Simple Japanese Party Foods

Sushi and other simple dishes make delicious Japanese party foods.

Whether you are hosting a traditional tea or an international feast, a Japanese menu might be the perfect blend of natural and fresh ingredients. Japanese foods should be fresh and light, though deep and rich in flavor. Order from a local restaurant or prepare the meal yourself; either way, there is no need to overcomplicate the menu.

Prepared Foods

Go to the international section of your local grocery store. You should find a variety of bags of soy-covered rice crackers. These tart, salty, crunchy snacks work well in bowls around the room at a casual get-together or as an early appetizer as guests trickle in.

Most sushi restaurants have a take-out option. If your guests are adventurous eaters, order a variety of sushi and sashimi rolls. Be sure to ask the cashier or hostess to name each roll for you so you can put a label or card in front of each. Even the bravest guests may feel squeamish about some items. Timid eaters might prefer California or vegetarian rolls.

Homemade

Make a miso soup with mushrooms or tofu chunks. Serve in small individual bowls.

Make kabob-like Japanese skewers. Pound boneless chicken or beef flat, in a plastic bag or between sheets of parchment paper, with a meat tenderizer or cast iron pan. Marinate chicken, beef or shrimp in a soy or teriyaki sauce. Soak bamboo skewers in a bowl of water. Slide the meat onto the skewers and grill.

Boil soy beans or edamame pods, drain and sprinkle with salt. Place the beans in a large bowl. Set an empty bowl next to it, for guests to discard the shell of the bean.

Steam vegetables and serve with a ginger, wasabi or soy sauce.

Always have a bowl of white or brown rice available for guests to eat with their meat and vegetable dishes.

Desserts

You can find ice cream balls covered in mochi, or rice candy, in many conventional and gourmet grocery stores. If you can't find mochi ice cream, serve a green tea ice cream. Make mochi or order it. Serve it in its original form or slice it into thin strips and lay along the top of the green tea ice cream, simulating the structure of sashimi fish over a ball of rice.

Drinks

Purchase Japanese beers, such as Kirin or Sapporo, available at many specialty liquor and beer stores. If your party is an adults-only affair, pass out shots of sake.

All Japanese meals, especially early in the day, should be served with a green or jasmine tea.

References

• Sunset Magazine: Japanese Grill Party
• Canadian Living: Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea Party
• SF Gate: Whip Up Some Japanese Party Mix to start year off right by Linda Furiya