If you want to enjoy vegetables with a unique flavor, Okaka-ae is highly recommended. 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 vegetables (or sometimes other ingredients) with shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi) and soy sauce. "Okaka" means shaved bonito flakes, often seasoned with soy sauce, and "ae" refers to tossing ingredients together. Since it takes very little time to prepare, it is a great choice when you want to add vegetables to your meal.
While bonito flakes are commonly used for making dashi broth (Japanese soup stock), in okaka-ae, they are used as an ingredient. Okaka is a popular seasoning ingredient that can also be eaten by itself and is often used as a filling for onigiri (rice balls). It embodies Japanese flavor.
Vegetables used for okaka-ae
The recipe on this page uses okra, but you can basically use any vegetable that is usually consumed raw or boiled for okaka-ae. In Japan, okra, broccoli, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and spinach are commonly enjoyed. Feel free to try various vegetables in your local area. You can also combine multiple vegetables at once.
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, onigiri, and can be stir-fried with vegetables.
You can also vary the flavor of okaka by adding different ingredients to it. "Ume Okaka," made with umeboshi (salt-pickled plums), and "Miso Okaka," made with miso, are also popular choices in Japan.
Ingredients
- 10 okra
- ½ Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 10 mins
Step 1
Sprinkle salt (not included in the recipe) on the 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 in cold water or under running water, and then drain it. Remove the stem end 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 them 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 giving it a bright green color when boiled.
- After boiling, remove the stem end from each okra. If you cut off the stem end before boiling, moisture will get inside, making it watery.
Recipe Card
Okra Okaka-ae
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt (not included in the recipe) on the 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 in cold water or under running water, and then drain it. Remove the stem end 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 them together.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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