Chikuwa and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Bonito Flakes

Name: Chikuwa and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Bonito Flakes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 Green bell pepper; 3 Chikuwa; 3g Dried bonito flakes; 2 tsp Soy sauce; 2 tsp Sake; 1 tsp Honey; 0.5 tbsp Sesame oil; 1 tbsp White sesame seeds

Original video byYukari's Kitchen

"This quick and easy chikuwa and bell pepper stir-fry is perfect for a simple side dish or a bento box addition. The dish offers a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying choice."

Side DishCook: 5 min2 servings

🥬Ingredients

Green bell pepper4
Chikuwa3
Can substitute with other Japanese fishcakes but the flavor will be different.
Dried bonito flakes3g
Soy sauce2 tsp
Sake2 tsp
Use seishu (regular sake for drinking), not cooking sake.
Honey1 tsp
Can substitute with 1/2 tbsp sugar.
Sesame oil0.5 tbsp
Can substitute with salad oil or rice oil.
White sesame seeds1 tbsp

📝Instructions

Wash the bell peppers and wipe off any excess moisture.

Remove the stem by pushing it in with your thumb.

Cut the bell pepper in half and remove the seeds.

Remove the white pith to reduce bitterness, if desired.

Slice the bell peppers lengthwise along the grain into approximately 5mm to 7mm wide strips. Cutting along the grain helps to minimize bitterness.

💡

CHEF'S WISDOM

Cutting along the grain preserves the cell structure of the bell pepper, preventing release of compounds that contribute to bitterness.

Cut the chikuwa into 1cm thick rings. You can also cut them diagonally if you prefer.

Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat for about 20 seconds, swirling to coat the pan.

Add the bell peppers and sake to the pan, and stir-fry for about 1 minute.

💡

CHEF'S WISDOM

The sake helps to deglaze the pan and adds a subtle sweetness and aroma to the bell peppers.

Add the chikuwa and continue stir-frying until the bell peppers soften slightly, about 2 minutes.

Add the honey and mix well to coat all the ingredients. Adding the sweetener first helps to fully infuse the flavors.

Add the bonito flakes and white sesame seeds, and mix to combine.

Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir-fry quickly.

⚠️

Caution

Be careful not to burn the soy sauce; it should only be stir-fried briefly.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!