Tomato Japanese Grocery Pantry Blog

Welcome back to Tomato Japanese Grocery, where we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Japan. Today, we're exploring ochazuke, a beloved Japanese dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Simple yet flavorful, ochazuke is perfect for a quick meal or a cozy snack. Let’s delve into what makes this dish so special and how you can easily prepare it at home.

What is Ochazuke?

Ochazuke is a traditional Japanese dish that involves pouring hot green tea, dashi (broth), or even plain hot water over cooked rice topped with savory ingredients. This method creates a comforting, soupy meal that's both nourishing and delicious. Ochazuke is often enjoyed as a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a soothing midnight snack.

Popular Ochazuke Ingredients

1. Ume (Pickled Plum): Ume adds a tangy, salty flavor that perfectly complements the mildness of the tea or broth.
2. Salmon: Flaked or grilled salmon brings a rich, savory taste to the dish, making it more substantial and satisfying.
3. Seaweed: Dried seaweed strips add a touch of umami and a pleasant texture to the ochazuke.
4. Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

How to Make Ochazuke

Step 1: Start with a bowl of hot, cooked rice.

Step 2: Add your desired toppings, such as ume, salmon, seaweed, or sesame seeds.

Step 3: Pour hot green tea, dashi, or water over the rice and toppings. The liquid should be hot enough to warm the rice but not boiling.

Step 4: Let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld, then enjoy!

Ochazuke Variations

• Traditional: Stick to classic toppings like ume, salmon, and seaweed for an authentic taste.
• Modern: Experiment with new flavors by adding ingredients like avocado, cheese, or kimchi for a contemporary twist.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of dashi and top with tofu, mushrooms, and greens for a delicious vegetarian option.

Why You’ll Love Ochazuke

• Simplicity: Ochazuke is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy days or when you need a quick meal.
• Comfort: The combination of warm rice and soothing broth or tea creates a comforting dish that's perfect for any time of the day.
• Customization: With endless topping possibilities, you can tailor ochazuke to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Bringing Ochazuke to Your Kitchen

At Tomato Japanese Grocery, we offer all the ingredients you need to make delicious ochazuke at home. From high-quality green tea and dashi to a variety of traditional and modern toppings, we’ve got you covered. Explore our online store and find everything you need to create this comforting Japanese dish.

Ready to experience the cozy delight of ochazuke? Check our Ochazuke Collection today and start making your own bowls of comfort at home!

Welcome to Tomato Japanese Grocery, where we bring the authentic tastes of Japan right to your doorstep! Today, we're diving into the world of furikake, a versatile and delicious Japanese seasoning that can elevate your meals with just a sprinkle. Let's explore what makes furikake so special and how you can use it to enhance your culinary creations.

What is Furikake?

Furikake is a traditional Japanese condiment typically used as a topping for rice. It's a dry seasoning mix that combines various ingredients like dried fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, sugar, salt, and MSG. Some varieties may also include dried egg, shiso leaves, or even wasabi for a spicy kick. Furikake adds a burst of umami flavor to any dish, making it a staple in Japanese households.

Popular Furikake Varieties

1. Nori Komi Furikake: This classic blend features seaweed and sesame seeds. It's mildly salty and incredibly versatile, perfect for adding a touch of umami to any dish.
2. Wasabi Furikake: For those who love a bit of heat, this variety combines the pungent spice of wasabi with the savory flavors of seaweed and sesame.
3. Salmon Furikake: Incorporating dried salmon flakes, this type offers a rich, savory taste that pairs beautifully with rice and onigiri (rice balls).

How to Use Furikake

Over Rice: The simplest and most common way to enjoy furikake is by sprinkling it over a bowl of steamed rice. It transforms plain rice into a flavorful and satisfying meal in seconds.

Onigiri: Furikake is a popular ingredient in onigiri, or Japanese rice balls. Mix it into the rice before shaping for a delicious snack that's perfect for on-the-go.

Salads and Vegetables: Add a dash of furikake to salads or steamed vegetables for an extra layer of flavor and a bit of crunch.

Noodles: Sprinkle furikake on top of ramen, udon, or soba noodles to enhance their taste with a touch of umami.

Creative Uses: Furikake isn't just for traditional Japanese dishes! Try it on popcorn, scrambled eggs, or even avocado toast for a unique twist.

Why You’ll Love Furikake

• Versatility: Furikake's wide range of flavors means there's a variety for everyone. Whether you prefer mild, salty, spicy, or savory, you'll find a furikake that suits your taste.
• Convenience: Furikake is easy to use and store, making it a quick way to add flavor to your meals without any fuss.
• Nutrition: Many furikake blends include nutritious ingredients like seaweed and sesame seeds, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Bringing Furikake to Your Kitchen

At Tomato Japanese Grocery, we offer a diverse selection of furikake varieties to suit all palates. Browse our online store and discover the perfect furikake to complement your meals. With just a sprinkle, you can transform everyday dishes into culinary delights that capture the essence of Japan.

Ready to explore the delicious world of furikake? Check out our Furikake collections today and start your journey into authentic Japanese flavors!

Welcome to Tomato Japanese Grocery, your go-to destination for authentic Japanese beverages! Among our carefully curated selection, Calpico stands out as a beloved choice. Known for its unique and refreshing taste, Calpico is a favorite drink that has been enjoyed in Japan for nearly a century.

Explore Our Exciting Calpico Flavors

At Tomato Japanese Grocery, we offer a diverse range of Calpico flavors to cater to every palate. Try our Original Calpico for a classic choice, or explore other delightful flavors like Strawberry, Melon, Mango, Lychee, and White Peach.

Shop Now and Discover Your Favorite Calpico Flavor

Ready to experience the refreshing taste of Calpico? Browse our collection of Calpico drinks and find your new favorite flavor today. Shop now and enjoy the delightful world of Calpico at Tomato Japanese Grocery!

