The Perfect Complement: Togarashi Shichimi and Sake
The distinctive flavor and beneficial properties of the Togarashi Shichimi spice blend have made it a favorite in Japan. When translated literally, “togarashi” means “chili pepper” in Japanese, while “shichimi” means “seven flavors.” Red chili pepper, black pepper, sesame seeds, dried orange peel, ginger, Sichuan pepper, and nori seaweed are the customary seven spices used in this mixture. Noodles, rice, soups, and grilled meats all benefit from the addition of the fiery and flavorful Togarashi Shichimi spice. It is used in cooking, but it also has medicinal benefits and is thought to improve digestion and circulation.
Where Does Togarashi Shichimi Come From?
( Togarashi Shichimi Blend In USA ) has roots in the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japanese history. The Yagenbori herbal medicine business in Tokyo is credited with inventing the mixture. Its purported benefits include facilitating digestion and fortifying the immune system. The spice mix gained in popularity as it was utilized by street food vendors to enhance the flavor and heat of their foods, especially soba noodles. These days, you can find Togarashi Shichimi in practically any Japanese restaurant or home kitchen.
Just what is Sake?
Sake is a rice-based alcoholic beverage popular in Japan. Rice wine is a type of alcoholic beverage that is made in a manner similar to that of beer. Sake is made from rice that has been polished to remove the outer layer, steamed, and then blended with water, yeast, and koji mold. After letting the combination ferment, the liquid is filtered and pasteurized. Sake’s flavor and scent might change based on the ingredients used in its manufacturing, including the rice, water, yeast, and other additives. It goes nicely with Japanese fare and can be served either iced or warmed.
Togarashi Shichimi Spice: Suiting Sake Varieties
It’s vital to think about the sake’s flavor and the spice’s intensity when matching the two. In most cases, the heat of the spice can be mitigated by pairing it with a full-bodied, dry sake. Togarashi Shichimi pairs well with Junmai, Honjozo, and Ginjo sakes. Those who like a sweeter flavor may also enjoy Nigori sake. Highly aromatic sakes, such as Daiginjo, are better avoided because they can mask the spice’s flavor.
Togarashi Shichimi Spice Flavor Characteristics
Heat, citrus, and earthy undertones come together in a truly distinctive way in Togarashi Shichimi spice. Red chili pepper, which imparts heat, is frequently used with other spices including black pepper, sesame seeds, dried orange peel, ginger, Sichuan pepper, and nori seaweed. Dried orange peel provides the tang, while earthy tones come from sesame seeds and Sichuan pepper. Togarashi Shichimi spice is widely used in Japanese cooking because of its rich and well-balanced flavor, which can be used to enhance a wide variety of meals.
Sake’s flavor profile is subtle and complex, changing with the ingredients used to make it (rice, water, yeast, etc.). Sake’s flavor profile ranges from light and fruity to full-bodied and deep, but it always features a mellow sweetness and umami. Sake’s scent can range from earthy or rice-forward to floral or fruity, depending on the variety. Togarashi Shichimi is best enjoyed with a robust, flavorful sake that can withstand the fire of the spice while enhancing its citrus and earthy undertones.
What Togarashi Shichimi Spice Goes Best With Sake
Togarashi Shichimi spice is best paired with sake if you take the time to think about how each ingredient will affect the other. Junmai or Honjozo, two dry, full-bodied sakes, can tame the spice’s fire. On the other hand, the sweetness of Nigori sake pairs well with the spiciness of the spice. Mixing spices like Togarashi Shichimi can be tricky, so start with a tiny quantity and add more to taste. It’s also important to think about the food’s texture and weight when choosing a sake to complement it; delicate foods go well with delicate sakes, while hearty meals call for robust bottles.
Togarashi Shichimi with Sake Recipes
Japanese cuisine benefits greatly from the usage of Togarashi Shichimi spice with sake. Togarashi Shichimi spice and cold sake, for instance, are excellent complements to soba noodle meals. To add a new dimension of taste to grilled meats like yakitori or teriyaki, marinade them in sake and season them with Togarashi Shichimi spice. For a meatless meal, try seasoning stir-fried veggies or roasted sweet potatoes with Togarashi Shichimi. Japanese breakfast is complete with rice, miso soup, pickled veggies, sake, and Togarashi Shichimi spice.
Alternatives to Togarashi Shichimi and Sake-Based Dishes
Grilled fish, udon noodles, and tempura all taste great with a splash of sake and a sprinkle of Togarashi Shichimi. Soups, stews, and marinades can all benefit from the spice blend’s robust flavor and subtle heat. You may add a non-Japanese edge to popcorn, roasted nuts, or avocado toast by dusting them with Togarashi Shichimi spice. Sushi, sashimi, and grilled meats are just few of the meals that go well with sake. Sake can also be used in the kitchen as a flavor enhancer for dishes like marinades and sauces.
“S-B Spices” Seasoning with Togarashi Shichimi
Togarashi Shichimi Fresh Spice from S-B Spices is well regarded for its distinctive flavor profiles and premium grade blends. To bring out their full taste, the chefs at S-B Spices use a time-honored method that involves meticulously choosing and roasting each ingredient. Six different spices, including red chili pepper, black and white sesame seeds, dried orange peel, ginger, and nori, make up their Togarashi Shichimi blend. You can use this zesty, spicy combination in a wide variety of meals. The Togarashi Shichimi spice made by S-B Spices can be found in many grocery and gourmet food stores. Read More Articles!
