Sake

Oryza sativa (for rice) Beverage/Condiment

Sake Beverage/Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Beverage/Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the bottle: Discover sake's sophisticated role in both Japanese cuisine and refined drinking culture."

Definition

A Japanese alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. It ranges from dry to sweet.

Alcohol Content Typically 15-20% ABV, similar to wine
Culinary Usage Used as a marinade, tenderizer, and flavor enhancer
Primary Ingredient Specialized 'sake rice' (sakamai) and pure water

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sake are:

Umami sweet dry fruity earthy alcoholic

Chef’s Secret

Use a good quality sake (not cooking sake) for marinades or glazes where its flavor will shine, as lower quality can have off-notes.

Best Substitutes

Dry Sherry

for cooking, flavor differs
Ratio 1:1

Mirin

sweeter, use less and add water, ratio 0. Mirin + 0. water
Ratio 5:1

Buying Guide

For cooking, 'cooking sake' is fine. For drinking, explore different grades (junmai, ginjo, daiginjo).

Recipes Using Sake

Healthy Preparation Cuisine Number Of Servings

Anna's Tuna Soboro Quick And Easy

Discover the magic of Tuna Soboro, a savory-sweet Japanese condiment! This quick and easy recipe (originally from Anna at WordPress) delivers a versatile dish ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect as a rice topping, onigiri filling, or stirred into veggies and eggs, this tuna soboro is a flavor explosion. Make a big batch – it keeps for a week in the fridge and freezes beautifully for those busy nights! Explore the endless possibilities of this Japanese culinary gem – a delicious and convenient addition to your meal repertoire.

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15 Minutes Or Less Occasion Brunch Time To Make

Benihana Cherry Blossoms

Recreate the magic of Benihana with this easy copycat recipe for their famous Cherry Blossom cocktail! A refreshing and vibrant drink, perfect for a special occasion or a fun night in. This simple recipe delivers the same delicious taste you love from the restaurant, in just minutes!

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Occasion Course Time To Make Low In Something

Benihana Teriyaki Steak Chicken

Sizzle into Benihana heaven with this copycat recipe! Recreate the restaurant's famous teriyaki steak and chicken at home in under 30 minutes. This vibrant dish features tender, perfectly seared meat glazed with a rich and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Easy Taste Mood Sweet Equipment

Beef Teriyaki Marinade Tenderizer

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender beef with our incredible Teriyaki Marinade! This recipe will transform your favorite cut into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece in just 24 hours. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties, prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

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Dietary Deep Fry Cuisine Comfort Food

Agedashi Dofu

Experience the delightful crunch of perfectly deep-fried tofu in a warm, savory dashi broth infused with soy sauce and the subtle zest of ginger. This authentic Japanese Agedashi Tofu recipe is easier to make than you think! Impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish, a perfect appetizer or light meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Vegetables Green Yellow Beans Healthy 60 Minutes Or Less

Amber's Japan Style Tofu Meal

A quick and healthy weeknight meal inspired by recipe #171417! This vibrant Japan-style tofu dish is packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious supper in under 40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights! Get ready for a taste of Japan in your own kitchen!

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Low In Something Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less Low Carb

Bento Chicken Teriyaki

Craving a delicious and satisfying lunch? This single-serving Bento Chicken Teriyaki recipe, adapted from Naomi Kijima's bento box cookbook, is perfect! Enjoy tender, glazed chicken with a vibrant teriyaki sauce, ready to be packed into your bento box alongside fluffy rice and your favorite veggies (maybe some Japanese pickles?). While it's not a quick recipe (marinating time is included in the cook time), the wait is worth it! Start marinating the chicken, then cook your rice, and prep your sides—it's a simple process that yields incredible flavor.

