roasted salmon ochazuke (green tea over rice)

recipes for friends: for evelyn & anyone who really likes tea 🍵🍃

after graduating college, i’ve asked my friends for their favorite flavors, textures, ingredients, & dishes. then i create a recipe inspired by their answers & my favorite memories with them throughout college!

for evelyn: in honor of our matcha dates & love for japanese cuisine <3

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ingredients (serves 2)

roasted salmon

• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp mirin

• 2 fillets of salmon (around 1/2 lb each)

ochazuke

• 2 green tea bags

• 2 cups hot water, for brewing the green tea

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp bonito flakes

• 2 tbsp shredded nori

• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds

• short grain rice, around 3/4 to 1 cup per person

• green onion, thinly sliced

• optional: wasabi, furikake, pickled vegetables & other toppings you like

instructions

make the salmon

• preheat the oven to 400ºF. place the 2 salmon fillets (skin side down) on a parchment-lined baking tray.

• in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mirin, & soy sauce. brush or spoon half of this mixture on top of the salmon (& save the rest for later). bake for 10 minutes, then brush on the remaining soy sauce mixture. bake (or I like to broil) for 3-5 more minutes. set aside to cool slightly.

make the ochazuke

• in a cup or bowl (i use a chawan with a pouring spout), add the tea bags & pour hot water over them to brew your green tea. add soy sauce, give it a quick stir, then set aside to let brew.

• in a small bowl, mix together the bonito flakes, shredded nori, & roasted sesame seeds. set aside.

• place rice in the center of a bowl, then place the roasted salmon on top. add the bonito flake mixture (& other preferred toppings) on top of the rice & salmon, then sprinkle on green onions.

• pour in the brewed green tea & enjoy!