Forktionary

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).

Culinary Pairings

Sushi sashimi grilled fish tempura yakitori

Recipes Using Sake

10 Min Japanese Simmered Tofu Hot Pot image 110
Time To Make Cuisine Comfort Food Side Dishes

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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3 Dragons Szechuan Steak image 107
Preparation Meat Cuisine Time To Make

3 Dragons Szechuan Steak

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery 3 Dragons Szechuan Steak! This Asian-inspired recipe delivers a sizzling blend of savory steak, aromatic vegetables, and a mouthwatering Szechuan sauce. Ready in under an hour, it's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Double the chili for extra heat! Serve with cold sesame noodles for a complete and unforgettable meal. #SzechuanSteak #AsianRecipe #SpicyFood #QuickDinner #EasyRecipe #SteakRecipe

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Amber's Japan Style Tofu Meal image 108
Diabetic Easy Asian Soy Tofu

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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Authentic Japanese Gyoza image 110
Preparation Appetizers Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Authentic Japanese Gyoza

Craving authentic Japanese gyoza? This recipe, straight from Japan, delivers the most incredible homemade dumplings you'll ever taste! Get ready to get your hands dirty and create restaurant-quality gyoza from the comfort of your kitchen. Don't miss this incredibly flavorful and satisfying recipe – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project.

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Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches Bnh Mi image 121
Dietary Preparation Main Ingredient Lunch

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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Beef Lo Mein Ww image 125
Dietary Easy Low Cholesterol 15 Minutes Or Less

Beef Lo Mein Ww

Satisfy your cravings with this incredibly flavorful Beef Lo Mein, clocking in at only 6 Weight Watchers points! A quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. This recipe is so good, you'll want to make it again and again!

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Beef Teriyaki With Cucumber Salsa image 125
Dinner Party Course Presentation Seasonal

Beef Teriyaki With Cucumber Salsa

This vibrant and healthy Beef Teriyaki recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner, perfect for satisfying your red meat cravings without the guilt! Lean flank steak marinates in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, then cooks to perfection. The refreshing cucumber salsa, made with crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, and a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing, adds a delightful contrast. Prepare the salsa ahead of time for effortless assembly. Bethany's family-friendly version makes this dish adaptable for any occasion! #beefteriyaki #cucumber #salsa #healthyrecipes #quickdinner #easyrecipe #flank steak #asiancuisine

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