Tenmusu

Tenmusu is a delectable dish inspired by traditional Japanese ingredients but with a modern twist. This savoury treat consists of wholesome and delicious ingredients, including succulent prawns, sticky rice, and mouthwatering nori seaweed, all wrapped together in a crunchy deep-fried shell.

Tenmusu


The prawns used in Tenmusu are of the freshwater variety, so they are sweet and tender, yet still slightly chewy. The rice that accompanies them is seasoned with an umami-rich blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. It forms the perfect base for the nori seaweed to complete the ensemble, adding a salty and nutty flavour. All this is held together in a lightly crisp tempura batter that creates a truly sublime texture.

Tenmusu has become an increasingly popular meal in Japan due to its versatility; it can be enjoyed as a light meal, an appetizer, or even a snack. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking or just want to indulge a carb craving. Tenmusu is also well-suited for entertaining as it’s easy to prepare in large quantities.

This scrumptious dish may be humble in its origins, but it presents an exquisite balance of nourishing ingredients that provide a satisfying and stimulating eating experience. Tenmusu is the quintessential example of how traditional flavours can be reimagined and still maintain their essence.

Tenmusu recipes

Amazing Tenmusu recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Tenmusu

Tenmusu is a beloved Japanese dish that has been around for centuries. It originated in the city of Nagoya and has since become one of the most popular snacks on the island nation. The name “tenmusu” (天むす) literally means “fried shrimp” in Japanese, and refers to the dish’s main ingredient: fried shrimp. However, this snack also includes steamed rice and seaweed, making it a more complete meal than just fried shrimp alone.

The history of tenmusu goes back to the late eighteenth century, when it was created by the people of Nagoya as a way to use up leftover rice in the most delicious way possible. Back then, it was simply known as “musubi” (ますび), and consisted simply of rice, shrimp and seaweed being fried together. As time went on, the recipe evolved with locals adding other ingredients such as mayonnaise or miso sauce, making it even tastier than before.

In the early twentieth century, Tenmusu became so popular in Nagoya that it started to spread throughout the country. It soon became a beloved snack everywhere, and could be found in shops, restaurants and stalls. These days, it is still one of the most beloved dishes in Japan, and is often enjoyed by both young and old alike.

While Tenmusu has remained the same for many years, it has also seen some changes over the years. Nowadays, you can find different variations of the original Tenmusu recipe, as people try to adapt it to their own tastes. This might mean adding different ingredients or spices, or even changing the type of shrimp used. No matter how it changes, Tenmusu will always be a beloved symbol of the Nagoya’s past.

Types of Tenmusu

Ah, the delightful Tenmusu. Widely considered one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, it is a study in culinary genius and delightfully varied flavors.

Tenmusu is a type of onigiri, or Japanese rice ball. It gets its name from the combination of two words: “temari” (which means “ball” in Japanese) and “musubi” (which means “tied”). And true to its name, Tenmusu can take many forms – from rolls of seaweed, to seasoned rice balls, to deep fried patties and more, all with exciting flavor combinations.

A classic Tenmusu is simply a mound of rice, covered in nori (dried seaweed) and held together by a string or strip of nori. This basic version can be flavoured with different seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil and bonito flakes, making it a delicious and filling snack.

For those who want something more decadent, there is the Tenmusu Kakiage. This version features a mix of vegetables and seafood, fried up in a batter and then served over a bed of rice. The tempura-like crunch of the fried batter with the savoury flavour of the diced ingredients makes for an unbeatable experience.

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying snack, then Tenmusu Tempura is definitely your go-to. The Tenmusu is first wrapped in nori and then dipped in a light batter and fried. The result is a crispy outside and a pillowy soft inside - perfect for a tasty pick me up.

Finally, the definitive Tenmusu experience would not be complete without the Tenmusu Wakame. This version is stuffed with wakame seaweed, giving it a burst of umami and making it incredibly satisfying to eat.

No matter how you prepare it, Tenmusu is a must-have dish in every Japanese household. Whether you opt for the classic version, or go for something more gastronomically adventurous, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.