It has grown on me!

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Broccoli Kinpira Recipe: A Tasty, Zero-Waste Side Dish Inspired by Japan

Every weekend, I cook broccoli. I especially enjoy making egg and broccoli salad. Afterward, I use the stalks to make one of my favorite side dishes: broccoli kinpira.

Kinpira is a traditional Japanese cooking style typically used for burdock root and carrot, known together as kinpira gobo(gobo means burdock in Japanese). Instead of burdock root, I use broccoli stalks—and the result is surprisingly delicious.

Today, I'm going to show you how to cook broccoli kinpira. If you enjoy kinpira gobo, I think you'll love this broccoli version too.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 dried red chili pepper
3 broccoli stalks, cut into thin strips
½ carrot, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds

1. Add the sesame oil and dried red chili pepper to a pan. Heat over high heat until the oil is hot.

2. Add the broccoli stalks and carrot strips to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat for about 2 minutes.

3. Add the sugar and continue stir-frying for about 1 minute, allowing it to coat the vegetables.

4. Add the mirin, sake, and soy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.

5. Sprinkle in the roasted sesame seeds and give everything a final toss to combine.

6. Serve and enjoy!

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Thursday, June 26, 2025

A Taste of Japan: 6 Meals & Treats My Husband Enjoyed

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband visited Japan to enjoy hanami (花見), the cherished tradition of cherry blossom viewing, with his parents, who live in Fukuoka, Japan. During his stay, he indulged in a variety of Japanese dishes and shared many memorable meals with them. Today, I’m excited to share what he ate during his trip.

1. Tonkotsu Ramen (とんこつラーメン)

Kyushuchikuhou Ramen Yamagoya (九州筑豊ラーメン山小屋)

During his stay in Japan, he enjoyed ramen at several local restaurants, especially since Fukuoka Prefecture is renowned for its tonkotsu ramen. With countless ramen shops throughout the region, he had plenty of opportunities to savor this rich and flavorful dish.

Kyushuchikuhou Ramen Yamagoya (九州筑豊ラーメン山小屋)

My husband and my mother-in-law visited Kyushu Chikuho Ramen Yamagoya (九州筑豊ラーメン山小屋), a ramen restaurant originally founded in Fukuoka. It is known for its signature tonkotsu ramen, featuring a rich and flavorful pork bone broth. The meal was reasonably priced, costing under 1,000 yen—about $7.

Kyushuchikuhou Ramen Yamagoya (九州筑豊ラーメン山小屋) Official Website

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

My husband visited Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番) to enjoy Kurume-style tonkotsu ramen, known for its rich and intensely flavored pork bone broth. Originating in Kurume, this ramen style is considered the foundation of Hakata ramen, offering a deeper, more concentrated broth. He ordered a set meal featuring ramen and a char siu bowl for 950 yen, along with gyoza for 450 yen. His lunch totaled 1,400 yen—equivalent to just under $10.

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番)

Dairyu Ichiban (大龍一番) Official Website

2. Japanese Curry (カレー)

My husband visited Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (カレーハウスCoCo壱番屋) for the first time in over a decade. CoCo Ichibanya, established in 1978, is Japan’s largest curry chain, known for its customizable Japanese-style curry rice. He ordered Chicken Curry with Spinach and Deep-Fried Squid for 1,192 yen—equivalent to about $8.

Curry House Coco Ichibanya (カレーハウスCoCo壱番屋) Official Website

3. Udon Noodle (うどん)

Dairiki Udon (大力うどん)

My husband and my parents-in-law visited Dairiki Udon (大力うどん), a well-loved local udon restaurant in Miyama City, Fukuoka. Famous for its fast service, generous portions, and incredibly affordable prices, Dairiki Udon has earned a loyal following, often drawing long lines during peak hours. The restaurant serves delicious udon noodles quickly, making it a favorite among locals looking for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.

Dairiki Udon (大力うどん)

He was able to visit before the price increase in April 2025. Now, meal prices have risen by 30 to 70 yen, but Dairiki Udon remains an incredibly affordable udon restaurant, offering great value for its quality and service.

