Frederic Melton
A Japanese grilled cheese is a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is inspired by Japanese cuisine and incorporates ingredients such as Japanese curry, miso paste, Kewpie mayo, and Umami salt. The sandwich is typically made with a variety of cheeses, buttered bread, and additional fillings like mushrooms, pickled ginger, or meat. The Japanese grilled cheese can be found in restaurants or made at home, offering a unique and delicious take on a comfort food favourite.
Characteristics and Values of Japanese Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Karepan, Miso Butter Grilled Cheese, Umami Grilled Cheese |
| Ingredients | Bread, Butter, Cheese, Japanese Style Dry Curry, Pickled Ginger, Miso Paste, Garlic, Herbs, Kewpie Mayo, Umami Salt, Mushrooms |
| Preparation | Bread slices are buttered and fried until golden brown, then stuffed with ingredients and grilled |
| Taste | Salty, Savory, Crispy, Melty |
| Price | 1080 Yen or $10 |
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What You'll Learn
Japanese Curry Grilled Cheese
A Japanese Curry Grilled Cheese, also known as Karepan, is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is a sandwich stuffed with Japanese-style dry curry and plenty of melted cheese. The addition of Japanese curry sets it apart from the traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
To make this mouth-watering sandwich, start by heating a pan over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place one slice, butter side down, into the pan. Top it with your choice of cheese—you can use mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for that extra creaminess and melt. Add the Japanese dry curry on top, along with some pickled ginger for a tangy kick. Place the remaining cheese on top of the curry, and finally, add the other slice of bread with the buttered side up.
Grill this sandwich of delights until it turns a beautiful golden brown on both sides, and the cheese is perfectly melted, which should take about 2-4 minutes per side. The result is a crispy, golden sandwich with a warm and tender filling. You can also experiment with adding a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt to take this sandwich to the next level.
For those short on time, a quick fix is to substitute canned meat for the Japanese curry. Simply fry the meat and toss it in powdered sugar before grilling. This sandwich is a delightful fusion of cultures, combining the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the exotic flavours of Japanese curry.
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Miso Butter Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, and the addition of Japanese flavours creates an intriguing and delicious twist. A Miso Butter Grilled Cheese sandwich is a unique and tasty example of Japanese-inspired grilled cheese. This sandwich combines the classic elements of grilled cheese with the savoury, salty, and umami flavours of miso, resulting in a crave-worthy and addictive dish.
To make a Miso Butter Grilled Cheese sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- Sourdough bread
- Miso paste (white or red)
- Butter
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro)
- Cheese (such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or your favourite melty variety)
- Olive oil
- Spicy honey (a mixture of chilli flakes and honey)
- Flaky sea salt
Start by mixing the miso paste with softened butter, garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs. Spread this miso butter generously on the inside of each slice of sourdough bread. Layer your chosen cheese between the slices, creating an even distribution. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered-side down.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until golden and crispy on each side, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. The ideal grilled cheese sandwich has a gooey, melted cheese centre and a crisp, golden exterior.
The final touch is a drizzle of spicy honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt. This combination of sweet and salty enhances the savoury flavours of the sandwich and creates an irresistible contrast. The result is a simple yet flavourful dish that elevates the classic grilled cheese with Japanese-inspired flavours.
The Miso Butter Grilled Cheese sandwich is a wonderful example of how Japanese flavours can be incorporated into familiar dishes to create something unique and delicious. It showcases the versatility of Japanese ingredients and their ability to elevate and transform traditional recipes.
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Grilled Cheese with Kewpie Mayo
Kewpie mayonnaise is a Japanese condiment that is beloved by many, including renowned chefs like David Chang, who incorporate it into their cuisine. It is made with egg yolks, rice, and apple vinegar, and its flavour is enhanced by the addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG), which boosts its savoury taste.
How to Make Grilled Cheese with Kewpie Mayo:
The key to a truly exceptional grilled cheese sandwich is in the technique and ingredients used. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the ultimate grilled cheese with Kewpie mayo:
Ingredients:
- Sourdough bread
- Kewpie mayonnaise
- Gouda cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes (optional)
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Butter
Instructions:
- Spread a thin layer of Kewpie mayonnaise on the exterior of each slice of bread.
- For added flavour, you can apply a light coating of Parmesan cheese onto the mayo-coated bread slices.
