Introduce a child to cooking and Japanese culture by allowing them to participate in cooking simple Japanese foods. Japanese foods typically consist of simple ingredients, and there are many recipes that, with an adult's supervision and assistance, can be created mostly by a child.
Basics
Japanese foods generally include a variation of similar ingredients. Rice or noodles generally form the base of the meal. Fresh vegetables, including ginger, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers and cucumbers, are included. The meats used in Japanese recipes are predominantly seafood such as eel, shrimp or crab, but may include beef, pork or chicken.
To be authentic, it is important to use a Japanese soy sauce. Due to differences in salt content, ingredients and the brewing process, Chinese soy sauces have a different flavor than their Japanese counterparts. Japanese cooking typically involves hot oils and large amounts of steam. To avoid injury, children should always cook under competent adult supervision and with the adult's assistance.
Sushi Rolls
Sushi is a simple Japanese staple that can easily be created by children. Needed ingredients include sushi rice, dried seaweed called "nori," crab meat, mayonnaise, salt and an avocado. An adult should be nearby to cook and cut the crab meat. Children can assemble ingredients and roll them together in the dried seaweed.
Vegetable Marinade Salad
These mixed vegetable pickles can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator. They are eaten as a salad dish. Adults should be present to slice and chop vegetables. Children can mix assorted ingredients in a large cooking pan and, under close adult supervision, older children can stir them over low heat. However, an adult should drain the water to prevent injury to the child. After this, children can shake the Japanese-style marinade and the lightly cooked vegetables in a closed container.
Bacon-Wrapped Tofu
Bacon tofu is high in protein and can be served hot or cold. The bacon gives the bland tofu a rich, salty flavor while the tofu provides a soft, healthy inside. A child can easily assemble the dish by wrapping bacon around the cut tofu squares. However, an adult should be responsible for the cooking the bacon-wrapped tofu in a frying pan, as hot grease is involved and can cause serious injuries.
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