Sonoko Sakai
Author of Wafu Cooking
Sonoko Sakai was born in New York to Japanese parents, and she grew up in San Francisco, Kamakura, Mexico City, and Tokyo. She is the author of Japanese Home Cooking, Rice Craft, and The Poetical Pursuit of Food. She has worked as a recipe developer, producer, creative director, cooking teacher, and lecturer. She is also a grain activist. Sonoko lives in Los Angeles and Tehachapi, California, with her sculptor husband, Katsuhisa Sakai.
Mentaiko Spaghetti
In this wafu pasta recipe from author Sonoko Sakai, the only cooking involved is boiling spaghetti.
Maple Tamagoyaki
From author Sonoko Sakai, this Japanese omelet is distinguished by its fluffy layers, with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup.
Ultimate Vegan Ramen
Umami broth, springy noodles, crisp vegetables, chewy tofu—it doesn’t get better than this.
Homemade Ramen Noodles
Take your next bowl above and beyond by making the noodles from scratch.
Chawanmushi With Clams and Shiitake Mushrooms
Chawanmushi, a Japanese savory, soupy custard, makes a wonderful first course, served either hot or cold.
Ochazuke (Rice Tea Soup)
Ochazuke (Japanese green tea over rice) is a soup is made with fresh or leftover rice in your rice bowl and green tea; add toppings to make it a full meal.
Ozoni (New Year’s Good Luck Soup)
Ozoni is the first soup of the New Year that Japanese people sip for good luck and good fortune.
Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese 7-Spice Blend)
Shichimi togarashi is a seven-spice blend that can season soups, noodles, grilled foods, rice, or salads.
Chicken Yakitori
Yakitori means “grilled chicken,” but you can also add seasonal vegetables and boiled quail eggs to skewers for grilling.
Amazuzuke (Quick Vinegar Pickles)
I serve these pickles like a salad as a side with ramen noodles, gyoza (fried dumplings), or shumai (steamed dumplings), or with a sandwich.
Okonomiyaki With Bonito Flakes
These savory Japanese pancakes are stuffed with shredded cabbage, red pepper, and your choice of meat or seafood. Top with crumbled seaweed, bonito flakes, and mayo for the full experience.