Okaka, seasoned shaved bonito flakes with soy sauce, is a classic Japanese ingredient, but it takes on a different flavor profile when stir-fried. Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka allows you to enjoy the savory flavor along with the nutritional benefits of broccoli.
What is Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka?
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka is a dish in which broccoli is stir-fried along with okaka. "Okaka" refers to shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi), typically seasoned with soy sauce. It can be delicious when simply mixed with other ingredients, as in "Okaka-ae" (ingredients tossed with okaka), but when stir-fried, it provides a savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
In Japan, okaka is a popular filling for onigiri (rice balls), and stir-fried ingredients with okaka is also a classic dish. Give it a try and experience a unique flavor infused with traditional Japanese tastes.
Ingredient options
The recipe calls for broccoli, but you can use a variety of ingredients to make this dish. In Japan, green bell peppers, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and bitter melon are also commonly used, and you can basically use any ingredients that can be cooked in a pan. Feel free to try different ingredients that are available in your area.
You can also use a mix of vegetables, mushrooms, and meat. When adding these, adjust the amount of okaka accordingly.
Timing to add okaka
When preparing this dish, it is advisable to add okaka (shaved bonito flakes and soy sauce) after cooking the vegetables. Adding it first can cause it to burn and diminish the flavor.
Many Japanese dishes, including this one, taste better when the flavor of seasoning is preserved, so the timing of adding seasoning is important.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 11 oz broccoli
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp neutral oil
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
🕒 Total: 10 mins
Step 1
Separate the broccoli florets from the stalk. If they are large, cut them in half. For the stalk, remove all the tough outer parts and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Put the broccoli and water in a pan, then drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat. Once the water starts to simmer, cover the pan and let it steam for 3 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the lid and continue cooking until any remaining water, if there is any, has evaporated. Then, add seasonings (mirin, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes) and stir-fry until the seasoning liquid has almost evaporated.
To store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips on how to make
- Broccoli should be pre-cooked before stir-frying because it is difficult to cook through. Common preparation methods include steaming, boiling, and microwaving, but steaming is highly recommended. Steaming allows you to enjoy broccoli without losing its nutritional value while preserving its texture.
- When steaming broccoli, add a small amount of oil. This will help the broccoli retain a bright green color.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please consider leaving a review and star rating in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends.
Recipe card
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka (Seasoned Bonito Flakes)
Ingredients
- 11 oz broccoli
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp neutral oil
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Separate the broccoli florets from the stalk. If they are large, cut them in half. For the stalk, remove all the tough outer parts and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Put the broccoli and water in a pan, then drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat. Once the water starts to simmer, cover the pan and let it steam for 3 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking until any remaining water, if there is any, has evaporated. Then, add seasonings (mirin, soy sauce, and shaved bonito flakes) and stir-fry until the seasoning liquid has almost evaporated.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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