Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking

This book offers a glimpse into the simplicity of Japanese home cooking, showcasing easy, nourishing meals for everyday life. Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking is a delightful guide.

Practically any home-cooked Japanese meal revolves around rice. It is a staple that accompanies miso soup, pickles, tofu, and grilled fish at breakfast. Whether it soaks up the comforting sauce in a donburi bowl or is wrapped in nori for a portable onigiri lunch, rice plays a crucial role in daily meals. At dinner, it pairs with a pickled plum, mild Japanese curry, braised fish, or even a Japanese-style Hamburg steak.

The meals that Emiko Davies shares in Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking reflect her childhood experiences, filled with the comforting flavors of home. These are the dishes she prepares for her own children—simple yet satisfying recipes like tamagonogohan (stir-fried egg and rice), soba noodle soup, yakisoba, and miso soup made with seasonal vegetables. Each dish is a testament to the nourishing and heartfelt nature of Japanese home cooking.

Many may assume that Japanese cooking is complicated, but Emiko emphasizes that it is quick and remarkably simple. The philosophy behind these meals is that fresh, seasonal ingredients shine on their own without the need for elaborate preparation. In Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking, Emiko invites readers to embrace the joy of everyday meals that are quick, easy, and made with love.