Nanban-zuke is one of Japan’s traditional dishes, with a history that dates back to the Edo period. At that time, Japanese cuisine influenced by foreign cultures developed uniquely, and nanban-zuke is one such example. In particular, nanban-zuke made with fish or chicken features a sweet and sour flavor based on vinegar and soy sauce, making it delicious even when chilled, perfect as a side dish for rice or as an accompaniment to drinks. In this article, we will explain the basic method of making nanban-zuke in detail, along with professional tips and advice to avoid common mistakes, so please give it a try.
Necessary Ingredients and Tools
- Ingredients:
- Fish (such as horse mackerel or bonito) 300g: Choosing fresh fish is crucial for the flavor of nanban-zuke. It is recommended to purchase from local markets or trusted fishmongers. Specifically, clear eyes and firm flesh are signs of freshness.
- Onion 1: To bring out the sweetness, choose the freshest possible and when slicing, start from the root to reduce tears.
- Carrot 1: For better color, select fresh and firm carrots, and julienne them to enhance the texture.
- Bell pepper 2: Rich in vitamin C, bell peppers are an important ingredient for balancing sweetness and acidity. Using a variety of colors makes it visually appealing.
- Flour as needed: Dusting the surface of the fish with flour creates a crispy texture when frying. The key is to coat it thinly and evenly.
- Frying oil as needed: Use high-quality oil to enhance the flavors of the ingredients. Salad oil or rice oil is suitable.
- Vinegar 100ml: Vinegar is the key to flavor. Choosing rice vinegar or black vinegar allows for a milder taste.
- Soy sauce 50ml: Using a soy sauce with dashi enhances the sweet and savory flavor, resulting in a deeper taste.
- Sugar 2 tablespoons: Sugar is important for adjusting the overall flavor. In addition to white sugar, using brown sugar adds richness.
- Ginger (sliced) 1 piece: The aroma of ginger is essential for adding depth to nanban-zuke. Choose fresh ginger and slice it thinly.
- Tools:
- Knife: Using a sharp knife to cut fresh ingredients makes the process smoother.
- Cutting board: A cutting board for chopping ingredients is typically made of wood or plastic. Consider hygiene and wash it frequently.
- Frying pan or pot: Using a deep pot for frying prevents oil from splattering and ensures safety.
- Bowl: Prepare a heat-resistant bowl for mixing the marinade.
- Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring accurate quantities. Especially the amounts of seasonings greatly affect the taste.
- Spoon: Used for mixing seasonings and serving. Choose a size that is easy to handle.
Necessary Prerequisite Knowledge and Skill Level
To complete this tutorial, basic cooking skills are required. Specifically, it is desirable to understand fish preparation, vegetable cutting, and frying procedures, but beginners can follow the instructions without issues. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to fire handling and safety when frying. In particular, managing the temperature of the frying oil and using appropriate tools to prevent oil splatter is essential.
How to Make Nanban-zuke: Step by Step
- Prepare the ingredients
Remove the scales and entrails from the fish and fillet it. Using fresh fish will result in a more delicious nanban-zuke. Next, slice the onion thinly, julienne the carrot, and cut the bell pepper into strips. At this point, being creative with how you cut the vegetables can enhance the visual appeal. For example, cutting the bell pepper diagonally can add variation in color.
- Fry the fish
Dust the prepared fish with flour and fry it in oil at 170°C until crispy. About 5 to 7 minutes is a guideline, but frying time needs to be adjusted based on the size of the fish. Once the fish turns a beautiful golden color, place it on kitchen paper to drain excess oil. At this time, ensuring that excess oil is removed will improve the texture.
- Make the marinade
In a bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger, and mix well. Be sure to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. This marinade serves as the flavor base for nanban-zuke, so pay attention to the balance of seasonings. The balance between the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar is the secret to deliciousness.
- Marinate
While the fried fish is still hot, place it in the marinade and add the cut vegetables. Gently mix everything together and transfer it to a sealed container to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours to overnight. This time is crucial for the flavors to infuse into the fish and vegetables. The longer the marinating time, the more the flavors will penetrate, but care must be taken not to let the vegetables become too soft.
- Serve
Serve the marinated nanban-zuke in a dish and sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds to finish. Adding green onions enhances the aroma and improves the presentation. Chilling it before eating makes it even more delicious, so it’s a good idea to refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
One common mistake beginners make when preparing nanban-zuke is misjudging the balance of the marinade. If the vinegar is too strong, it becomes sour, while if it’s too sweet, it becomes cloying. It is important to measure the quantities of seasonings accurately. Additionally, if the frying temperature is too low, the fish will absorb oil and become soggy, so be sure to check the oil temperature. Furthermore, marinating for too long can cause the fish to become mushy, so it’s important to marinate for the appropriate amount of time.
Troubleshooting
If the nanban-zuke turns out to be more sour than expected, you can adjust the taste by adding a little sugar. The key is to add it gradually while tasting. If the marinating time was too long and the flavor became too strong, you can dilute it slightly with water. Don’t be afraid to adjust the taste as you go. Conversely, if the flavor is too weak, you can add more marinade or marinate it for a little longer to improve it.
How to Check if the Process Was Successful
Taste the completed nanban-zuke to see if it suits your preference. If the fish has absorbed the flavor well and the vegetables are appropriately tender, it is a success. Additionally, it should be visually appealing with vibrant colors. As the next step, serving it to friends or family and asking for their feedback is also a good idea. Their feedback can help you improve your cooking next time.
Summary: Points to Enjoy Nanban-zuke
Nanban-zuke is a dish that can be enjoyed with a deep flavor despite its simple ingredients. By choosing fresh ingredients and carefully considering the balance of seasonings, you can make authentic nanban-zuke at home. Additionally, by adjusting the marinating time, you can achieve your preferred taste. Be sure to enjoy the nanban-zuke you make at home with family and friends. When you challenge your next cooking endeavor, remember these points and try to make even more delicious nanban-zuke.