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...
4 days ago • 1 min read
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...
9 days ago • 1 min read
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...
11 days ago • 1 min read
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...
16 days ago • 1 min read
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...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- This Winter 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. Every Sunday, 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...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- How’s your New Year going so far? I’m excited to share lots of healthy and delicious recipes and ideas with you this year! During the year-end break, I spent some time writing new articles, especially about miso. That’s because I recently took the Miso Sommelier exam and passed! 🎉 I shared a little more about it in my Personal Note below. I’ve published quite a few miso-related articles, so instead of sharing everything at once, today I’ll start with just one, and I also...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Hi there Reader -- As we get ready to say goodbye to 2025, I wanted to share my favorite Japanese year-end traditions: Toshikoshi Soba. It’s a simple, cozy bowl of soba noodles enjoyed on New Year’s Eve. Toshikoshi means “crossing over” from one year to the next. The long noodles symbolize a long, healthy life, and the warm broth is such a peaceful, comforting way to end the year. Our Toshikoshi Soba for 2025! Make Toshikoshi Soba Wishing You a Happy New Year Thank you so much for cooking...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
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...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read