Iβm looking for solidarity but is any expat in Japan just completely over Japanese food? I canβt help but think for 2026 I want to avoid it as much as possible. Miso, dashi, soy sauce, mirinβ¦I just need an extended break from all of it.
I used to love it but it feels like everyday Iβm getting fed the same thing. Maybe a tonkatsu here and there is fine.
@slims Iβve been regularly cooking chili con carne, curry (with extra veg), and hashed pork because I can make a huge pot and have leftovers for a couple of days, but also because if I make them, I donβt have to cook miso soup and I donβt have to prep veggies separately- Iβm kinda over using three separate bowls/dishes per person (rice/soup/main/sides)
It doesnβt help that my cooking is abysmal, though. Something for 2026.
@slims I have felt the same some years I lived there. Was always saved by grilled cheese and pizza bread in toaster oven. Also I used to buy cheap gyoza at store, cook it and wrap with lettuce and kimchi. Dip in anything that makes you happy. Super tasty with lots of flavor.
@slims this is what I was going to suggest. Some things are awfully simple and impossible to ruin. Meat and veggies in a pot, herbs, salt, pepper, here you go.
with pasta !
@fetchezlavache @slims great way to start. Taco meat is also super simple. Get the frozen ground beef/pork from gyomu, some chopped onions, chopped piman. Add some spices and you're good. Cheap and easy.
@sleepytako @fetchezlavache @slims you can also pull half off before the Mexican spices and use for easy pasta by just adding to store bought tomato sauce.
@mangotable @fetchezlavache @slims yep. The 80yen canned tomatoes are your friend
@sleepytako @mangotable @fetchezlavache thank you friends for the advice π
I have high hopes for 2026!!
