Japanese cooking most times actually simplistic. A great number of their dishes require only a small amount of ingredients. However, numerous amounts of people think Japanese meals are expensive to make. They believe this is so because the food in Japanese restaurants is expensive. People have a misconception that the ingredients used are very exotic, and are a rare find. This is not the truth; the ingredients are dependent on availability on the market in the different areas. In this article, we will shed light on how to prepare cheap Japanese food, using your available resources.
Photo by avlxyz on Flickr
When preparing Japanese food with a budget it is best you think simply. Many Japanese dishes are really simple, such as ton-katsu and teriyaki. The mentioned dishes use ingredients found in American dishes. Aim to keep dishes at a minimum of five ingredients, and where ingredients are of high quality many of the varied flavors are unnecessary, and sometimes can be overwhelming. Torikatsu or Tonkatsu are other very simplistic dishes. They are cutlets of fried chicken or pork and I think barbeque resembling sauce and rice is served.
Numerous amounts of Japanese dishes can be prepared for a crowd or only for one family and have overnight servings for a few days. There is also a Nabe dish which is a pot of broth used for meat and vegetables to be dipped into. A popular dish is Shabu-Shabu, it includes varied vegetables. Pick at least three vegetables, that does the trick for you to enjoy the meal. Also it is wise you stick to the vegetables in season. Shabu-Shabu popular vegetables are carrots, Bok Choy and bamboo shoots. You can also have beef that is sliced thin to dip into broth till it is prepared to taste. Vegetarians can consider replacing the beef with tofu.
Japanese dishes have few varied types of noodles that many find very delicious, and can be a healthier alternative to standard pasta. An incredibly refreshing noodle is buckwheat, known as Soba. A thinner noodle is Somen and it is fantastically served cold with vegetables and ponzu sauce. And the healthier, thicker noodle is Udon. (This is my fave!) These noodles make very inexpensive soups. Though less expensive, the great flavors are the same as Japanese cooking. To achieve a great comfort food, include vegetables or tempura shrimp.
Photo via avlxyz on Flickr
Finding an authentic, affordable and delicious dish among the varied Japanese cooking is easy. You can find ingredients at an Asian market or grocery store. In the Asian stores the ingredients considerably cheaper than your from your usual grocer. Try something new!
Have you prepared Japanese food before?
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Poor to Rich a Day at a Time
January 22, 2012 at 9:48 am (UTC -4)
Oh great article! My family loves Japanese food but I have not done so as of yet as the Japanese Cookbook I have has ingredients I can only find in an Asian market so I need to go soon to the one I found 35 miles away!
I will be coming back here to visit often! Love love love this site!
World Traveler
February 9, 2012 at 7:22 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks! Hopefully you can find what you need at a local grocer. But 35 miles is not too bad for good food!
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