Okaka, seasoned shaved bonito flakes with soy sauce, is a classic Japanese ingredient, but it acquires a different flavor profile when stir-fried. Stir-Fried Broccoli with Okaka allows you to enjoy the savory flavor together with the nutritional benefits of the broccoli.
Jump to:
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, typically seasoned with soy sauce. It can be delicious when simply mixed together, as in Okaka-ae (vegetables or other ingredients tossed with okaka), but when stir-fried, you can enjoy the 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 are also a classic dish. Give it a try and experience the unique flavor infused with the essence of okaka.
What vegetables are used?
Stir-fried vegetables with okaka are commonly made with broccoli, 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 you add these, increase the amount of okaka accordingly.
Timing to add okaka
When making stir-fried vegetables with okaka, it's best to add the okaka (shaved bonito flakes and soy sauce) after the vegetables have been cooked. Adding it first can cause it to burn and diminish the flavor.
Many Japanese dishes, including stir-fried vegetables with okaka, taste better when the flavors of the seasonings are preserved, so the timing of adding the seasonings is important.
Ingredients
- 1 (11 oz./310g) broccoli
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 Tbsp mirin (A)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (A)
- 2 ½ Tbsp (0.09oz./2.5g) shaved bonito flakes (A)
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
Place the broccoli and water in a pan, and drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat, and when 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 A (mirin, soy sauce, 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 it because it is difficult to heat through. Preparation methods include steaming, boiling, and microwave cooking, but steaming is by far the best choice. 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
- 1 (11 oz./310g) broccoli
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 Tbsp mirin (A)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (A)
- 2 ½ Tbsp (0.09oz./2.5g) shaved bonito flakes (A)
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.
- Place the broccoli and water in a pan, and drizzle oil over the broccoli. Heat the pan over medium heat, and when 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 A (mirin, soy sauce, 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.
Leave a Reply