is not to cover the flavor of the corn, but to let its natural sweetness become the star of the dish.
This simplicity is something I love about Japanese home cooking.
Looking for a simple Japanese side dish that you can make in just a few minutes? This stir-fried Japanese long green onion with jako (dried young sardines) and almonds is one of those easy dishes that fits perfectly into an everyday Japanese meal.
The long green onion becomes sweet and tender as it cooks, while the jako adds natural umami and a little saltiness. Sliced almonds bring a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Serve it with steamed rice, miso soup, and your favorite main dish for an easy Japanese home-style meal.
What is Jako?
You may have seen both shirasu and jako in Japanese supermarkets and wondered what the difference is.
They come from the same type of tiny young fish, usually sardines or anchovies, but the main difference is how they are processed.
Shirasu is usually boiled in salted water and retains more moisture, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
Chirimen jako, often simply called jako, is dried further. It has less moisture, a firmer texture, and a more concentrated savory flavor.
For this recipe, I like using jako because its slightly dry texture works especially well in stir-fries. Read More
Menu: – Multigrain rice – Miso soup with seasonal mushrooms and mizuna – Grilled salmon – Stir-fried Japanese green onion with jako and almonds [Recipe] – Natto (fermented soybeans)
Recipe : Japanese Miso Eggplant & Green Pepper Stir-Fry
This miso eggplant and green pepper stir-fry is one of those everyday dishes you’ll find on many Japanese family tables during summer.
The eggplant becomes soft and juicy, while the peppers keep a little bite. Everything is coated in a sweet and savory miso sauce that’s perfect with steamed rice.
Sukiyaki (すき焼き) is a Japanese style hot pot and has thinly sliced beef, cooked with various vegetables in a table-pot cast-iron pan. Sukiyaki is one of the famous Japanese cuisine same as Sushi, Tempura and Ramen. We usually eat Sukiyaki with family and friends at home. For this dish, I recommend to prepare good quality and thinly sliced Japanese beef loin. The quality of beef controls the flavor of Sukiyaki. I like Sukiyaki because I can also eat lots of vegetables including grilled tofu. Don’t forget about the flavor of Sukiyaki sauce. This sauce is well mixed with dipping sauce which is beaten raw egg!
There is something special about cooking together in the kitchen.
Recently, my daughter and I made fluffy matcha steamed cakes using YUCa’s Tea Organic Uji Matcha.
What started as a simple afternoon snack became a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, learn, and create something delicious from scratch.
As we mixed the batter, the beautiful green color of the matcha caught her attention.
“Mommy, it’s so pretty!”
Moments like these remind me that cooking is about much more than food. It’s about connection, curiosity, and creating memories together.
Why We Love Matcha Steamed Cakes
Steamed cakes are soft, light, and easy to make. Unlike baked cakes, they don’t require an oven, making them a perfect recipe for families and beginner cooks.
Adding matcha gives them a beautiful natural color and a delicate balance of sweetness and umami. They are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or serving with a cup of Japanese tea. Read More
