Rich and Delicious! Avocado and Cream Cheese with Nori Tsukudani

If you’ve never tried nori tsukudani before, this recipe is a wonderful introduction. Nori tsukudani is a Japanese seaweed paste simmered in soy sauce, giving it a salty-sweet umami flavor. It’s often enjoyed with steamed rice in Japan, but here we’re pairing it with avocado and cream cheese for a modern appetizer that feels both comforting and indulgent. The creamy richness balances perfectly with the savory depth of the seaweed, creating a dish that works beautifully with sake—and even pairs well with white wine.

What makes this combination especially good with sake is the harmony of flavors: the umami of the nori enhances the gentle sweetness of many junmai or honjozo sake, while the creamy avocado and cheese soften any sharpness in the drink. It’s the kind of small plate (otsumami) that encourages slow sipping and conversation, embodying the relaxed style of Japanese drinking culture. Serve it in a small dish, and you’ll have an effortless pairing that feels both authentic and contemporary.