Are you living in a small apartment with limited kitchen space or about to start cooking for the first time? I’m here to provide some tips on how to build a kitchen equipped to cook Japanese food at your own home. I will cover the essentials in each area of the kitchen. Items in italics are not an absolute “necessity”, but I wanted to include them because I use them often and I think they are worth being included. Whether you prefer a minimalist kitchen or a complete kitchen, this framework will be a great guide for you.
How to Build a Kitchen for Cooking Japanese Food
SINK AREA
A large colander
Extra
A salad spinner (No more diluted dressing!)
STOVETOP
A large pot (or Dutch oven)A medium pot (or Dutch oven)A small pot (or Yukihira Nabe)A large frying pan or a cast-iron skilletA drop lid (otoshibuta) – An essential tool for simmered dishes. Read more here.A fine mesh skimmerA stainless steel ladleA silicone turner spatulaA wood spatulaA set of long chopsticks (all-purpose kitchen utensils!)
Extra
A pair of kitchen tongsA cooking thermometer
CUTTING STATION
A wood cutting boardPlastic cutting board(s) (for meat/seafood)A good quality santoku knifeA vegetable peelerA ceramic grater
Extra
A pairing knifeA microplane zester/graterA pair of kitchen shears
WORK AREA
A set of glass mixing bowls (at least 3 different sizes)A set of mortar and pestleA silicone spatulaA large whiskA can opener
Extra
A flat whisk or small whiskA cookie scoop (I also use it for savory dishes)A garlic pressA silicone brushA pepper grinder
MEASURING TOOLS
A set of measuring cupsA set of measuring spoonsA 2-cup liquid measuring cup
Extra
A 1/4-cup liquid measuring cupA digital kitchen scale
BAKING
A half-sheet baking sheetA cooling/baking wire rack
Extra
A hand mixer
ELECTRIC GADGETS
A rice cooker
Extra
A food processorA blenderAn Instant Pot (pressure cooker/slow cooker)
JAPANESE RECIPE SPECIFIC (EXTRA)
– The kitchen tools below will be useful if you have additional space and will be making specific recipes regularly.
TABLEWARE (FOR ONE)
Japanese-style
A rice bowlA miso soup bowlA medium plateA small plateA small bowlA mini plateA set of chopsticks and a chopstick rest
Curious about Japanese tableware? In The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tableware post, you’ll learn about the important components (what bowls and plates to use, their sizes & functions), and table arrangement on how to set up a Japanese meal. The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tableware
Western-style
Large, medium, and small platesLarge, medium, and small bowlsUtensils
Additional Tips (For the Minimalist Kitchen)
1. Build your kitchen based on your lifestyle and cooking habits.
When you have a small space to work with, the most important to do is to have an understanding of your preferred living and cooking habits. Ask yourself questions like:
What kind of recipes will I be making often?Do I need this tool? Will I be using it very often?Is this going to be just one-time use? etc.
By asking these questions, it will help you to decide what to get and what not to get.
2. Declutter and access your organizing system.
You may have already heard about the famous Mari Kondo method. It is true that there’s magic in tidying up. Although I have a huge collection of cookware for the work that I do, I believe in the power of decluttering and organizing for efficiency. If you have some clutters in the kitchen, spend some time getting rid of anything that is way too old or no longer in use. This will free up some space for other more important equipment or breathing room. Once you get rid of certain things, start organizing by categories.
2. Think smart storage.
Creativity comes in when you have to maximize the square footage you have. Have a good inspection around your kitchen and look for any potential storage spaces. Is there any space above your fridge? Can you go vertical by hanging things on the wall? You’ll be surprised how much you can utilize the workable room in your tiny kitchen. I hope the above guide makes your cooking a little easier. Now it’s your turn! Do you have any kitchen items you can’t live without? Do you have any tips you’d like to share with anyone who lives in a small space? Tell us about it in the comment below. If you want to check out easy recipes, read 5 Easy Japanese Recipes to Cook At Home.
