Hokkaido Ebi Miso Yaki
Hokkaido Ebi Miso Yaki, beloved for its rich flavors and cultural significance, hails from the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido. Known for its fresh seafood and dairy, Hokkaido offers a culinary experience that blends tradition with natural bounty. The dish—grilled prawns basted with miso—is a brilliant reflection of the island’s dedication to simplicity and taste. It combines the briny sweetness of prawns with the umami depth of miso, a paste made from fermented soybeans.
Ingredients
- Prawns – 12 large, shell-on
- Miso – 5 tablespoons
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Sake – 2 tablespoons
- Mirin – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon, finely grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Spring onions – 2, finely chopped
- Seaweed flakes – 1 teaspoon
Preparation
Step 1: Marinating the Prawns
Start by cleaning the prawns. De-vein them while keeping their shells on to preserve their moisture and flavor during grilling. Prepare the marinade by combining miso, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a bowl. Add ginger and garlic, then whisk until smooth.
Submerge the prawns in the marinade and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Preparing to Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Ensure it is well-oiled to prevent the prawns from sticking. Meanwhile, remove the marinated prawns from the fridge and bring them to room temperature.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Grilling the Prawns
Once the grill is ready, place the marinated prawns onto it. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes depending on their size, until they are pink and slightly charred. Monitor the temperature and use a cooking timer to ensure precision. The aroma of caramelized miso should start to permeate the air, providing a hint of what’s to come.
Step 4: Garnishing
As soon as the prawns are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and plate them. Garnish with finely chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of seaweed flakes to enhance the umami profile.
How to Enjoy
The best way to enjoy Hokkaido Ebi Miso Yaki is with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a chilled glass of sake or green tea, which complements the savory miso glaze.
To savor the full flavors, gently peel the shell of each prawn and enjoy the seasoned meat. Appreciate the contrast between the sweet, succulent flesh and the deep umami sauce that coats it. Whether serving it at a dinner party or making it part of a quiet evening meal, Hokkaido Ebi Miso Yaki brings a taste of Japan’s northernmost culinary treasures to your table.