Ninjin Shiri Shiri is a dish that allows you to fully enjoy the natural sweetness of carrots. It is a great choice for those who like to incorporate vegetables into their diet, as you can 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 together with eggs (or sometimes with tuna). It originated as a homemade dish in Okinawa, located at the southern tip of Japan, and has now become a dish enjoyed all over 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 popular Okinawan dish, beloved just like Goya Chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fried with tofu and pork). Due to its quick and easy preparation, it is an excellent option for incorporating vegetables into your meal.
Seasoning variations
The seasoning of this dish can vary from household to household. Common seasonings used include salt, soy sauce, granulated dashi stock, and mentsuyu (noodle soup base), but regardless of which one you choose, it is recommended to keep the seasoning light.
Here, I will share a recipe that enhances the natural flavor of the carrots themselves by using a small amount of salt, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi). It is a taste that both kids and adults appreciate, so give it a try.
Ingredients that can be added
Ninjin shiri shiri is commonly made by stir-frying carrots and eggs together, but tuna is sometimes used instead of eggs or in addition to them. Some people incorporate additional ingredients such as meat, onions, or chives.
In this recipe, I use just carrots and eggs, but you can also enjoy it with various ingredients. 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, apart from Okinawa, it is common to use a knife or a slicer for this purpose, but in Okinawa, a dedicated 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 pieces, the shiri shiri slicer is known for creating slightly thicker, uneven slices with a jagged cross-section, which contributes to a soft and fluffy texture. If you are captivated by the flavor of this dish and plan to make it regularly, it might be worth considering purchasing this tool.
Ingredients
- 5 oz. (140g) carrot
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 10 mins
Step 1
Cut the carrot into thin strips. Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it.
Step 2
Heat oil in a pan. Once the pan is heated, add the shredded carrots 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, and then add soy sauce. Stir-fry the mixture until the egg is fully cooked.
Step 4
Serve in each bowl 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. By cutting them thinly, you can enjoy the soft and fluffy texture of the carrots.
- Soy sauce should be added after the carrots have been stir-fried. This will allow the soy sauce to retain its flavor.
Recipe Card
Ninjin Shiri Shiri (Carrot and Egg Stir-fry)
Ingredients
- 5 oz. (140g) carrot
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Cut the carrot into thin strips. Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once the pan is heated, add the shredded carrots and salt. Cook over medium heat until they become soft, which should take about 1 minute.
- Pour the beaten egg into the pan, and then add soy sauce. Stir-fry the mixture until the egg is fully cooked.
- Serve in each bowl and sprinkle with shaved bonito flakes.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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