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If you haven’t tried mochi yet, you’re missing out! Mochi is a soft, chewy, delicious Japanese dessert that comes in many different varieties and flavors. It is enjoyed year-round in Japan but especially during the Japanese New Year. Mochi’s Origins The exact origin of mochi is unknown, but it is believed that the basic pounding technique used for making mochi originated from China and was eventually passed to Japan. Archaeologists have found steaming tools similar to those u

The word “superfood” is a popular buzzword, but seaweed is one superfood that doesn’t get the credit it deserves! Seaweed has been an important part of diets in Japan, Korea and China since prehistoric times, and still is to this day. Edible seaweed comes in a multitude of varieties, most of which are high in fiber and low in calories and fat, while also containing a rich supply of antioxidants, nutrients and minerals. Popular Types of Edible Seaweed There are many varieties

If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you’ve probably had a bento box before. The bento box might just seem like a trendy Japanese meal presented in an aesthetically pleasing box, but bento boxes have been a staple of Japanese culinary history for centuries -- about 8 centuries, in fact! Read on to learn all about when, how and why the bento came to be the uber popular meal-in-a-box it is today – with Sushi Shack, your friendly Japanese foodie and purveyor here in Plano, TX. Bent

Quick answer: Sushi is any dish made with vinegared rice, with or without raw fish. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice. Nigiri is a type of sushi: a hand-pressed mound of rice topped with a slice of fish. So nigiri is sushi, but sashimi isn't. Are you new to sushi? If you are, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of new sushi-related Japanese terms and words. But not to worry – everyone starts somewhere! Let’s start with three of the most b

Who doesn’t love tempura? Tempura is forever a favorite among our customers here at Sushi Shack in Plano, TX – and for good reason! Golden fried with the perfect amount of crunch, yet still delightfully light and airy, tempura is oh-so-satisfying and absolutely delicious. Want to learn more about this fan-favorite Japanese dish? Check out these 10 fun facts about tempura! 1. Classic tempura batter consists of only three simple ingredients: cake flour, eggs, and cold water. 2.

Are you eating sushi the wrong way? Though the “right way” should just be how you enjoy it best, there are several traditional sushi etiquette rules that you should follow if you visit a sushi restaurant in Japan. And though sushi in America has evolved quite a bit from original Japanese sushi, we’re of the opinion that sticking to a few of the below sushi etiquette tips will enhance your sushi experience here at Sushi Shack in Plano, TX! Tips for Sushi Etiquette & Enjoyment:

Quick answer: Sushi began in Southeast Asia as a way to preserve fish in fermented rice, then spread to China and Japan. In Japan it changed over the centuries until vinegar replaced fermentation, and in the 1800s street stalls in Edo (now Tokyo) began selling nigiri, the fast, fresh style most people think of as sushi today. Sushi is hugely popular around the world today, and is usually associated with modern fine dining. Yet sushi’s earliest, extremely humble origins might

Sushi may well be Japan's best-known and best-loved food import globally, but very popular in Japan yet underrated elsewhere is tofu! Of course, tofu is not solely a Japanese food and is found in most Asian cuisines, but it is a very versatile and essential ingredient in households and restaurants in Japan. Tofu is popular year-round, but is thought to be the best in the winter months as the soybean harvesting season comes to an end. As it is made primarily from soybeans, tof

With temperatures starting to dip, a soothing bowl of miso soup is truly a delight. Miso is also packed with nutrients, and is a staple food seasoning in Japan with over a thousand years of history! What Is Miso? So what exactly is miso? Miso is a fermented soybean paste, and its basic ingredients are a mixture of: soybeans, the fungus koji, salt, and grains (typically rice or barley). There are over 1,000 different miso producers in Japan, with wide regional differences in t