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Chef JA Cooks

At Chef JA Cooks, you’ll discover easy and healthy Japanese recipes, mostly vegetarian, that are simple to recreate at home. The dishes emphasize minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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🗓️ Weekly Meal Plan: Cozy Japanese Winter Dinner Meal Plan

Hi there Reader -- This Weekly Meal Plan is here to help you decide what to cook on busy days. I know how tiring it can feel to think about what to eat every day, so you can leave that part to me. Each week, you’ll receive a simple 5-day meal plan to help you plan ahead, along with a handy shopping list to make grocery shopping easier. If five days feels like too much, you can start with just one day or a couple each week, whatever works best for you. ✨ This Week's Meal Plan This week is for...

Hi there Reader -- Today, I’m sharing a vegetarian sukiyaki recipe! While sukiyaki is traditionally made with meat, a meatless version can be just as delicious. With plenty of vegetables and tofu, it’s light, satisfying, and full of flavor. I also just published a new video about our everyday breakfast, a real-life meal from our kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy them and find some inspiration. ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Vegetarian Sukiyaki Our Everyday Breakfast (YouTube Video) 💬 What Our...

Hi there Reader -- This Weekly Meal Plan is here to help you decide what to cook on busy days. I know how tiring it can feel to think about what to eat every day, so you can leave that part to me. Each week, you’ll receive a simple 5-day meal plan to help you plan ahead, along with a handy shopping list to make grocery shopping easier. If five days feels like too much, you can start with just one day or a couple each week, whatever works best for you. ✨ This Week's Meal Plan This week is all...

Hi there Reader -- Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite topics: miso. Miso is a super seasoning in Japanese cooking, and I’d love for you to feel comfortable using it at home! First, I cover a very common question: White miso vs. red miso. Once you understand the flavor and best uses of each, choosing miso becomes much easier. I also made a video on the basics of miso soup. I’ve summarized the core ideas so you won’t hesitate to make your own miso soup at home. ✨ What’s New on the Blog &...

Hi there Reader -- This Weekly Meal Plan is here to help you decide what to cook on busy days. I know how tiring it can feel to think about what to eat every day, so you can leave that part to me. Each week, you’ll receive a simple 5-day meal plan to help you plan ahead, along with a handy shopping list to make grocery shopping easier. If five days feels like too much, you can start with just one day or a couple each week, whatever works best for you. ✨ This Week's Meal Plan This week brings...

Hi there Reader -- Do you use canned fish in your cooking? In Japan, surrounded by the sea, we have a wide variety of canned fish, and canned mackerel is one of the most popular. It’s easy to use, convenient, and packed with nutrients, so I always keep it in my pantry. Looking for a simple, protein-packed onigiri?Check out this Saba Onigiri 🍙🐟 ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Saba Onigiri (Canned Mackerel) Simple Udon Noodle Soup (YouTube Video) 💬 What Our Readers Are Saying This Week! I...

Hi there Reader -- This Weekly Meal Plan is here to help you decide what to cook on busy days. I know how tiring it can feel to think about what to eat every day, so you can leave that part to me. Each week, you’ll receive a simple 5-day meal plan to help you plan ahead, along with a handy shopping list to make grocery shopping easier. If five days feels like too much, you can start with just one day or a couple each week, whatever works best for you. ✨ This Week's Meal Plan This week...

Hi there Reader -- Today, I’m sharing Onigiri 101: A Beginner’s Guide. I’ve shared a lot about onigiri before, but this time I wanted to create a clear, beginner-friendly guide that brings everything together. If you’re looking to try something new, onigiri are a great place to start. And if you already make them, I hope this guide works as a helpful refresher. And just for fun, I also posted about some Ichigo (strawberry) Snacks I tried. Take a look if you’re interested! ✨ What’s New on the...

Hi there Reader -- This Weekly Meal Plan is here to help you decide what to cook on busy days. I know how tiring it can feel to think about what to eat every day, so you can leave that part to me. Each week, you’ll receive a simple 5-day meal plan to help you plan ahead, along with a handy shopping list to make grocery shopping easier. If five days feels like too much, you can start with just one day or a couple each week, whatever works best for you. ✨ This Week's Meal Plan This week focuses...

Hi there Reader -- Today I’m sharing Rice Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with leftover rice. It’s easier than regular okonomiyaki (made with flour and cabbage), really satisfying, and something kids love too. If you have leftover rice, this is a simple and delicious way to turn it into a real meal. I hope you give it a try! ✨ What’s New on the Blog & YouTube Rice Okonomiyaki Rice Okonomiyaki: Don't Waste Leftover Rice! YouTube video) 💬 What Our Readers Are Saying This Week! Love your...