Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Tamari
A Japanese soy sauce made with little to no wheat—richer, smoother, and naturally gluten-free (always check the label!).
Pro Tip: Use tamari as a 1:1 swap for soy sauce when you want deeper umami and less saltiness.
How to Use It:
- Dip sushi or dumplings
- Add to stir-fries, marinades, or dressings
- Splash into soups or broths for depth
1. Tamari-Glazed Tofu Stir-Fry Bowl
Vibe: Crispy tofu, sticky tamari glaze, and fresh veggies over rice or noodles. Easy, balanced, and totally addictive.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for extra crisp)
1–2 tbsp neutral oil
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cups stir-fry veggies (bok choy, bell pepper, mushrooms, etc.)
Optional: chili flakes, green onions, sesame seeds
👩🍳 Instructions:
Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch and fry until golden and crisp.
In the same pan, stir-fry your veggies until just tender.
Mix tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Add tofu back in, pour sauce over, and stir until glossy and caramelized.
Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions or sesame.
🌱 Why it hits: Tamari’s rich depth makes a fast, sticky-sweet glaze that feels fancy but takes 10 mins. Vegan, but no one’s missing the meat.
2. Tamari Salmon Rice Bowls
Vibe: Meal-prep friendly, clean but flavorful. Sweet-savory tamari marinade caramelizes perfectly on the salmon—chef’s kiss.
🛒 Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
Cooked rice (jasmine, sushi, or brown)
Optional toppings: avocado, cucumber, shredded carrot, spicy mayo, nori strips
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix tamari, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil.
Marinate salmon in the mix for 15–30 min (or just brush it on if you’re in a rush).
Bake or pan-sear until cooked and caramelized.
Assemble your bowl: rice base, salmon on top, load up with veggies and sauces.
Drizzle with extra tamari or spicy mayo if desired.
🍚 Why people love it: It’s low-effort, high-flavor, and tamari gives it a deeper, rounder saltiness than soy. Plus: it’s gorgeous in a bento or on IG.