If you want to enjoy vegetables with a unique flavor, Okaka-ae is a great choice. It allows you to enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients while experiencing a traditional Japanese taste.
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What is Okaka-ae?
Okaka-ae is a dish made by tossing ingredients, mostly vegetables, with shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi) and soy sauce. "Okaka" refers to shaved bonito flakes that are often seasoned with soy sauce, and "ae" means to toss ingredients together. Since it takes little time to prepare, it is an excellent choice when you want to add vegetables to your meal.
While bonito flakes are commonly used to make dashi broth, in okaka-ae, they are used as a flavorful ingredient in the dish itself. Okaka is a popular seasoning that can also be enjoyed on its own and is often used as a filling for onigiri (rice balls). It embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine.
Vegetable variations for okaka-ae
The recipe calls for okra, but you can use a variety of vegetables to make okaka-ae. In Japan, broccoli, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and spinach are also commonly used, and you can basically use any ingredients that can be eaten raw or boiled. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients that are available in your area. You can also combine multiple vegetables.
Variations of okaka
Okaka is a favorite in Japanese households because it can be quickly made with just a few ingredients. In addition to being used in okaka-ae, it is enjoyed as an accompaniment to rice and onigiri, and can also be stir-fried with various ingredients.
You can also vary the flavor of okaka by adding different ingredients. "Ume Okaka," made with umeboshi (salt-pickled plums), and "Miso Okaka," made with miso, are also popular choices in Japan.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 10 okra
- ½ Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
🕒 Total: 10 mins
Step 1
Sprinkle salt (not included in the recipe) on okra and rub it together.
Step 2
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the okra and cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove the okra.
Step 3
Chill the okra under running water or in ice water, then drain it. Remove the stem ends from each okra and cut the remaining pods diagonally into 2-3 pieces.
Step 4
Put the okra, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes in a bowl and toss everything together.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips on how to make
- Sprinkle salt on the okra and rub it together before boiling. This will remove the fuzz from the okra, resulting in a smooth texture and a bright green color when cooked.
- After boiling, remove the stem ends from each okra. If you cut off the stem ends before boiling, moisture will get inside and make them watery.
Recipe card
Okra Okaka-ae (Tossed with Bonito Flakes and Soy Sauce)
Ingredients
- 10 okra
- ½ Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt (not included in the recipe) on okra and rub it together.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the okra and cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove the okra.
- Chill the okra under running water or in ice water, then drain it. Remove the stem ends from each okra and cut the remaining pods diagonally into 2-3 pieces.
- Put the okra, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes in a bowl and toss everything together.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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