Traditional Japanese Ingredients in Tasty Modern Wonders

Finding new delights to make from familiar and novel ingredients is among the great joys of cooking, be it in the creation of satiating meal dishes, yummy snacks, pastry, desserts, or drinks. This is why cuisines around the world continue to evolve and expand with the introduction of modern dishes and reimagined nostalgic favourites, while also retaining their traditional roots.

Japanese miso, panko breadcrumbs and matcha are some examples of classic ingredients that have found new life in modern Asian cuisine, with tasty inventions beyond traditional Japanese cuisine.

Miso in Classic & Modern Soups

Miso is the Japanese fermented soybean paste with a bold earthy, savoury flavour. A versatile seasoning ingredient that can be used to enrich marinades, stews, soups, stir-fries, glazes, and even salad dressings. The most well-known signature miso dish is perhaps the comforting miso soup with tofu and wakame seaweed. A must-have palate cleanser in traditional Japanese meal sets.

Miso soup can also feature extra flavours apart from the classic mild savoury taste. Sweet, nutty kabocha, the Japanese winter squash, is one of the favourite additions among Japanese households. In modern cooking, the kabocha is simmered with garlic and ginger to imbue their savoury and warm aromas; then blended into a puree, and cooked with miso paste to make a vibrant, creamy soup with a rich umami, sweet flavour. You can also top off your Blended Kabocha Miso Soup with a pan-fried fish fillet for an easy, satisfying meal with rice.

Panko Breadcrumbs in Iconic Deep-fries & Modern Treats

Panko breadcrumbs add a tantalising, airy crunch to food and have become a staple ingredient in Japanese Yoshoku cuisine. Yoshoku refers to Japanese-style Western-influenced dishes that emerged during the Meiji Era, and gradually became common household dishes over the decades. Panko breadcrumbs were invented and popularised during the modern post-war period, and quickly became integral to Yoshoku deep-fried dishes.

The classic Chicken Katsu Curry is among the beloved favourites. Tender, juicy fried chicken cutlets with a delicious golden crunch. Served with piquant, savoury and creamy Japanese curry.

Contemporary chefs have also found new uses for panko breadcrumbs, such as the modern fried ice-cream. Yes, you read that right. It’s a fabulous dessert with a crispy deep-fried crust and sweet, cool ice cream centre! Come make your own with our yummy matcha-flavoured recipe.

Besides Japanese Yoshoku dishes, panko breadcrumbs have also made their way into other Asian cuisines. The Hongkong Typhoon Shelter flavour is one specialty uplifted with panko breadcrumbs. A modern classic stir-fry style seasoned with spicy, warm, and savoury aromatics, generously garnished with crispy bits. The Typhoon Shelter Crab is among the most iconic Hongkong seafood dishes made in this style. But you can also adapt the flavour to pair with other main ingredients. Here’s a Typhoon Shelter Corn Rib that’s sure to surprise your tastebuds!

Modern Korean cuisine has found uses for panko breadcrumbs as well. The widely popular Korean Corn Dog has a crispy, golden coating uplifted with panko, served with a creamy spicy dipping sauce enriched with traditional Gochujang chilli bean paste and creamy mayo. Our easy recipe features a fish cake filling that you can replace with sausages, too. Come try it!

Matcha in Fabulous Drinks & Modern Pastries

The refined cultivation and enjoyment of Matcha green tea is highly cherished in Japanese culture. Green tea plants are grown with great care. The leaves are meticulously selected for the finest quality, and delicately processed into a powdered form to be mixed with hot water. Savoured and appreciated with a rich tradition of tea ceremonies that embody grace, mindfulness, and spiritual tranquillity.

Similar to panko breadcrumbs, Matcha has been widely popularised beyond Japan as well, serving as a prized flavour ingredient in modern drinks and more.

Dalgona is a fascinating example. Made internationally popular through South Korean social media, this frothy coffee drink is a tea or coffee drink ‘upgraded’ with beaten whipped cream for an extra velvety sip, and chilled with iced milk. Matcha Dalgona transforms the green tea’s classic bracing, refreshing sip into a creamy, comforting indulgence. Try it with our easy recipe!

Matcha is also a wonderful flavouring for modern pastries, like this smooth, sweet and refreshing Matcha Burnt Basque Cheesecake with a delightful soft, smoky crust topped with strawberries or any bite-sized fruits you prefer. The matcha powder is melded into the cream cheese mixture to infuse its rich aroma, accentuated in the baking heat. Absolutely joyful to savour!

More Wondrous Traditional Asian Ingredients

Asian cuisines are replete with uniquely tasteful and versatile ingredients. Come discover 10 yummy goodies you can make with Asian rice flour. Learn more about the marvellous uses of cumin, Pandan, scallion, Sichuan peppercorns, and Shaoxing Wine. Also, expand your home pantry with 20 aromatic Asian herbs and spices that can instantly uplift your cooking!