If you’ve ever found yourself craving the rich and varied flavors of authentic Japanese food but didn’t want to venture out of your cozy home, Yoko Street is here to rescue you! This innovative food delivery service brings exquisite Japanese dishes right to your doorstep in the USA. Yoko Street is a new venture from Oisix ra daichi, the largest online supermarket and home delivery service in Japan, and it’s inspired by Japan’s charming 横丁 (yokocho) side streets.

Launched in July, Yoko Street aims to spotlight the hidden culinary treasures of Japan, offering fresh, healthy meals and celebrating local and regional cuisine with a focus on seasonal dishes. I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary box from them, and I’m excited to share my experience with you! Notably, most of the dishes from Yoko Street are prepared using the sous vide technique, something I personally adore.

Why Sous Vide Cooking Is So Decadent

Sous vide cooking is a culinary technique that allows food to be cooked at a controlled temperature in a vacuum-sealed bag. This method results in incredibly tender and flavorful dishes. The beauty of sous vide lies in locking in the natural juices and flavors, which intensify the taste profile immensely. This is particularly beneficial for meats, transforming even the toughest cuts into heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth experiences.

One of the many advantages of sous vide cooking is the ability to cook food uniformly from edge to edge. The precision of temperature control ensures that every part of your dish reaches perfection—resulting in a consistent texture and flavor throughout. Whether you like your steak rare or well done, sous vide cooking allows for precise control over the doneness, a feat that’s often tricky to master with traditional cooking methods. It’s a real game-changer for anyone who loves gourmet, perfectly cooked meals.

What We Tasted from Yoko Street

As noted, Yoko Street proudly employs the sous vide technique for their dishes. This was my first chance to enjoy sous vide preparations outside a restaurant, and I discovered both the strengths and limitations of this method. Although the instructions were clear, I found the boiling water method for heating the pouches took longer than expected, whereas the microwave method worked splendidly for getting everything hot and ready. I decided to invite my neighbor, Nancy, over to enjoy a meal together. The portion sizes were generous, allowing us to share the dishes between us.

Miso Ramen with Pork, Corn, and Scallions

We kicked off our tasting adventure with Miso Ramen from Hokkaido. The pork was remarkably tender and flavorful; however, the corn was disappointing, tasting either stale or canned. The fresh scallions didn’t pitch in much freshness either. While the noodles and broth were satisfactory, they didn’t blow us away, earning a B- in our book.

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

Next, we dug into a beloved classic: stir-fried yakisoba with juicy teriyaki chicken. This dish marries noodles, vegetables, and chicken in a delightful medley of flavors. The preparation of yakisoba is an art form—thick, wheat-based yakisoba noodles are boiled to an ideal al dente, then stir-fried with sliced vegetables for that perfect crunch and color. However, we noticed a lack of vegetables in our dish, which was puzzling.

But let’s focus on what was great about this dish—the chicken! Tender and succulent, it was marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Traditional garnishes like sesame seeds and a rich yakisoba sauce (a blend of Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and mirin) enhanced the flavors beautifully. This dish was a hit, garnishing an A from us!

Teriyaki Buri with Five-Grain Rice and Pickled Vegetables

Next on our culinary journey was Teriyaki buri (yellowtail). This dish is a true delight for seafood aficionados. The fish melds together with a marinade of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, infusing it with rich flavors while ensuring it remains tender and juicy.

With each forkful, the teriyaki buri practically melted in our mouths, creating a mesmerizing taste experience. The pickled vegetables on the side complemented the fish perfectly, though the five-grain rice was a bit lackluster. Overall, we awarded this dish a B+.

Miso Soup with Root Vegetables

No Japanese meal would be complete without miso soup, a staple found in households across Japan. This delightful soup combines rich miso paste with dashi—a broth made from bonito flakes and seaweed—creating an appetizing beginning to any meal.

The beauty of miso soup lies in its adaptability; while a traditional bowl often features tofu, seaweed, and scallions, many variations exist. In our version, root vegetables like daikon radish, lotus root, and burdock were included. Nancy and I had differing opinions on this; I found the additional veggies delightful, although Nancy did not appreciate their presence. We both felt the soup needed a bit more color and a better balance of flavors but noted its subtle bitterness.

What is Ma Go Wa Ya Sa Shi i?

Ma Go Wa Ya Sa Shi i is a fundamental principle underpinning every Yoko Street dish.

At its essence, Ma Go Wa Ya Sa Shi i symbolizes the vital equilibrium of five key flavors in Japanese cuisine: sweetness (ma), sourness (go), bitterness (wa), saltiness (ya), and umami (sa shi i). Together, these elements create a flavor symphony that dances across the palate, leaving a lasting impression. Each aspect of these flavors works harmoniously to enhance a dish, elevating it to new culinary heights.

FAQ

1. What is Yoko Street?

Yoko Street is a food delivery service that specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine, allowing customers in the USA to enjoy delicious Japanese meals right at home.

2. How does the sous vide cooking method work?

Sous vide involves cooking food in a vacuum-sealed bag at a precise, controlled temperature. This technique helps preserve flavor and moisture, resulting in tender and delicious dishes.

3. Can I customize my order with Yoko Street?

At this moment, Yoko Street offers themed boxes featuring various dishes. Customization options may be limited, so it’s best to check their latest offerings.

4. Are the ingredients fresh?

Yoko Street prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients for its meals to deliver authentic flavors and wholesome nutrition.

5. How can I heat the meals from Yoko Street?

Meals can be heated using two methods: placing the vacuum-sealed pouches in boiling water or using a microwave. Both methods ensure the food is heated evenly, but results may vary.