4 Must-try Winter Veggie recipes in Japan! : Daikon, Spinach, Carrots, Napa Cabbage

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while maintaining flavor.

mirin

🥗Healthier: rice vinegar + sugar

💰Cheaper: white wine + sugar

Rice vinegar + sugar mimics mirin's sweetness without added cost.

sesame seeds

🥗Healthier: ground flaxseeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Ground flaxseeds provide omega-3s and are often less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey offers natural sweetness with potential health benefits.

Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green.

Drain spinach and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Squeeze out excess water from spinach and chop coarsely.

Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Add chopped spinach to the bowl and mix well to coat evenly.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the spinach and mix gently.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens