Japanese Pesto

 

🍵 Japanese Pesto

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts or pine nuts
  • 1–2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp white miso
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 tsp lemon juice
  • Optional: a little shichimi togarashi or chili flakes

How to make it

  1. Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan.
  2. Blend basil, nuts, garlic, Parmesan, miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lemon juice.
  3. Slowly add olive oil until you get a smooth but slightly textured pesto.
  4. Taste and adjust: more miso for umami, lemon for brightness, or soy sauce for saltiness.

🍝 Best ways to use it

  • Toss with spaghetti or udon
  • Mix into Japanese-style pasta with mushrooms
  • Spread on toast
  • Use with grilled chicken or shrimp
  • Toss with edamame and noodles
  • Mix into rice for a quick pesto rice bowl

The miso + sesame oil combination is what gives ordinary pesto that distinctly Japanese umami character.

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