Japanify: Maguro Zukedon

My partner Washi recently got a job as a salaryman. This may not seem that odd until you consider the fact that he is living in Berkeley, California and to qualify as a salaryman, you are usually employed by a Japanese corporation. I will miss his face behind the bar at Ippuku. And I will always look back on his bike-to-work days with fond memories. Although he will still be working with Japanese alcoholic beverages, the change in work culture will certainly be drastic.

One of the changes includes his lunch. He used to eat at home, but will now eat at various Japanese restaurants peppered around the area. From hayashi rice to niku-miso udon, there seems to be a bottomless pit of lunch options in Japanese cooking. And after hearing that he's been eating katsu-curry and kara-age ramen for lunch, I started to foresee a really oily future ahead. Kara-age and ramen in one bowl?! I doubt that that type of lunch draws from a diverse set of nutrients.

So I suggested he should choose some less oily options. For inspiration and reiteration that less oily doesn't mean less delicious, I demonstrated a classic lunch option that won't leave your digestive parts feeling like an oil slick...

Maguro Zuke-don!

INGREDIENTS
Serves 2

1/2 lb sashimi grade maguro cubed
2 avocados cubed
4 leaves shiso (optional)

Marinade
2 raw egg yolks
2.5 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp sugar
2 cloves of grated garlic

METHOD

1. Combine ingredients for marinade in a small bowl. Mix well.


I use the "Vegetarian Hens" Japanese eggs from my local Japanese market.

2. In a large bowl place cubed maguro and avocado.


Slab of maguro


Cubed!

3. Pour marinade over maguro and avocado.


Mix well with hands

4. You can eat right away or let the magura and avocado marinate in the sauce for up to a day in the fridge. I left it for about 30 minutes and it already had a lot of flavor.


Notice the ice cream cups in the background. I will eat ice cream on cones even at home until I die, no matter what my age.

5. Serve over a fresh steamed bowl of rice. Garnish with shiso (optional).


Ta-dah!

Proof that less oily doesn't mean less awesome.

Congratulations on your new job, Washi! Choose wisely and eat well.