Hi there Reader -- As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to look back on 2025 and share a few highlights of Chef JA Cooks. It was such a busy, delicious year, and I’m so grateful you were part of it. 🍱 My 2025 Highlights Released three new eBooks — Everyday Tofu, Everyday Vegan, and From Japan With Flavor: Natto. Published two physical cookbooks — From Japan With Flavor: Vegetarian and From Japan With Flavor: Natto. Passed the Miso Sommelier certification (more to come in...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- This week, I have two new recipe posts and a new YouTube video to share with you! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Sweet Potato & Lotus Root with Sweet and Sour Sauce Easy Japanese Meal: Curry & Rice Video: Tendon 💬 What Our Readers Are Saying This Week! I learned from you! Love, love making these. I also take them when I go hiking. A little salmon, carbs-good to go! - YouTube Viewer Check this: 16 Must-Try Onigiri Fillings 💌 My Personal Note In Japan, we have a tradition...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- I’ve been cooking lots of cozy dishes lately, and I want to share a few with you today! Chickpeas are one of my favorite beans, and I always keep some stocked in the freezer. This chikpea curry soup is perfect for those moments when you need just one more easy, nourishing dish. I also made a new video about Oden! Oden is a classic winter dish, perfect for cold days. It’s so comforting that I’ve been making it every week! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Easy Chickpea...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- The year is wrapping up fast! I can't believe it’s already December! Hope you’re doing well! I’ve got new posts for you this week, and my top pick is the Japanese-style potato salad, which is super easy and always a hit with the whole family. I’ve also refreshed the homepage with seasonal content, so take a look and get inspired for the season! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Japanese Potato Salad Easy Japanese Meal: Three Cabbage Dishes What’s in Season: Winter...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- Soba noodles are such a classic comfort food, especially on these chilly days. I realized I hadn’t put together a post about the different types of soba noodles, so I finally made one! If you love Japanese soba noodles, I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect one. I also shared a Tamago-don lunch and a Sweet Potato Mushi-pan this week that I hope you’ll enjoy. And one more thing, the holiday sale is here! Don’t miss this opportunity to get your favorite cookbooks! ✨...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- There’s lots of new content this week! November is almost over, and we’re already getting ready for the end of the year. I’ve shared a new New Year’s dish (osechi ryori), plus two cozy soups—sweet potato chowder and carrot soup, which are perfect for the season! And my yaki imo taste-test video is up! If you’re curious about the different sweet potato varieties, don’t miss it! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Celebrating New Year with Osechi Ryori Japanese-style Sweet...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- I’m happy to announce we now have physical copies of From Japan With Flavor: NATTO! The physical version includes all the recipes from the ebook, a matte cover, and coated pages. Dimensions: US Trade (6 x 9 in / 152 x 229 mm) The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat on the counter while you cook. Recipes are always on one spread, so you won’t have to jump between pages. What’s Inside: Over 40 beginner-friendly recipes Introduction to Natto Guide to Making Natto at...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
COOKBOOKS COOKWARE FALL Hi there Reader -- This week is all about yaki imo! 🍠 If you love roasted Japanese sweet potatoes, you’ll enjoy my Yaki Imo Taste Test, a fun comparison of seven popular varieties. Explore how each one differs in terms of sweetness, texture, and flavor. I hope you will like the post! I’ve also shared individual yaki imo recipes and a new Kabocha Gratin video, perfect for cozy fall days. Check them out on the blog and YouTube! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Yaki Imo...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- I’ve shared seven meal plan posts this fall, each filled with cozy, comforting Japanese dishes to enjoy this season. That wraps up the fall series. Thank you so much for following along! Meal Plan: Umami Rice & Cozy Veggie Dishes Meal Plan: Eggplant Two Ways & Hearty Dinners Meal Plan: Japanese Curry & Flavorful Tofu Dishes Meal Plan: Wholesome Fall Flavors Meal Plan: Cozy Japanese Dinners Meal Plan: Warm & Simple Fall Meals Meal Plan: Comforting Japanese Vegan Dinners I’ll...
2 months ago • 1 min read