Zukkiini no shami-itameni / braized zucchini with dried shrimp

Very aromatic and flavorful, shami dried shrimp instantly transform a simple saute. Soaking shami in water ahead of time as below ensures that zucchini is softly and thoroughly seasoned. If you don't have time to soak or want to enjoy the contrast between tender zucchini and crunchy shami, they can simply be chopped and sauteed. The dish is equally tasty either way. Great with plain steamed rice, and can be served as one of starter dishes with drinks.

1/2 of recipe:
34 calories; 3.7 g protein; 1.2 g fat; 2.7 g carbohydrate; 1.6 g net carbs; 132 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce); 24 mg cholesterol; 1.1 g fiber

Hijiki no itameni / braised hijiki seaweed

A nice side dish to keep in the fridge for everyday meals and bento. The strong flavor makes it a great companion for steamed rice. Our favorite!

Whole recipe (382 g):
186 calories; 8.9 g protein; 9.1 g fat; 9.6 g carbohydrate; 8.4 g net carbs; 859 mg sodium (with reduced-sodium soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 11.2 g fiber

1 serving (45 g; photo above):
26 calories; 1.2 g protein; 1.3 g fat; 2.7 g carbohydrate; 1.2 g net carbs; 118 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.5 g fiber

Kabu to usuage no nimono (genen) / Japanese turnip and thin deep-fried tofu in broth (reduced-sodium version)

Among many variations of nibitashi or nimono simmered dishes, this is one of my favorite combinations. While I continue to use usukuchi soy sauce with its pale color and higher sodium content than regular soy sauce, I cut the amount by more than half. Also reduced is the amount of dashi, sake and mirin, and I add a small amount of rice vinegar to the broth. Kabu leaves are removed from the pot after sauteing to keep their green color, but cooking them in broth actually results in a deeper, more satisfying taste (see Notes).

99 calories (1/2 of recipe); 3.5 g protein; 5.5 g fat; 8.2 g carbohydrate; 6.1 g net carbs; 204 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol; 2.1 g fiber

Konnyaku to daizu no pirikarani / mildly spicy braised konnyaku yam cake and soybeans

The humble pair of soybeans and konnyaku get together for a simple, refined dish. The two ingredients are simmered with minimal seasonings, cooled, cooked again, cooled again, and reheated. The repetition allows both soybeans and konnyaku to absorb full flavoring without being taken over, which is a basic and proven technique for many nimono simmered dishes. Adapted from Tataki Konnyaku to Daizu no Nimono by Takashi Tamura, the owner chef of Tsukiji Tamura in Tokyo.

1/2 of recipe:
138 calories; 10.5 g protein; 6.0 g fat; 9.6 g carbohydrate; 4.0 g net carbs; 86 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; approx. 203-220 mg with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 5.6 g fiber

Ninjin to enoki no pirikara itameni / braised spicy carrot and enoki mushrooms

This kinpira-style spicy side dish with the clear taste of soy sauce and a sweet underlying note is an everyday favorite. Cooked enoki become a bit creamy, providing a nice contrast to the texture of carrot spears. Quick and easy, this is a great small addition at your table or in the lunch box.

1/2 of recipe:
52 calories; 1.3 g protein; 1.2 g fat; 8.7 g carbohydrate; 6.3 g net carbs; 98 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; 177 mg with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 2.4 g fiber

Shiifuudo to daizu moyashi no kankoku mushi / haemul jjim / steamed seafood and soybean sprouts Korean style

This is a seafood dish, but with lots and lots and LOTS of soybean sprouts! Despite the red look, it is quite mild. Enjoy this medley of seafood and soybean sprouts together with distinctive greens in season! 

1/4 of recipe:
206 calories; 27.0 g protein; 3.6 g fat; 14.3 g carbohydrate; 6.4 g net carbs; 363 mg sodium (when using shoyukoji made with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce); 172 mg cholesterol; 7.9 g fiber

Petoraaru karei no kankoku-fu pirikara-ni / braised petrale sole in mildly spicy sauce, Korean style

An easy and tasty fish dish with a Korean twist. Tastes good with plain rice or drinks.

1/2 of recipe:
226 calories; 26.4 g protein; 5.1 g fat; 12.0 g carbohydrate; 11.5 g net carbs; 340 mg sodium (when using shoyukoji made with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce); 62 mg cholesterol; 0.5 g fiber

Fuki to gyuniku no Kankoku-fu nimono / braised Japanese butterbur and beef, Korean style

A small amount garlic and sesame seeds in the beef marinade add a Korean touch to this common pairing of fuki Japanese butterbur and beef. Serrano pepper becomes quite mild after simmering, so use more if you prefer something spicy. Adapted from "Bejikorian [Veggie-Korean]" by Jeon Kyonghwa.

1/2 of recipe:
141 calories; 12.2 g protein; 6.7 g fat; 5.9 g carbohydrate; 4.7 g net carbs; 196 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce & shoyukoji made with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce, 354 mg with regular soy sauce and shoyukoji made with regular soy sauce); 35 mg cholesterol; 1.2 g fiber

Iridori / chikuzen-ni / braised chicken with root vegetables

A classic chicken and root vegetable dish. The softly sweet and salty taste makes it a great companion for plain rice and drinks. It is also a popular osechi dish for the New Year, and is great for bento and picnics.

1/2 of recipe:
213 calories; 12.8 g protein; 11.0 g fat; 14.7 g carbohydrate; 10.8 g net carbs; 243 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce & shoyukoji made with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce, 429 mg with regular soy sauce and shoyukoji made with regular soy sauce); 62 mg cholesterol; 3.9 g fiber

Sake to hijiki no itameni / salmon saute with hijiki seaweed

A rich dish that combines the deep flavors of salmon and hijiki. A small amount is very satisfying due to the strong flavoring and sauteed salmon. Great with rice and drinks. Also makes a delicious bento item.

1/3 of recipe:
134 calories; 15.3 g protein; 4.0 g fat; 5.6 g carbohydrate; 4.9 g net carbs; 208 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; 284 mg with regular soy sauce); 37 mg cholesterol; 0.7 g fiber