Dairiki Udon (大力うどん)

He ordered Ebiten Udon (えび天うどん) for 390 yen—equivalent to about $2.70. Ebiten refers to shrimp tempura, which adds a crispy texture and rich flavor to the warm udon broth.

Dairiki Udon (大力うどん)

My parents-in-law ordered Nikuudon (肉うどん) for 390 yen and added Goboten (ごぼう天) as a topping for 130 yen, bringing the total to 520 yen—equivalent to about $3.50. Goboten is burdock root tempura, known for its crispy texture and earthy flavor, making it a popular addition to udon dishes.

4. Matcha Soft Serve (抹茶ソフトクリーム)

Yame Tourism Bussankan Tokimeki (八女観光物産館ときめき)

Yame Green Tea is a renowned variety produced in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. Yame is particularly famous for its Gyokuro, a high-grade green tea cultivated using traditional shading techniques to enhance its sweetness and umami. While in Japan, my husband enjoyed Yame Matcha soft serve many times.

My husband and my mother-in-law visited Yame Tourism Bussankan Tokimeki (八女観光物産館ときめき) and enjoyed Yame Green Tea soft serve for 350 yen—equivalent to about $2.40. This local specialty shop offers a variety of Yame’s finest products, including tea, sake, and traditional sweets, making it a great stop for those looking to experience the region’s flavors.

Yame Tourism Bussankan Tokimeki (八女観光物産館ときめき)

Yame Tourism Bussankan Tokimeki (八女観光物産館ときめき) on Tabelog

Okuyame Chanohado (奥八女茶の葉堂)

My mother-in-law took my husband to Okuyame Chanohado (奥八女茶の葉堂), a specialty green tea store. Known for its high-quality Yame green tea and traditional sweets, Okuyame Chanohado has been serving locally sourced tea for decades. He enjoyed a matcha soft serve for just 300 yen—equivalent to about $2. They generously offered Yame green tea for free, adding to the experience. He told me it was the best matcha soft serve he had ever tasted.

Okuyame Chanohado (奥八女茶の葉堂) on Tabelog

Hide Burger (秀バーガー) at Michinoeki Tachibana (道の駅たちばな)

My husband and my mother-in-law visited Hide Burger (秀バーガー) at Michinoeki Tachibana (道の駅たちばな) to enjoy Yame Matcha soft serve. Hide Burger, located within Michinoeki Tachibana, is known for its handmade burgers and locally sourced ingredients. It also offers a variety of desserts, including its popular matcha soft serve. Each serving was 400 yen—equivalent to about $2.70.

Hide Burger (秀バーガー) at Michinoeki Tachibana on Tabelog

5. Bento (弁当)

(Hokka Hokka Tei) ほっかほっか亭

My husband purchased Kaisen Tendon (海鮮天丼) for 700 yen at Hokka Hokka Tei (ほっかほっか亭), a well-known bento takeout chain with over 2,000 locations across Japan. Hokka Hokka Tei specializes in freshly made, affordable bento meals, offering a variety of dishes served over rice.

6. Teishoku (定食)

Ryokan Zenya (旅館善屋)

My husband and my mother-in-law visited Ryokan Zenya (旅館善屋) to enjoy Hirayama Onsen (平山温泉), a natural hot spring in Kumamoto Prefecture. Hirayama Onsen is known for its silky, mineral-rich waters, which are said to enhance skin health and relaxation. Ryokan Zenya offers both overnight stays and day-use options, allowing visitors to experience its rejuvenating baths and locally inspired cuisine. After their visit, they went to Gohanya Meguminoeki (ごはん屋恵の駅), a teishoku restaurant located just 12 minutes away by car. Gohanya Meguminoeki serves homestyle teishoku (定食), offering balanced combo meals at an affordable price. They enjoyed a teishoku meal for 700 yen—equivalent to about $4.80.

Gohanya Meguminoeki (ごはん屋恵の駅)

He ordered Karaage Teishoku (からあげ定食), a deep-fried chicken combo meal. This set included crispy karaage, small side dishes, miso soup, and a serving of fluffy white rice, making for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

Gohanya Meguminoeki (ごはん屋恵の駅)

My mother-in-law ordered Aji Fry Teishoku (アジフライ定食), a deep-fried horse mackerel combo. Aji fry is known for its crispy golden coating and tender, flavorful fish, making it a popular teishoku choice in Japan. My husband mentioned that the aji fry were larger than they appeared in the photo, exceeding his expectations.

