Japanese seasonal foods in Winter

Introduction : Japanese seasonal foods in Winter

Japan is the only country where you can enjoy four seasons in every aspect, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy Japan’s four seasons is through its seasonal foods.

Japan has been using seasonal ingredients since ancient times, and the word “Shun (旬)” refers to the time of the year when a given ingredient is at its freshest and most flavorful state.

The main ingredients of Japanese seasonal foods are the seasonal ingredients, and this feature, we will introduce some of the most popular Japanese dishes to enjoy in the winter.

Index : Japanese seasonal foods in Winter

1. Oden
2. Ramen
3. Yudofu
4. Nikuman
5. Nabemono

1. Oden

Oden is perhaps the most popular winter comfort food in Japan, and as the weather gets colder, you’ll find oden served at convenience stores all across Japan. Oden is made by simmering fish cakes, boiled eggs, daikon, fried tofu, konjac jellies, root vegetables, and other seasonal ingredients in a light soy-sauce based broth.

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2. Ramen

Ramen is available throughout the year, but a bowl of hot, freshly cooked ramen is what everyone craves in Japan during the winter. Some of the best regional ramen, like Sapporo ramen, were invented in the northern part of Japan, where winter is more harsh. Sapporo ramen is very appetizing as it is topped with sweet corn, slices of pork, menma, boiled egg, and fresh vegetables.

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3. Yudofu

Yudofu is a simple winter comfort food which is made by simmering silken tofu in kombu-flavored broth. The simmered tofu is eaten with seasonings like ponzu sauce and sliced green onion, or with soy sauce and freshly grated wasabi. Fresh silken tofu is used to make sure the sweet and creamy flavor of the tofu stands out.

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4. Nikuman

Nikuman (肉まん) is a Chinese-style steamed hot bun filled with ground pork, and it is a popular Japanese winter snack enjoyed by all. Nikuman buns are available at almost all convenience stores in Japan, so perhaps it’s one of the easiest winter foods to find in Japan. The texture of the bun is fluffy and soft, and it is best eaten while it’s still hot.

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5. Nabemono

Nabe (鍋) is a traditional hot pot dish consisting of broth, meat, vegetables, or seafood cooked together in a claypot. Nabe is a classic Japanese winter comfort food, which has been eaten for so long in Japan. There are various types of nabe made using local ingredients that vary by region. Some of the most famous varieties are chanko nabe, mizutaki, motsu nabe, and kimchi nabe.

Read more articles

• Japanese seasonal ingredients in Winter
• Japanese seasonal fruits in Winter
• What you need to know about winter traditions in Japan

 

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