Okazu facts for kids
Okazu (おかず or お数; お菜; 御菜) is a Japanese word. It means a side dish that goes with rice. Think of it as the extra foods you eat alongside your main rice bowl.
Okazu dishes are cooked and seasoned to taste great with rice. They are often made from fish, meat, vegetables, or tofu. Almost any food eaten with rice can be called okazu. However, it is different from furikake. Furikake is a topping that adds flavor directly to the rice itself. Okazu is a separate dish eaten next to the rice. In modern Japanese cuisine, okazu can also be eaten with noodles instead of rice.
What is Okazu?
Okazu are important parts of a Japanese meal. They add different flavors, textures, and nutrients. They help make a meal balanced and interesting. Imagine a meal with just plain rice; okazu adds the delicious variety!
Common Types of Okazu
Okazu can be many different kinds of dishes. Some common examples include:
- Grilled fish: Like a piece of grilled salmon or mackerel.
- Simmered vegetables: Vegetables cooked slowly in a flavorful broth.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
- Pickles: Small portions of pickled vegetables that add a tangy taste.
- Tofu dishes: Tofu prepared in various ways, like fried or simmered.
These dishes are usually served in smaller portions next to the main bowl of rice. They are meant to be eaten bit by bit with each spoonful of rice.
Okazu in Japanese Meals
In Japan, meals often focus on rice as the main part. Okazu dishes are there to complement the rice. They provide the protein, vegetables, and other flavors needed for a complete meal. This way of eating creates a balanced and healthy diet. It also allows for many different tastes in one meal.
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