Gohanya Meguminoeki (ごはん屋恵の駅) on Tabelog

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Thursday, June 19, 2025

Japan Haul: 5 Must-Have Finds from Amazon Japan

Amazon Japan Haul

This spring, my husband traveled to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. It was his first time experiencing spring in Japan since we moved to the U.S. many years ago.

I visited Japan in the spring of 2014 and was completely mesmerized by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. That unforgettable experience inspired me to encourage my husband to visit Japan and enjoy hanami (花見), the beloved tradition of cherry blossom viewing, with his parents.

Since our parents are elderly, we always make it a priority to see them whenever we visit Japan. It made me so happy that my husband and his parents were able to share this beautiful spring together.

While he was in Japan, I ordered some Japanese products from Amazon Japan, and he brought them back to the U.S. for me. Anyway, today, I’m excited to share the items I purchased from Amazon Japan with you!

Spring in 2025

1. Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (ソフィティモディープクレンジングオイル)

Oil Makeup Remover

240 ml for 536 yen

Sotymo Deep Cleansing Oil (ソフィティモディープクレンジングオイル)

As I mentioned in my previous post, "4 Reasons Why I Love KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil," I’m absolutely devoted to the KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil series. Before my husband left for Japan, I realized I was almost out—despite stocking up during my last trip just a year ago.

I couldn't help but think I should have bought more last time! So this time, I made sure to order four bottles from Amazon Japan.

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2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ極潤薬用ハリ乳液)

Nyueki

140 ml for 888 yen

Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ極潤薬用ハリ乳液)

This is my favorite Japanese moisturizer! Beauty experts in Japan often recommend the Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ極潤薬用ハリ乳液) as one of the best "nyueki" (emulsions) available at drugstores. It's packed with niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles while helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Last year, I stocked up on it, but recently, I discovered that Amazon Japan was selling it at an even lower price—so of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to grab more!

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3. Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge (マーナお風呂のスポンジダブル)

Bathroom Scrubbing Sponge

479 yen

Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge (マーナお風呂のスポンジダブル)

I’m a huge fan of Marna products! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know how much I adore them. Marna specializes in high-quality kitchen and bath essentials made in Japan, and their craftsmanship never disappoints.

In a previous entry, I mentioned how much I love the Marna Bathroom Scrub Brush—it's been a game-changer for me! This time, I picked up the Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge on Amazon Japan. It's quite large and makes bathroom cleaning so much easier!

4. Marna Osakana Sponge Long (マーナおさかなスポンジロング)

Dish Washing Sponge

267 yen

Marna Osakana Sponge Long (マーナおさかなスポンジロング)

The Marna Osakana Sponge Long is my favorite kitchen sponge! It’s incredibly durable and makes washing dishes effortless.

I had considered trying the Daskin Kitchen Sponge on Amazon Japan, but in the end, I couldn’t resist choosing my all-time favorite—the Marna Osakana Sponge. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased this one, and I know I’ll keep coming back to it again and again!

5. CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil (セザンヌ超細芯アイブロウペンシル)

Eyebrow Pencil

04 Deep Brown (04 ディープブラウン)

550 yen

CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil (セザンヌ超細芯アイブロウペンシル)

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently tried the CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil for the first time—and I instantly fell in love with it! Its waterproof formula provides long-lasting wear, making it an essential part of my daily makeup routine.

Honestly, I can't imagine my beauty routine without it! So, of course, I had to order another one from Amazon Japan.

If you're searching for the perfect eyebrow pencil, the CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil is definitely worth trying!

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Thursday, June 12, 2025

How to Make a Fresh & Flavorful Tabbouleh Salad at Home

I absolutely love tabbouleh salad—parsley and tomatoes are my favorite vegetables. Whenever I go to my local Trader Joe’s, I make sure to pick up a container. A few months ago, I decided to try making it at home, and I was amazed by how simple it was and how much I loved the flavor. Since then, I’ve been making my own tabbouleh every weekend and enjoying it for the next few days. Today, I want to share how I make this delicious salad.