🇯🇵 Japanese Cuisine · Drinks

Calpis

Prep

2 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

A lightly fermented milky soft drink with a subtle lactic tartness, diluted with water or soda and served chilled.

Ingredients

  • 700g large prawns
  • 1 cup ramen noodles
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp white sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 cup scallions, sliced
  • a handful of fresh shiso leaves, chopped
  • toasted sesame oil, for serving
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • a pinch of wasabi paste
  • 200g napa cabbage
  • sake, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the panko breadcrumbs and chicken stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the wasabi paste and soy sauce, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with bonito flakes, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with mitsuba just before serving.

  8. 8

    Pour into your favorite glass or cup and enjoy.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more bonito flakes, but you cannot take it away.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.