Have you ever found yourself tempted by the tantalizing flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine, yet prefer enjoying it from the comfort of your home? Say hello to Yoko Street, an exciting new food delivery service designed to bring genuine Japanese dishes straight to your doorstep in the USA. This innovative venture is brought to you by Oisix ra daichi, Japan’s largest online supermarket and home delivery service. Inspired by Japan’s charming 横丁 (yokocho) side streets, Yoko Street offers a journey through the flavors of Japan right from your kitchen!

Launched in July, Yoko Street specializes in local and regional cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients that inspire diverse culinary experiences through their Yokocho concept. Recently, they reached out to me to try one of their meal boxes, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s worth mentioning that most of Yoko Street’s dishes utilize the sous vide cooking technique, a method I absolutely adore!

Why Sous Vide Cooking is So Delicious

Sous vide, which translates to “under vacuum,” is a culinary technique where food is cooked slowly at a precise temperature in a vacuum-sealed bag. This cooking method results in dishes that are not just flavorful, but also incredibly tender.

Cooking food in a sealed environment helps retain natural juices and flavors, allowing for a more concentrated and intense taste. This is particularly beneficial for meats, as even the toughest cuts can become melt-in-your-mouth tender using sous vide cooking.

Additionally, sous vide enables even cooking from edge to edge. This precision means that every bite is cooked to perfection, yielding a consistently delightful texture and flavor throughout. Whether you enjoy your steak rare, medium, or well-done, sous vide allows you to achieve your preferred level of doneness with ease.

What We Tasted from Yoko Street

As I mentioned earlier, many of the dishes from Yoko Street are prepared using the sous vide technique. Trying these dishes outside of a restaurant setting was a new experience for me, and I found that while the instructions were thorough, they didn’t quite cover how to serve the dishes hot—especially when trying the method of placing the pouches in boiling water for eight minutes. Microwaving proved to be a more reliable option for heating, in my opinion.

I invited my neighbor, Nancy, to join me in tasting these exciting dishes. We found the portions quite generous, resulting in two satisfying meals for us to share.

Miso Ramen with Pork, Corn, and Scallions

First, we dove into the Miso Ramen from Hokkaido. While the pork was astonishingly tender and packed with flavor, we noticed that the corn lacked freshness—it tasted either old or like it came from a can. The scallions, used as a garnish, didn’t quite meet expectations, either. Although the noodles and broth were satisfactory, they weren’t extraordinary. Overall, we rated it a B-.

Stir-Fried Yakisoba Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken, Edamame, and Pickled Ginger

Next on our tasting adventure was a true staple of Japanese street food: stir-fried yakisoba with teriyaki chicken. This dish beautifully combines noodles, vegetables, and juicy chicken to create a medley of classic flavors that will surely leave you wanting more. Much like sous vide cooking, crafting yakisoba requires meticulous attention to detail in order to achieve that perfect dish.

The key to delicious yakisoba is balancing the ingredients and mastering the cooking technique. Thick, wheat-based yakisoba noodles are boiled just until al dente, then stir-fried in a hot pan with a colorful array of sliced vegetables—which were disappointingly absent this time. I would have loved to see some vibrant veggies for that refreshing crunch!

Now, let’s discuss the star of the dish—the chicken. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, the teriyaki chicken was dropped into the yakisoba stir-fry perfectly.

To amplify the flavor, traditional yakisoba usually includes a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of tangy yakisoba sauce, a delightful mixture of Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and mirin, striking a beautiful balance between sweet, salty, and umami flavors. This dish was truly enjoyable, accompanied by edamame and pickled ginger as sides. However, I did miss the inclusion of aonori (a type of green seaweed), an important traditional garnish for me. We rated this dish an A.

Teriyaki Buri with Five-Grain Rice and Pickled Vegetables

For seafood lovers, Teriyaki buri (yellowtail) is an absolute treat. Marinated in a careful blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, the flavors permeate the fish, making each bite succulent and enjoyable. When cooked, the yellowtail remains tender and juicy, creating a dish that feels gourmet right at home.

The moment you take a bite of teriyaki buri, your taste buds are treated with delightful flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. We thoroughly enjoyed the tender yellowtail and the fresh pickled vegetables that complemented it well. However, the five-grain rice left something to be desired in terms of excitement. We gave this dish a B+.

Miso Soup with Root Vegetables

Miso soup, an iconic blend of miso paste and dashi (a stock made from bonito flakes and kelp), serves as the quintessential appetizer in Japanese cuisine. It’s beloved in households and restaurants alike.

The charm of miso soup lies in its versatility. While the traditional version includes tofu, seaweed, and scallions, countless regional variations exist, each featuring its own creative twist. From clams and mushrooms to different types of miso paste, each bowl brings a unique touch to this beloved soup.

While I appreciated the root vegetables like daikon radish, lotus root, and burdock in the miso soup, Nancy wasn’t a fan. We both felt it could use more color and a better balance of miso flavor, noting a slight bitterness that lingered.

What is Ma Go Wa Ya Sa Shi i?

One of the fundamental principles behind every dish at Yoko Street is the concept of Ma Go Wa Ya Sa Shi i.

This term highlights the delicate balance of five essential flavors in Japanese cuisine: sweetness (ma), sourness (go), bitterness (wa), saltiness (ya), and umami (sa shi i). Each of these five tastes plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate and ensures a memorable dining experience. Together, they contribute to the overall complexity and balance of each dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sous vide cooking?

Sous vide cooking is a method where food is vacuum-sealed in a bag and slowly cooked at a precise temperature. This technique ensures even cooking and enhances the flavors and tenderness of the food.

What makes Yoko Street special?

Yoko Street specializes in providing authentic Japanese dishes inspired by the charm of Japan’s 横丁 (yokocho) side streets. Their focus on seasonal and regional cuisine allows for a unique culinary experience delivered right to your home in the USA.

Are the dishes from Yoko Street healthy?

Yes, Yoko Street emphasizes fresh, healthy meals with a focus on high-quality ingredients and balanced flavors, making it a healthier option for enjoying Japanese cuisine.

Can I customize my meal selections from Yoko Street?

Yoko Street offers a variety of meal options, allowing you to choose dishes based on your preferences. Check their menu for available options and dietary choices.

How can I enjoy authentic Japanese flavors at home?

With services like Yoko Street, you can experience authentic Japanese flavors with ease. Additionally, you can try your hand at cooking your favorite Japanese recipes at home, experimenting with traditional ingredients and techniques!