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3 Steps Or Less Course Appetizers Chicken

Asian Chicken Nuggets

Craving the crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets you loved at that Chinese buffet? This recipe recreates the magic, using a light and flavorful batter with a hint of ginger and green onion. These incredibly versatile nuggets are perfect as appetizers, a main course addition, or a satisfying snack. The secret? A vibrant Asian-inspired marinade and a surprisingly light batter made with cornflour and egg whites for a satisfying crunch without the heaviness. Serve them with rice, atop steaming noodles, or enjoy them on their own! Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Copycat Comfort Food Time To Make Low Saturated Fat

Benihana Vegetable Mix Saute

Recreate the magic of Benihana's iconic vegetable mix at home! This sizzling stir-fry boasts a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables expertly tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this a weeknight winner.

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Preparation Low In Something Low Saturated Fat Time To Make

Andrew Weil's Shiitake Teriyaki

Experience the umami explosion of Andrew Weil's Shiitake Teriyaki! This recipe, adapted from Paul Stamets' "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms," delivers tender, savory shiitake mushrooms glazed to perfection in a rich teriyaki sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal or elegant appetizer, this dish is perfect for mushroom lovers and health-conscious cooks alike. Get ready to savor the earthy delight!

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Dinner Party Beef Finger Food Main Ingredient

Beef Fillet Crostini Asian Style

Indulge in this elegant and flavorful Beef Fillet Crostini, inspired by a memorable cooking class! This sophisticated appetizer features perfectly seared beef fillet, a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce, and crispy toasted baguette slices. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – it's all about creating a symphony of delicious flavors. Prepare to impress your guests with this show-stopping recipe, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a simply delicious weeknight treat.

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Carrots Sandwiches

Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches Bnh Mi

Experience the taste of Vietnam with this incredible Banh Mi recipe! These homemade sandwiches rival the best from any Vietnamese shop. Using sourdough bread adds a delightful tang, and leftover Asian-flavored meats are perfectly welcome. Create a flavorful masterpiece with quick-pickled veggies and perfectly grilled protein. Get ready for an explosion of fresh herbs, crunchy textures, and savory deliciousness in every bite!

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Beans Taste Mood Dietary Preparation

10 Min Japanese Simmered Tofu Hot Pot

Cozy up with this incredibly quick and flavorful Japanese tofu hot pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this recipe skips the traditional dashi broth for a simplified yet authentic taste. Enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade Japanese food in just 10 minutes! Ideal for fall and winter.

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Vegetarian Salads Salad Dressings Course

Amakara Japanese Ginger Dressing

Experience the vibrant flavors of Japan with this incredibly fresh and easy ginger dressing! Inspired by a favorite Japanese restaurant, this recipe takes only 5 minutes to whip up. Perfect for drizzling over salads, noodles, or even grilled fish, the zesty ginger and subtle sweetness will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready for an umami explosion!

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Number Of Servings Asian Healthy 2 30 Minutes Or Less

Baby Bok Choy And Mushroom Stir Fry

This vibrant and healthy Baby Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a weeknight dinner winner! Light, low-calorie, and low-GI, this recipe is packed with flavor. Discover the amazing variety of mushrooms at your local Asian market – you'll find incredible options at unbeatable prices. This gluten-free recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. For more gluten-free recipes, visit our blog: www.Innerharmonynutrition.com #stirfry #bokchoy #mushrooms #glutenfree #healthyrecipe #asianfood #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner

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Preparation Dietary Meat Main Ingredient

Asian Chicken Over Noodles

Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a savory soy-based broth, then served over delicate cellophane noodles with crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts. This Cooking Light-inspired recipe is bursting with Asian flavors and is surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Vegan Number Of Servings Easy Stir Fry

Baby Bok Choy In The Wok

This lightning-fast recipe transforms tender baby bok choy into a vibrant and delicious stir-fry in just minutes! Customize the savory umami punch by adjusting the sake and soy sauce mixture – equal parts create a perfect balance. For an extra burst of sesame flavor, add sesame oil at the very end. Discover the secret to perfectly crisp-tender bok choy with our simple technique – slightly undercooking is key! A weeknight winner that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying.

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Easy Easy Main Dish Time To Make

Beef Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Beef Teriyaki Shish Kabobs! Marinated in a savory teriyaki glaze, these juicy skewers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. Easily substitute chicken or shrimp for a delicious variation. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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