15 Toppings for Ochazuke You Must Try

Are you tired of the same old toppings on your ochazuke? Well, get ready to have your taste buds blown away because we have 15 mind-blowing toppings you absolutely must try!

From succulent salmon to crispy grilled eel, we’ve got it all. And don’t worry, we won’t leave out the classics like pickled plum and bonito flakes.

So grab a bowl, pour some hot tea, and get ready to elevate your ochazuke game to a whole new level!

Salmon

You should definitely try adding some salmon to your ochazuke. It’s a delicious topping that adds a burst of flavor to your bowl.

The rich and fatty texture of the salmon complements the light and refreshing taste of the green tea broth. As you take a bite, the tender flakes of salmon melt in your mouth, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy rice and crisp seaweed.

The savory umami flavor of the salmon enhances the overall taste of the ochazuke, making it a truly satisfying meal. Whether you choose grilled or smoked salmon, it will undoubtedly elevate your ochazuke experience to a whole new level.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a delicious addition to ochazuke that enhances the flavors. It adds a unique texture and a subtle oceanic taste to your bowl of rice and tea. When you sprinkle a handful of seaweed over your ochazuke, it brings a delightful crunch and a burst of umami goodness.

The salty and briny notes of the seaweed perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the tea and rice, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in every bite. Not only does seaweed elevate the overall taste, but it also provides a nutritional boost packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Pickled Plum

The pickled plum adds a tangy and vibrant element to the ochazuke, complementing the flavors of the seaweed and rice. When you take a bite, the tartness of the plum immediately hits your taste buds, awakening your senses.

It provides a refreshing contrast to the savory and earthy notes of the dish. The pickled plum’s bright red color also adds visual appeal, making your ochazuke look even more enticing.

As you mix it into the rice and seaweed, the plum’s juices seep into every bite, infusing them with its distinct flavor. The combination of the tangy plum, chewy seaweed, and fluffy rice creates a delightful medley of textures that keeps you coming back for more.

Don’t hesitate to try this delicious topping in your next bowl of ochazuke.

Bonito Flakes

As you savor each bite of the ochazuke, the bonito flakes dance on your tongue, adding a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

These delicate, paper-thin flakes are made from dried, fermented bonito fish, known as katsuobushi. When they come into contact with the warmth of the ochazuke, they release their rich umami flavor, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth.

The bonito flakes also provide a satisfying texture, as they melt and dissolve on your tongue. Their distinct aroma and savory notes make them a popular topping for this traditional Japanese dish.

Grilled Eel

Grilled eel is a popular choice for adding a savory and smoky flavor to traditional Japanese dishes. You’ll love how the tender and succulent eel complements the warm and comforting ochazuke.

The rich and slightly sweet taste of the grilled eel enhances the overall flavor profile of this classic dish. As you take a bite, you’ll be delighted by the combination of textures – the crispy skin and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth flesh.

The eel’s natural oils infuse the ochazuke with a delectable aroma that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re enjoying ochazuke for breakfast or as a light meal, grilled eel is a must-try topping that will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.

Tempura Shrimp

Tempura shrimp is a crispy and delicious addition to any Japanese meal. You can’t resist the golden, crunchy batter that surrounds the succulent shrimp. The shrimp itself remains tender and juicy, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

Whether you’re dining at a traditional Japanese restaurant or trying your hand at making tempura shrimp at home, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Dip it in a tangy soy-based sauce or enjoy it as is, the flavors are simply irresistible.

The combination of the light, airy batter and the flavorful shrimp creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more. So go ahead, indulge yourself and add some tempura shrimp to your next Japanese meal. You won’t be disappointed.

Umeboshi

Umeboshi adds a tangy and salty flavor to dishes, making it a unique and distinctive ingredient in Japanese cuisine. These pickled plums pack a punch and can elevate any dish to a whole new level.

Whether you sprinkle it over rice, mix it into a salad, or use it as a topping for ochazuke, umeboshi will add a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The combination of tanginess and saltiness creates a perfect balance that complements a variety of dishes.

Sliced Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, sliced cucumber adds a cool and hydrating element to any summer salad. Whether you’re enjoying a simple garden salad or a more elaborate Mediterranean-inspired dish, the addition of sliced cucumber instantly elevates the flavor and texture.

