In Hokkaido, "Menmi" is a major condiment that practically everyone knows. As a "Dosanko" (a native of Hokkaido), when I think of mentsuyu (noodle soup base), "Menmi" is my one and only choice. It's been a familiar part of my meals since I was a child. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the "soul sauce" of Hokkaido, not just a soul food.

But did you know that this versatile condiment, "Menmi," is actually "exclusive to Hokkaido"?

When I started my first full-time job and began living alone on Honshu (Japan's main island), I was shocked that I couldn't find "Menmi" in any supermarket. I searched online and discovered for the first time that it was a Hokkaido-exclusive product. I remember immediately asking my mom back home to send me some.

"Menmi" is a product from the famous soy sauce company, Kikkoman.

The Secret to "Menmi's" Gentle Flavor Was... Scallops!

First, let's look at the ingredients list.

Menmi is a 5x concentrated mentsuyu that combines the umami of dashi stock made from five ingredients—bonito, sardine, kombu kelp, mackerel, and scallop—with soy sauce and hon-mirin (true mirin). I realized that the inclusion of "scallop" in the ingredients gives it a mellow sweetness characteristic of Hokkaido, setting it apart from other mentsuyu. It all makes sense now.

Making Quick and Easy Dishes is a Breeze with "Menmi"!

Here are some examples of dishes we actually make at my house.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are cooking at home. Whether it's during a limited lunch break while working from home or when you have hungry children, there are times you want to make a meal as quickly as possible. Here are some simple recipe examples using "Menmi" that are perfect for such occasions.

Spinach Ohitashi (Boiled Spinach)

Spinach ohitashi is a basic example of using Menmi as a substitute for soy sauce. First, boil your favorite leafy greens (microwaving is also fine). Finally, just drizzle a little Menmi over them. By the way, another dish that's complete with just a splash of Menmi is Tamago Kake Gohan (raw egg on rice)!

It's simple, but it creates an elegant flavor.

Simmered Quail Eggs

This is also super easy! Just put the store-bought boiled quail eggs in a container, add Menmi, and then add water to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Add enough liquid to submerge the eggs.

Then, just wait for the flavor to soak in!

They look so delicious after just one hour in the fridge.

Serve with a dab of Japanese mustard (karashi) for a perfect snack to go with drinks. It'll make your at-home drinking session even more enjoyable.

Nabeyaki Udon (Udon Hot Pot)

Add Menmi to boiling water, then add udon noodles and other ingredients like vegetables. Simmer until cooked, and it's done in no time! Thank you, Menmi...

Add your favorite ingredients and let it simmer.

It's perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather, as it's easy to digest and warms you up. It's a triple-win dish where you can also get nutrients from your favorite toppings.

Tenkasu Onigiri (Tempura Scrap Rice Balls)

Add tenkasu and aonori to cooked rice and mix it all up.

It's just mixing, so it's a fun activity to do with kids.

And just like that, you've got something like that viral "devil's onigiri" from a certain convenience store! Adding a pinch of ichimi chili pepper for a spicy kick is also a great idea. This is seriously addictive!

Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Add water and "Menmi" to a frying pan and simmer the onion and chicken until cooked through. Next, pour in half of the beaten egg, stir with chopsticks, cover, and wait for about 30 seconds. Finally, add the remaining egg and cook until it's soft-set. Done!

You can top it with pickled red ginger if you like.

Menmi isn't just for Oyakodon; you can use it for other rice bowl dishes like Katsudon (pork cutlet bowl) too!

Shirataki Konjac with Cod Roe

Thoroughly wash the raw cod roe, then blanch it. Blanch the shirataki konjac noodles as well. Sauté the shirataki and cod roe, then add "Menmi" and simmer to combine the flavors. Adjust the taste, and it's ready! This is a local Hokkaido winter dish, when cod is at its most delicious.

This is a personal favorite... I get cravings for it.

You can also use it for dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), nimono (simmered dishes), nikujaga (meat and potato stew), gyusuji nikomi (beef tendon stew), yaki udon (stir-fried udon; I recommend topping with bonito flakes), or a quick splash to finish a Japanese-style fried rice. Adding "Menmi" brings the whole dish together, elevating your home-cooked meal to the level of a chic little diner.

Give these quick, easy, and helpful dishes using "Menmi" a try!