Bamboo shoots, or takenoko in Japanese, are commonly used vegetables in Japanese cuisine. With a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, the tender shoots can be prepared in many different ways. Today I’ll show you how to make popular Simmered Bamboo Shoots called Takenoko no Tosani (たけのこの土佐煮).
Delicious Simmered Bamboo Shoots
This traditional Japanese side dish is relatively easy to make. Here, bamboo shoots are cooked in a pot of flavorful liquid seasoned with everyday Japanese condiments. Since the dish is usually served at room temperature, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve it as a side dish to your main Japanese meal, or serve it as a snack to your alcoholic drinks. Slightly salty and intensely flavorful, you’d be surprised how well it goes down with sake.
What’s Tosani? 土佐煮
When katsuobushi, or dried bonito flakes, is added to the soy sauce base simmered dish (nimono), the dish is called Tosani (土佐煮). The name of the cooking style came from Tosa, a former province of Japan, currently known as Kochi prefecture, located in Southwestern Shikoku island. This region is famous for its top-notch Katsuo (bonito), hence their katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) are delicious. Simmered dishes that are cooked with smokey katsuobushi are appreciated for their deep-umami and complex flavors. Bamboo shoots (takenoko in Japanese) are often used to make Tosani because of their subtle, neutral flavor. It makes it easier for the bamboo shoots to soak up all the flavors of the seasonings.
Other Popular Tosani
There are a few other ingredients that are cooked in a similar Tosani-style:
Konnyaku (Konjac) Tosani Satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potatoes) Tosani Fuki (Butterbur) Tosani Gobo (burdock root) Tosani
Where to Buy & How to Prepare Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo shoots are in season in spring between March through May. Keep an eye out when you visit Japanese or Asian grocery stores, you might be lucky to score some fresh bamboo shoots to make delicious Tosani. They can be hard to find when they are not in season or if they are not a common ingredient at where you are. Most of the Japanese and Asian grocery stores sell pre-boiled and vacuumed packed bamboo shoots like the picture shown below. Do not use the canned variety to make Tosani. The bamboo shoots are already boiled, so you can quickly heat up and enjoy right away. When you use only half of the shoots (as in this recipe), you can save the leftover in an airtight container. Make sure to soak the bamboo shoots in cold water all the time and change the water every day to keep it fresh until you are ready to use it. They can last up to two weeks when they are properly refrigerated. You can rinse off the gritty white substance in the bamboo shoot, but they are edible. If they don’t bother you, there’s no need to rinse it off.
What to Do with Leftover Bamboo Shoots?
The mild flavor and tender-crisp texture of bamboo shoots make it an excellent addition to bulk out your stir-fries, mixed rice, soups, salads, or as a delicious topping to your noodle dishes. Aside from adding dimension to various dishes, bamboo shoots are also high in nutrients and low in calories. Here are some recipes you can make with the leftover bamboo shoots.
Chikuzenni (Simmered Chicken and Vegetables) Bamboo Rice (Takenoko Gohan) Chinese Pepper Steak Harumaki (Japanese Spring Rolls) Vegetable Miso Soup (with Bamboo Shoots)
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