The foolproof way to make maki sushi at home—endless sushi nights for less Hello, dear readers. For a long time, the only related post on the site was my sushi rice recipe, and many of you asked for a dedicated article with step-by-step instructions on assembling sushi—maki, in this case. […]
Techniques
How to Cook Rice Noodles
My rice noodles aren’t cooked enough. My rice noodles are overcooked. How do you cook rice noodles properly? If that sounds like you, read on. Forget the instructions on rice noodle packages. They’re pretty useless. I’ve never really understood why, but they only work for brothy dishes like Vietnamese pho. […]
Tare: The Secret Sauce of Ramen
Tare is the foundational seasoning that defines ramen, the beloved Japanese noodle soup. Think of it as the dish’s secret sauce, the element that gives every bowl its unmistakable character. In this article I will lay out the theory behind tare, which I will put into practice in my upcoming […]
Paitan style Ramen broth – 白湯、パイタン
What is Paitan broth? Paitan, a word derived from Chinese, refers to a “white soup” in culinary context. This term is specifically associated with varieties of Japanese Ramen whose broth is cloudy, milky, and opaque. It’s important to note that a “pure” white color is not an absolute necessity for […]
Chintan-style Ramen broth – 清湯、チンタン
Ramen is an iconic Japanese dish, often celebrated for its rich and deep broth. Among the varieties of broths, Chintan stands out for its apparent simplicity and depth of flavor. What is Chintan broth? Unlike its thick and cloudy counterpart, Paitan, Chintan is a clear, transparent broth, as its name […]
How to Tenderize Meat for Asian Dishes: The Baking Soda Method
Asian cuisine, with its rich diversity of flavors and techniques, places great importance on texture, and meat is no exception. Tender meat is essential for dishes like Chinese beef with onions or caramel pork. Tender meat not only delivers a better eating experience, it also helps the spicy, aromatic marinades […]
Glutinous rice: What is it and how do you cook it?
There are many varieties of glutinous rice from countries around the world, including Thailand, China, and Japan. For this recipe, look for Thai or Chinese glutinous rice, sometimes labeled “sweet rice” or “sticky rice.” Different names, same rice—trust me. Glutinous rice is a versatile staple across many Asian cuisines. Beyond […]
A Simple Ramen Recipe
What is ramen? Ramen is a dish from traditional Japanese cuisine, essentially composed of wheat noodles, broth, tare (sauce), vegetables, and meat. With its wide assortment of toppings, ramen is a “chameleon” dish that can be made into hundreds of recipes. From thin and curly noodles to thick and straight […]
How to Cook and Season Sushi Rice
Sushi lovers, take note! Did you think the secret to great sushi was all about the quality of the fish? Think again! Sushi rice—this magical ingredient—is the real hero that brings out the flavor in this iconic Japanese dish. Join me on this culinary adventure as I reveal the secrets […]
Temaki – Cone-Shaped Sushi 手巻き寿司
Attention sushi lovers, this article is for you! The undisputed star of Japanese cuisine is the world-famous sushi, but have you heard of its close cousin, temaki? This dish uses the same ingredients as sushi, but in the form of a… cone. That makes it the perfect choice for homemade […]