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• Read more about What Is Inari Sushi And How To Make It

Inari sushi is a type of rice ball that is very popular in Japanese culture. It is sushi rice stuffed in seasoned Aburaage tofu pouches that closely resemble most of the sushi delicacies served in Japanese restaurants.

It is also available in various supermarket delis. However, most people agree that homemade sushi is the best. Inari sushi is considered to be a very casual food and perfect for picnic lunches because it can be eaten right from your hands.

How it’s made

Aburaage is type of tofu that is deep fried and used in various Japanese cuisines. Its texture is slightly spongy and this makes it desirable to most people. Because it’s deep fried, Aburaage can be pretty greasy. As a result, it is usually boiled in hot water before it’s prepared. For Inari sushi cuisines, Aburaage is cooked using a very sweet seasoning. This unique taste compliments the sushi rice very well. When cooking, you should leave the Aburaage to soak in sweet source for some time so that it absorbs as much flavor as it can. In addition, do not squeeze out too much sauce because that is the liquid flavor. 

^{by stu_spivack Inari Sushi Take-out}

You can also use ordinary white rice to fill the Aburaage, but to make it tastier; you should add some cooked vegetables. This is because the vegetables provide that extra flavor needed and also make the dish appear more appetizing. Some of the vegetables you can use include carrots, dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots or Hijiki sea weed. It all depends on what you like. 

^{by Vegan Feast Catering}

Ingredients used 

There is a wide range of different ingredients that can be used to prepare diverse flavors of Inari sushi. You can try out vegetables such as Gobo Japanese burdock, daikon Japanese radish or even season the rice with furikake.

The following is a list of the most essential ingredients used in making Inari sushi:

• Japanese rice
• Sesame seeds
• Inari deep fried tofu pockets 
• Carrots 
• Shiitake mushrooms

In addition, you should always remember to keep your hands wet when mixing the rice and stuffing into the Aburaage tofu pouches. Japanese rice is usually very sticky. Keeping your hands wet will prevent you from making a mess of things.

If you don’t like raw fish, then you should definitely try Inari sushi. For those who like regular sushi, you will still have a taste for the dish. Even though Inari sushi is mainly consumed in Japan, it is gradually being accepted in western cultures.

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• Read more about The Story Behind Kewpie And Its Ingredients For Mayonnaise

Kewpie is not a style of mayo, but rather a brand. It was introduced back in 1925 in Japan. Since then, its popularity has significantly grown. It symbolizes the best of Japanese mayo, just like the original Kewpie doll is was based on.

History of Kewpie

Kewpie’s origins can be traced back to the years following World War 1, when Toichiro Nakashima founded the Nakishamato Corporation in 1918. Toichiro served as an intern at Japan’s Department of Agriculture and Commerce. He was sent to the United States and Europe to study food production techniques. After his return to Japan, Toichiro decided to implement the production, canning and marketing techniques that he had learned abroad. In 1919, Toichiro started a food production company called Shokuhin Kogyo Co.

The company produced traditional Japanese food products, including various canned tangerines. In the early 1920s, Toichiro decided to visit the United States once more. He managed to return to Japan with a box of mayonnaise. During that period, most Japanese people were not familiar with the product. 

^{by pelican}

Toichiro realized that he could adapt mayonnaise to Japan’s market by increasing the amount of egg yolk in the recipe. Since then, the company has been marketing mayonnaise with the name Kewpie, which originated from the popular doll created by illustrator and artist, Rosie O’Neill.

Kewpie Mayonnaise Ingredients 

Unlike other mayonnaise products that usually use whole eggs, Kewpie Mayo is a made from purely egg yolks. This gives the product a smooth, egg flavor that is similar to homemade mayo. However, it contains no sugar.  Other ingredients in Kewpie are vegetable oil, vinegar, spices and other seasonings which gives it a sharp and tangy taste.   (Learn more on the difference between Japanese Mayo and American Mayo)

_{source: kewpie.com}

The Ingredient used in Mild Version 

Kewpie offers a Milder version called "Kewpie Mayonnaise Mild Type."  This version follows traditional western Mayo where it uses fresh whole eggs.  This mild version is excellent for salads and snacks like Takoyaki (octopus).

Popularity

Kewpie’s popularity in Japan can’t be overemphasized.  Mayo is used on many different food products in Japan and they are many serious competitions that involves this condiment.

People who are known to like the mayonnaise are usually called "mayora" by their friends.  Below is a video of Andrew Zimmerman, host of Bizarre Foods who visits a Restaurant specializing in Mayo.  It was a strange experience for him but others have enjoyed it and felt it was a fun & tasty adventure!

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