| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 205 | 8g | 1g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 7g | 9g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Japanese Steamed Vegetables
All my life, I’ve been deeply intertwined with the world of food, passionately creating delicious dishes inspired by my grandparents’ Italian-American traditions. But today, I want to share something different with you all – one of my preferred Japanese recipes made of wholesome steamed vegetables. It’s simple, it’s refreshingly unique, and it’s something even my Italian forebears would have cherished.
A Deep Dive into Different Cultures
While the roots of my culinary beginnings were deeply planted in the gardens of hearty Italian-American cuisine, I’ve always found joy in unearthing treasured recipes from around the world. My curiosity has seen me discover fresh flavors in unexpected places, often leading to deliciously mesmeric creations. This recipe for Steamed Vegetables is no different – it’s an endearing nod to Japanese culinary culture and one that brings together simplicity and flavor in a delightful expressivity.
Inspired by Japanese Traditions
The credit for inspiring me to explore Asian cuisine goes to renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono. His dedication and artistry sparked my interest in Japanese cooking, and I soon found myself delving into the captivating realm of umami and simplicity that characterizes this remarkable cuisine. Once I came across the concept of steaming, I knew I had struck gold. Vegetables retain their crunch and freshness if properly steamed, making them truly irresistible.
And so, the Steamed Vegetables recipe was born. It consists of 6 cups of a variety of vegetables enhanced with the sweet-salty goodness of soy sauce and mirin. A touch of sugar and a dash of sea salt balance out the tang of these two fundamental ingredients nicely, while the addition of finely chopped garlic and freshly grated ginger lends a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. A mere hint of sesame oil goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile of this dish, as the nutty notes of sesame lend a unique charm. Finally, a sprinkling of sesame seeds for that extra crunch and aesthetically pleasing garnish, and voila – your steamed vegetables are complete! Just steam these ingredients in 3 cups of water, and you’re good to go.
In the same way that each hike offers a unique, memorable experience, every new recipe I encounter is a journey to be treasured. And this Dish? Well, it’s truly an exemplary ambassador of the stunning simplicity of Japanese cuisine. I hope you enjoy making – and eating – it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, baby corn, broccoli, asparagus)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of mirin
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 3 cups of water(for steaming)
Method
Step One
Firstly, gather your ingredients and ensure your vegetables are washed and chopped to your preferred size. Also gather your soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sea salt, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and water.
Step Two
Next, bring the water to a rolling boil using a large pot. Place your steamer on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
Put the chopped vegetables in the steamer and seal with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the vegetables to steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
Step Three
While the vegetables are steaming, we move towards preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sea salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step Four
Heat up a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, finely chopped garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until it’s aromatic and the garlic turns a light golden.
Step Five
Further, Pour in the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier into the saucepan with the aromatic garlic and ginger. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes. This will help all flavors combine well.
Step Six
Finally, Once the steamed veggies are done, place them in a serving dish and drizzle with the flavorful sauce.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top for an extra crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!
