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.
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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" (vegetables or other ingredients tossed with okaka), but when stir-fried, you can enjoy vegetables along with a savory flavor.
In Japan, okaka is popularly enjoyed as a filling in onigiri (rice balls), and stir-fried vegetables with okaka is also a classic dish. Give it a try and experience a unique flavor infused with the traditional Japanese taste.
Other vegetables used
Stir-fried vegetables with okaka is commonly made with broccoli, green bell peppers, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and bitter melon, but you can use any vegetables that can be cooked in a pan. Feel free to try a variety of vegetables that are available in your local area.
You can use multiple vegetables and add mushrooms or 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.
Ingredients
- 11 oz. (310g) broccoli
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp neutral oil
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 10 mins
Step 1
Separate the broccoli florets from the stalk. If they are large, cut them in half. When using 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, and drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat, and once the water comes to a boil, cover it and let it steam for 3 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the lid from the pan and continue heating until any remaining water, if there is any, has evaporated. Then, add the 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 heat through. Preparation methods include steaming, boiling, and microwaving, but steaming is highly recommended. Steaming allows you to enjoy broccoli without losing its nutritional value while still retaining its texture.
- When steaming broccoli, add a small amount of oil. The oil will give the broccoli a bright green color.
Recipe Card
Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka
Ingredients
- 11 oz. (310g) 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. When using the stalk, remove all the tough outer parts and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Put the broccoli and water in a pan, and drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat, and once the water comes to a boil, cover it and let it steam for 3 minutes.
- Remove the lid from the pan and continue heating until any remaining water, if there is any, has evaporated. Then, add the 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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