6 Authentic Japanese Local Side Dishes - Hidden Gems of Japanese Cuisine

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork [00:21]

Cut the thinly sliced pork belly into small pieces. If using a block of pork belly, cut it into small cubes. Blanch in hot water or steam before cutting if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatics [01:19]

Grate half a piece of ginger and half a clove of garlic.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients [01:21]

In a pan, add the pork belly, ginger, garlic, miso paste, brown sugar, and mirin. Do this before turning on the heat.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture [02:11]

Turn on the heat and stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5: Store the Mixture [03:30]

Place the mixture in a container and store in the fridge once cooled. It should be consumed within 5 days.

Step 6: Prepare Vegetables for Stir Fry [03:47]

Cut your favorite vegetables (cabbage, squash, eggplant, bell peppers) into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Stir Fry the Vegetables [04:12]

In a pan with sesame oil, start by cooking the cabbage first until slightly brown. Then add eggplant and bell peppers.

Step 8: Add Pork Mixture [04:50]

Add about 1.5 tablespoons of the pork mixture to the vegetables and stir well until everything is combined.

Step 9: Finalize the Dish [05:06]

Cook until the vegetables are well coated and heated through.

Step 10: Prepare Dashi [18:50]

Cut cucumber and eggplant into fine cubes. Mix with soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and sugar. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 11: Serve [21:11]

Serve the Yamagata dashi over tofu or rice. Enjoy your meal!