- If desired, saute sliced mushrooms with butter and Umami Salt in a pan until they release their juices, reduce in size, and become slightly browned.
- Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, into a pan over medium heat.
- Add a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by sliced tomatoes if desired, and then top with another slice of cheese.
- Cover with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up.
- Grill the sandwich until the bottom side is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- For an extra burst of flavour, sprinkle herbs like basil or oregano onto the sandwich before grilling.
The Kewpie mayonnaise not only adds flavour but also helps create a beautiful golden, even crust on the bread. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a Japanese twist!
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Grilled Cheese in Tokyo
Grilled cheese is a popular dish in many countries, and Japan is no exception. In Tokyo, grilled cheese sandwiches are available at various restaurants and cafes, each putting their unique twist on this classic comfort food. Here are some places to try grilled cheese in Tokyo and the types of grilled cheese sandwiches you can expect:
Le Shiner in Harajuku
Le Shiner is a colourful shack in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo. It is known for serving rainbow-coloured foods, including a grilled cheese sandwich. The sandwich contains vibrant rainbow-coloured cheese, a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese. Although the taste may be similar to regular processed cheese, the visual appeal makes it worth trying. Le Shiner is a great choice for tourists and Instagrammers looking for unique food experiences.
Conbini Creations
Conbini Creations offers an ultimate umami grilled cheese sandwich that will satisfy your savoury cravings. Their sandwich includes Kewpie Mayo, Umami Salt, four kinds of cheese, and mushrooms. The Kewpie Mayo, made with egg yolks, rice, and apple vinegar, adds a savoury flavour to the sandwich. The umami flavour is further enhanced by the use of Umami Salt, a blend of sea salt, dried shiitake mushrooms, and black garlic powder. This grilled cheese creation is perfect for those seeking a rich and buttery option.
Karepan (Japanese Curry Grilled Cheese)
Karepan, or Japanese Curry Grilled Cheese, is a delicious variation of the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. It is made with Japanese-style dry curry and plenty of melted cheese. The sandwich is grilled to a golden brown crisp, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours. You can find this sandwich at specialty restaurants or try making it at home by stuffing your favourite bread with Japanese curry and cheese.
Miso Butter Grilled Cheese
The Miso Butter Grilled Cheese is another unique twist on the classic. It is made with butter, miso paste, garlic, herbs, and gouda cheese. The sandwich is pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and melty interior. The salty and herby flavours, along with the creamy cheese, create an incredible umami taste, which is prevalent in Japanese cuisine. A drizzle of spicy honey and sea salt takes this grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.
These are just a few examples of the grilled cheese offerings in Tokyo. Whether it's colourful cheese, unique savoury flavours, or Japanese-inspired ingredients, Tokyo's grilled cheese scene offers something for everyone.
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Rainbow Grilled Cheese
To make a rainbow grilled cheese, you will need bread, butter, and a variety of colourful cheeses. You can use food colouring to dye the cheese yourself, or you can purchase pre-coloured cheese from some specialty food stores. For the best rainbow effect, you will want to use four to six different colours of cheese. You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Fontina, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these.
Once you have your cheeses ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Then, sprinkle or layer the coloured cheese onto the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, creating a rainbow pattern. You can get creative here and experiment with different colour combinations. Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Heat a pan over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes per side. If you want to add even more flavour, you can spread some miso paste, garlic, and herbs on the inside of the bread before adding the cheese, or serve the sandwich with a drizzle of spicy honey and a pinch of sea salt.
Your Rainbow Grilled Cheese is now ready to serve! This sandwich is sure to brighten up your day and impress your friends and family with its colourful surprise. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!
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Frequently asked questions
A Japanese grilled cheese is a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is usually made with a variety of cheeses, butter, and Japanese ingredients such as miso paste, Japanese curry, or Kewpie Mayo.
The Miso Butter Japanese Grilled Cheese is made with butter, miso paste, garlic, herbs, and gouda cheese. The sandwich is pan-fried until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy. It is often drizzled with spicy honey and sea salt to enhance the flavor.
The Karepan, or Japanese Curry Grilled Cheese, is a sandwich stuffed with Japanese-style dry curry and melted cheese. The bread is buttered and fried until golden brown and crispy. Pickled ginger is also sometimes added for extra flavor.
