Fully enjoy the natural flavor of carrots with Ninjin Shiri Shiri. It is a great choice if you want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, as it allows you to consume a large amount of carrots in a delicious way.
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What is Ninjin Shiri Shiri?
Ninjin Shiri Shiri is a dish in which carrots are shredded and stir-fried with beaten eggs (or sometimes with tuna). It originated as a homemade dish in Okinawa, located at the southern tip of Japan, and has since become popular throughout Japan as a delicious way to consume the nutrients from carrots. "Ninjin" means carrots, and "Shiri Shiri" refers to the grating action in the Okinawan dialect.
It is a staple Okinawan dish, beloved just like Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry). Due to its quick and easy preparation, it is an excellent option for incorporating vegetables into your meals.
Seasoning variations
The seasoning for this dish can vary from household to household. Common options include salt, soy sauce, instant dashi granules, and mentsuyu (noodle soup base). Although you can choose any of these, it is recommended to keep the seasoning light so as not to overpower the flavor of the carrots.
Here, I will share a recipe that enhances the natural flavor of carrots with just a small amount of salt, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi). This flavor is something that both kids and adults will appreciate. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Optional Ingredients
Ninjin shiri shiri is commonly made by stir-frying carrots with eggs. Some people use tuna instead of eggs or in addition to them, while others add ingredients like meat, onions, or chives.
Therefore, while I use just carrots and eggs as the main ingredients in this recipe, you can also enjoy it with a variety of other ingredients. Adding extra ingredients makes the dish more substantial. After trying this recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations.
Unique cooking tool
To prepare this dish, you need to cut the carrots into thin strips. In Japan, outside of Okinawa, it is common to use a knife or a regular slicer for this purpose. However, in Okinawa, a special tool called a 'shiri shiri slicer (しりしり器)' is used. Surprisingly, this unique tool is said to be found in almost every household in Okinawa.
While a regular slicer can slice vegetables into evenly shaped strips, the shiri shiri slicer is known for creating slightly thicker, uneven slices with a jagged cross-section, which contributes to a more delicate and tender texture. If you find yourself captivated by the flavor of this dish and plan to make it regularly, you might want to consider getting this tool.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 5 oz carrot
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
🕒 Total: 10 mins
Step 1
Cut carrot into thin strips. Crack egg into a bowl and beat it.
Step 2
Heat oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot, add the carrot strips and salt. Cook over medium heat until they become soft, which should take about 1 minute.
Step 3
Pour the beaten egg into the pan, then add soy sauce. Stir-fry the mixture until the egg is fully cooked.
Step 4
Serve in bowls and sprinkle with shaved bonito flakes.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips on how to make
- Cut the carrots into thin strips. This will give the dish a delicate and tender texture.
- Soy sauce should be added after the carrots have been stir-fried. Adding it at this stage will help the soy sauce retain its flavor.
Recipe card
Ninjin Shiri Shiri (Carrot and Egg Stir-fry)
Ingredients
- 5 oz carrot
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Cut carrot into thin strips. Crack egg into a bowl and beat it.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot, add the carrot strips and salt. Cook over medium heat until they become soft, which should take about 1 minute.
- Pour the beaten egg into the pan, then add soy sauce. Stir-fry the mixture until the egg is fully cooked.
- Serve in bowls and sprinkle with shaved bonito flakes.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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