Takana Onigiri : Pickled Japanese Mustard Green Fried Rice

Pickled mustard leaves, a well-known tsukemono (preserved vegetable) in Japanese cuisine, provides flavor to even the simplest dishes. Takana Chahan, or pickled mustard greens fried rice, is a popular Kyushu regional dish. Takana Chahan is a plain and uncomplicated fried rice dish with pickled Takana and one of the Yatai (a Japanese food cart) delicacies in the Kumamoto prefecture. Takana's umami is increased when fried, giving depth to the dish. Because of the acidic pickle, this simple fried rice is full of warmth and umami. If you're tired of using the same filling, let's experiment with some new and exciting fillings for your onigiri!

Onigiri is a healthy alternative to a "fast meal," which is one of its biggest benefits. They don't include the sweets, fats, or other unpleasant preservatives that other quick meals might, and they're easy to make and cheap to eat.

What is Takana?

Takana, or Japanese mustard greens, were imported to Japan from China during the Heian era (794 – 1185). Takana, also known as takana-zuke, is made by preserving Japanese mustard greens such as Nakazawa or komatsuna with a pickling agent made of soy sauce. Takana is wonderful or combined with other flavors in side dishes or stir-fries. Some producers provide diced tako blended with sesame oil, dried bonito flakes, red pepper, and soy sauce. It is one of Japan's top three mustard greens, along with hiroshimana from Hiroshima and nozawana from Nagano.

What is Takana Onigiri?

Japanese rice balls, or takana, have become a popular vegan filler. Onigiri, also known as omusubi, are steamed rice balls with various fillings, such as chicken, vegetables, pickled plums, Japanese kombu, tori gomoku, grilled salmon, and bonito flakes. Japanese pickled mustard green is known as takana-zuke. It's salty, crunchy, and delicious. It's a fantastic addition to pasta, stir fry, ramen and fried rice and an excellent onigiri filling!

What does Takana taste like?

Takana, also known as takana-zuke, is made by preserving Japanese mustard greens such as nakazawa or komatsuna with a pickling agent made of soy sauce. Takana is wonderful or combined with other flavors in side dishes or stir-fries. In Nagasaki, locally grown Unzen Takana is harvested in October. It tastes nice even when eaten raw because it has a sweet yet somewhat spicy flavor.

What is Takana Chahan?

The Japanese word for Chinese-style fried rice is chahan (pronounced [cho fàn]). In Japan, fried rice is known as Chahan or Yakimeshi. Takana chahan is a simple and rustic rice meal made of rice, egg, and takana (pickled mustard greens). The takana chahan may be unfamiliar to many non-Japanese, but it is undoubtedly one of the top five fried rice dishes you will encounter when visiting Japan. It can be purchased in restaurants, yatai (Japanese street vendors), and cafes. If you live in a city with a large Japanese population, this fried rice may be available on the menu.

Uses of Takana

As a condiment:

Takana can be used as a garnish or topper to flavor foods like miso soup, tonkotsu-style ramen, and porridge (okayu). Pickled greens can also be added to noodle recipes to highlight soba (long, thin noodle strands made from buckwheat flour and water) or udon (chewy noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt, typically served in a simple dashi-based broth).

As a side dish:

Takana is commonly consumed in Japan as an okazu, a side dish served with rice.

Stir fry:

Takana chahan, also known as fukuoka or pickled mustard fried rice, is produced by first toasting takana pickles in sesame oil before adding them to the remaining stir-fry.

Onigiri:

Takana, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular vegetarian filler. Onigiri, also known as omusubi, are steamed rice balls filled with various ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, pickled plums, Japanese kombu, tori gomoku, grilled salmon flakes, and bonito flakes. Onigiri may be wrapped with nori (dried seaweed) for easy handling.

How to Make Takana Chahan

Here the recipe and additional information on how to make your own Japanese style fried rice at home:

Ingredients:

• Takana or Pickled Japanese mustard green

• Tokyo green or long green onion

• cooked rice (japanese short grain rice is recommendable)

• eggs

• soy sauce

• salt

• pepper powder

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. While the eggs are being beaten, slice the Tokyo negi.

2. Scramble the eggs and set them aside.

3. The negi and takana in Tokyo are stir-fried.

4. Stir in the cooked rice. Seasoned rice fried.

5. Return the eggs in the end and mix everything.

Tips to achieve perfect cooking

• Refrain from overcrowding your pan. Allow enough space in the pan for the ingredients to move around.

• Use day-old rice or allow it to chill. Use day-old cold rice because it is harder and has less moisture. If you must use freshly prepared rice, prepare it ahead of time and let it cool completely on the kitchen counter.

• It would be best if you were not hesitant to use oil. You'll need a lot of oil to fry the fluffy eggs. Hot oil helps to distribute heat and keeps the eggs from sticking to the pan. Don't worry about oily eggs because they will return to the pan and distribute the excess oil to the rice after everything is incorporated.

Experiences by Japan Crate : Onigiri Experience Set

Tsukemono (lit. "pickled foods") is offered at almost every meal in Japan and can also be used to season dishes. Pickling the peppery-tasting mustard plant leaves preserves their somewhat spicy flavor and wonderful crunch while reducing their innate bitterness. Traditional Japanese ingredients have been combined, such as sesame seeds, konbu (kelp), soy sauce, and mirin, as well as red peppers, ginger, and turmeric. Takana can be eaten alone or with other seasonings to season side dishes or stir-fry dishes. Some companies sell chopped takana mixed with sesame oil, dried bonito flakes, red pepper, and soy sauce.

Start practicing and make your own onigiri without Bento Experience Set. Whether in Japan or anywhere in this world, you can make your onigiri anytime. This set includes instant rice, rice mold, filling, condiment, furikake seasoning, and a seaweed wrap.

TAKEAWAYS

Takana-zuke is pickled Japanese mustard green. It's tasty, salty, and crispy. In addition to onigiri filling, it goes well with pasta and fried rice. This takana is made by pickling the mustard plant's peppery-tasting leaves, which helps keep their mildly spicy flavor and appealing crunch while reducing their natural bitterness. Pickled mustard greens are quite healthy. The pickling method uses only natural ingredients, with no added sugar or preservatives.

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