Welcome to Tomato Japanese Grocery, where we celebrate the delightful world of Japanese beverages! Among our diverse selection, Ramune stands out as a beloved favorite. Known for its unique bottle design and refreshing taste, Ramune is a fun and flavorful experience that captures the essence of Japanese summer festivals and celebrations.

Explore Our Exciting Ramune Flavors

At Tomato Japanese Grocery, we offer a wide range of Ramune flavors to satisfy every taste preference. Whether you prefer fruity, tangy, or classic flavors, we have something for everyone. Try our Original Ramune for a classic choice, or explore other exciting flavors like Strawberry, Melon, Lychee, Peach, Orange, Blueberry, and Yuzu.

Shop Now and Discover Your Favorite Ramune Flavor

Ready to dive into the fizzy fun of Ramune? Browse our collection of Japanese Ramune sodas and find your new favorite flavor today. Shop now and experience the delightful world of Japanese Ramune at Tomato Japanese Grocery!

Welcome to Tomato Japanese Grocery, where we bring you a taste of the extraordinary with our exclusive selection of Asian Lay's chips. Our curated collection will take your taste buds on a delightful journey through the rich and diverse culinary landscapes of Asia.

Pepper Chicken: A Spicy Delight

Kick off your flavor adventure with our Pepper Chicken Lay's chips. Inspired by the classic Asian dish, these chips offer a perfect blend of savory chicken flavor and a spicy pepper kick. Each bite delivers a tantalizing combination of heat and umami that will keep you coming back for more.

Smoked Pork Ribs: A BBQ Experience

If you love the smoky, savory taste of BBQ, our Smoked Pork Ribs Lay's chips are a must-try. These chips capture the essence of tender, slow-cooked pork ribs with a smoky flavor profile that mimics the best of Asian BBQ traditions. Perfect for snack time or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals.

Shop Now and Satisfy Your Cravings

Ready to embark on a flavor adventure? Browse our collection of Asian Lay's chips and find your new favorite snack today. Visit our Asian Lay's collection to shop now and experience the extraordinary flavors of Asian Lay's chips!

Are you ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure without leaving your home? If you love creative cooking and have a penchant for unique treats, then Popin Cookin is the perfect choice for you. This Japanese DIY candy-making kit has taken the world by storm, offering a fun and interactive way to create your own sweet masterpieces. Discover the top three reasons why Popin Cookin is a must-try, from unleashing your creativity to tasting the magic of Japanese candy, and learning through engaging, educational experiences. Dive into the world of Popin Cookin and bring joy and excitement to your kitchen!

Pocky, the iconic Japanese snack, has captured the hearts of snack lovers worldwide with its delightful combination of crispy biscuit sticks and various delicious coatings. If you’re a Pocky enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, you’re in for a treat! Here’s our curated list of the top 6 Pocky flavors you absolutely need to try.

Classic Chocolate - You can't go wrong with the original. Classic Chocolate Pocky features a perfectly baked biscuit stick dipped in smooth, rich chocolate. It’s the perfect introduction to the Pocky world and a timeless favorite for a reason.

Strawberry Cream - For those who love a fruity twist, Strawberry Cream Pocky is a must-try. The biscuit sticks are generously coated in creamy, sweet strawberry flavor, making it a deliciously light and refreshing snack.

Matcha Green Tea - Matcha Green Tea Pocky combines the earthy, slightly bitter taste of authentic matcha with the sweetness of the biscuit stick. This flavor is a hit among green tea lovers and those seeking a unique, sophisticated snack experience.

Explore these and more exciting flavors in our full blog post. Visit our online store to discover your favorite Pocky today!

Welcome to our blog! Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the most beloved treats from Japan: the Japanese Kit Kat. Known for its unique flavors and innovative twists, the Japanese Kit Kat has become a global sensation.

A Flavor for Every Palate

Explore the incredible variety of Japanese Kit Kats available at our store:

• Strawberry: Juicy sweetness with a vibrant pink hue.
• Milk Tea: The rich taste of black tea combined with creamy milk.
• Gateau Chocolate: Decadent chocolatey layers inspired by French desserts.
• Strawberry Shortcake: Sweet strawberries, light sponge cake, and creamy frosting.
• Matcha & Original: Earthy green tea paired with sweet white chocolate.
• Orange: Tangy oranges and smooth milk chocolate.
• White: Creamy white chocolate with classic crispy wafer.
• Dark Green Tea: Intense and robust premium green tea flavor.

Japanese Kit Kats are more than just candy; they are a cultural phenomenon known for their creativity, quality ingredients, and perfect gifting potential. Explore our collection today and find your ultimate Japanese Kit Kat!

Are you looking for a delicious, low-calorie, and guilt-free meal option? Look no further! Kibun Zeromen is here to revolutionize your dining experience. Whether you’re on a diet, managing your health, or simply seeking a tasty new dish, Kibun Zeromen offers the perfect solution.

Low-Calorie Delight

With just a fraction of the calories compared to traditional noodles, Kibun Zeromen allows you to enjoy a full, satisfying meal without compromising your dietary goals. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are watching their weight or looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Health-Conscious Ingredients

Kibun Zeromen is made from high-quality, health-conscious ingredients, primarily konjac, a plant known for its low calorie and high fiber content. Konjac aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making Kibun Zeromen not just a tasty meal but one that supports your overall well-being.

Versatile and Easy to Prepare

These noodles can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and more. Simply rinse, heat, and enjoy – Kibun Zeromen is perfect for busy individuals and families seeking quick, healthy meals.

Experience the many benefits of Kibun Zeromen and make it a staple in your kitchen. Your body, taste buds, and the planet will thank you!