The coolness of the cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients, while its natural crunch adds a satisfying bite. Not only does cucumber enhance the overall taste of the salad, but it also brings a much-needed hydration boost, perfect for those hot summer days.

Shredded Nori

To add a savory and umami flavor to your sushi rolls, sprinkle some shredded nori on top before rolling them up.

Nori, a type of edible seaweed, is a classic ingredient in sushi and is known for its distinct taste and texture.

By adding shredded nori to your sushi rolls, you not only enhance the flavor but also add a visually appealing element to your dish.

The salty and slightly sweet taste of nori complements the other ingredients in your rolls, creating a well-balanced and delicious flavor profile.

The thin, paper-like texture of shredded nori adds a delightful crunch to each bite, making your sushi rolls even more enjoyable.

Soft-Boiled Egg

When making a bowl of ramen, don’t forget to add a soft-boiled egg for a delicious and creamy addition.

The soft-boiled egg is the perfect topping to take your ramen to the next level. The rich and velvety yolk adds a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with the savory broth and chewy noodles.

To achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg, bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower in the eggs. Let them cook for about six minutes before transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Once cooled, carefully peel the shells, and you’ll be left with a soft and custardy egg that will elevate your bowl of ramen to new heights.

Don’t miss out on this simple yet incredibly tasty addition to your ramen experience.

Shredded Chicken

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken as a convenient and tasty addition to your ramen. It’s a great option when you want to elevate your ramen experience without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Just imagine the tender, flavorful chicken mingling with the savory broth and slurp-worthy noodles. It’s a match made in heaven.

Plus, using pre-cooked shredded chicken means you don’t have to worry about cooking raw chicken and can save precious minutes. Simply add the chicken to your ramen during the last few minutes of cooking, and you’ll have a satisfying and protein-packed meal in no time.

Wakame Seaweed

Add a handful of wakame seaweed to your ramen for a touch of briny flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Wakame seaweed is a popular topping choice for ochazuke, a simple and comforting Japanese dish. It adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The briny flavor of the seaweed complements the delicate flavors of the rice and tea perfectly. As you take a bite, you’ll experience a burst of umami that will leave you craving for more. The chewy texture of the wakame seaweed adds a delightful contrast to the softness of the rice and other toppings.

Grilled Salmon Skin

Grilling the salmon skin gives it a crispy texture and imparts a smoky flavor that will elevate your dish. When you grill the salmon skin, it becomes a delicious and crunchy topping for your ochazuke.

The heat from the grill transforms the skin into a mouthwatering treat that adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal. As the skin sizzles on the grill, it releases its natural oils, creating a rich and savory taste that complements the other ingredients in your dish.

Whether you’re making a traditional ochazuke or putting a twist on the classic recipe, adding grilled salmon skin will take your dish to the next level. So fire up the grill, get that skin nice and crispy, and get ready to enjoy a truly elevated ochazuke experience.

Shrimp Tempura

The shrimp tempura is a popular Japanese dish that features lightly battered and fried shrimp. You can easily enjoy this delicious dish at many Japanese restaurants.

The shrimp is coated in a light and crispy batter, which gives it a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The shrimp itself is tender and juicy, making it a perfect combination of textures.

You can dip the shrimp tempura into a tangy and savory dipping sauce, such as tempura sauce or soy sauce, to enhance its flavor.

The dish is often served with a side of steamed rice and a bowl of miso soup.

Next time you’re craving something crispy and flavorful, give shrimp tempura a try!

Scrambled Egg

Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be enjoyed with a variety of ingredients. You can add cheese, veggies, or even bacon to enhance the flavor.

To make scrambled eggs, crack a few eggs into a bowl and whisk them until well combined. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Once the butter has melted, pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for a few seconds. Then, using a spatula, gently stir the eggs until they start to form soft curds. Continue stirring until the eggs are no longer runny.

Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot. Scrambled eggs are a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making them the perfect breakfast option.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The perfect toppings for your ochazuke. With salmon, seaweed, pickled plum, and more, your taste buds will be dancing with joy.

Don’t forget to add some bonito flakes for that extra umami kick. And oh, the grilled eel and crispy salmon skin? Pure heaven!

And let’s not forget the shrimp tempura and fluffy scrambled egg. Your ochazuke experience will be taken to a whole new level.

Trust me, it’ll be a flavor explosion like no other!