A Japanese Dinner Party

Although for many people Japanese cuisine is synonymous with sushi, there is a nearly limitless variety of foods that are enjoyed throughout the country, from the salads, snacks and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) enjoyed at izakayas (casual gastropubs) to traditional multicourse dinners known as kaiseki. Bring a taste of Japan into your own home by gathering friends and family for a festive dinner of a few Japanese favorites that are easy to prepare. Start with grilled chicken skewers and edamame, which are great served with sake or Japanese beer. For a first course, Masaharu Morimoto’s black cod is sublimely simple, light and fresh. A main course of ramen topped with pork belly is a spectacular centerpiece, but air-fried tonkatsu (bread pork cutlets) will also impress. A Japanese cucumber salad makes a light and refreshing accompaniment.