Lykkers, have you ever wanted to enjoy a complete Japanese meal at home? Today, we are going to make a traditional Washoku-style meal that reflects the harmony of Japanese cuisine.
This is not just about cooking—it’s about experiencing seasonal flavors, mindful preparation, and beautiful presentation. By following our step-by-step guide, we’ll prepare a wholesome, healthy, and delicious meal together.
Our Japanese Meal Plan
For this Washoku meal, we will prepare four essential components: grilled salmon, miso soup, steamed rice, and a simple vegetable side. Each dish highlights natural flavors and seasonal ingredients, showing why Japanese cuisine is celebrated around the world.
Grilled Salmon:
- Salmon fillets: 2 pieces (150g each)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch
Miso Soup:
- Dashi stock: 500ml
- Miso paste: 2 tablespoons
- Soft tofu: 100g, cubed
- Wakame seaweed: 1 tablespoon (rehydrated)
- Green onions: 1 stalk, sliced
Steamed Rice:
- Japanese short-grain rice: 1 cup (180ml)
- Water: 1.2 cups (216ml)
Vegetable Side (Steamed Seasonal Veggies):
- Carrot: 1 small, sliced thinly
- Broccoli: 100g, cut into small florets
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon
Steps of Making It
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
We always start with the rice because it takes the longest. Rinse 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and add 1.2 cups of water. Cook in a rice cooker or on the stove for 15–20 minutes until soft. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes with the lid on before serving.
Fluffy rice forms the perfect base for our meal and balances the flavors of other dishes.
Step 2: Marinate and Grill the Salmon
While the rice cooks, we prepare the salmon. Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture over the salmon fillets and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and place the salmon skin-side down.
Grill for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The result is a tender, flavorful fillet with a lightly caramelized surface.
Step 3: Make the Miso Soup
Next, we prepare miso soup. Pour 500ml dashi stock into a pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add cubed tofu and rehydrated wakame. Reduce the heat to low. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of miso paste in a small bowl with a bit of hot broth, then stir it back into the pot. Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
This light, savory soup complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.
Step 4: Steam the Vegetables
We steam the carrot slices and broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp. After steaming, drizzle 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. The bright colors and natural flavors make this side dish both healthy and visually appealing, completing the balance of the meal.
Step 5: Plate and Present
We carefully arrange the grilled salmon, miso soup, steamed rice, and vegetable side on the table. Presentation is a key part of Washoku. Paying attention to the colors, shapes, and arrangement of each dish enhances the dining experience. Taking a moment to appreciate the visual harmony makes the meal more enjoyable before we even take the first bite.
Enjoy Washoku at Home
Lykkers, making Japanese cuisine at home is more than just cooking—it’s our way to connect with the seasons, enjoy fresh ingredients, and practice mindful eating. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to balance flavor, nutrition, and presentation. By following these steps, we can enjoy a beautiful, harmonious Washoku meal together.
Try it yourself, savor every bite, and bring a touch of Japanese culinary art into your daily life!
