Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo, Avocado, Jalapeño
Smoked Soy, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Microgreens

This simple yet sublime salmon crudo dish hits all the notes. Pristine raw wild Alaska sockeye is shingled with creamy avocado slices and spicy jalapeño then drizzled with smoked soy sauce, fruity olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Just a touch of flaky sea salt and a scatter of vibrant peppery microgreens complete the dish.

But it’s really the smoked soy that pushes this dish over the top — unexpected and distinctive. A few drops of all-natural hickory liquid smoke transforms plain soy sauce into something magical.

Seasoned sushi rice is served on the side, great for dipping in the intoxicating sauce and pairing with bites of salmon.

Cold sake makes a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to the salmon crudo’s bright, clean flavors of citrus, soy, and olive oil. The chilled sake mirrors that cool, clean mouthfeel, keeping the palate refreshed instead of weighing it down.

Salmon Crudo, Smoked Soy

Salmon Crudo Recipe

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Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore with Sesame Ponzu
Cucumber, Fresh Herbs, Serrano Chile

Albacore offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s much more delicate than other tunas. Grilling enhances its natural savoriness while letting its clean taste shine. The loin is firm yet tender, and just 60 seconds per side is enough to create a beautifully seared crust while leaving the center silky and moist.

A simple four-ingredient sesame ponzu brings umami, citrus, and depth. And even when grilled for only two minutes, the fish still picks up a bold smokiness that adds real character.

Cilantro, mint, and chives keep it vibrant and fresh, serrano chile brings the heat, while crisp cucumber adds texture and a refreshing coolness.

Grilled Albacore Recipe

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Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup

The combination of chewy noodles, fresh toppings, and savory sockeye salmon makes Salmon Noodle Soup extra satisfying and flavorful. Adding tofu enhances the dish by boosting protein while keeping it light and silky.

The miso-based dashi broth creates a soup that is both dynamic and complex. Butter in the broth gives the soup a rich, luxurious texture while sansho pepper adds a unique citrusy, tingly heat that pairs beautifully with the umami-rich broth, salmon, and tofu.

Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup Recipe

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Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot

Corn, Cabbage, Shiitake, Carrot, Potato, Daikon, Tofu
Miso Bonito Broth with Butter

Ishikari Nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish from Hokkaido, named after the Ishikari River region. It features fresh salmon, a staple of the area.

Nabe, which means “pot” in Japanese, refers to a traditional Japanese hot pot dish. It’s both the name of the cooking vessel and the dish itself. Nabe involves simmering a variety of ingredients in a flavorful broth, typically served communally at the dining table, making it a social and comforting meal.

Sockeye salmon is an excellent choice for a Hokkaido-style Salmon Hot Pot due to its robust flavor, firm texture, and nutritional richness.

Its deep, rich taste complements the umami-packed miso broth, while its sturdy flesh holds up well during simmering, maintaining its shape and adding satisfying bites to the dish featuring an array of fresh vegetables, tofu, and potatoes.

While sockeye salmon is not native to Japan’s northernmost island, it has been introduced to Japanese waters, including areas around Hokkaido. The texture and full flavor make it the perfect species to shine in this delicious salmon hot pot.

Sockeye Salmon Hot Pot Recipe

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Oyakodon – Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl

Oyakodon - Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl🍚🐔🥚 Oyakodon 🥚🐔🍚
Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl

Oyakodon is a popular and traditional Japanese rice bowl dish that combines a savory-sweet mixture of chicken, egg, and onions served over steamed rice. The name “oyakodon” translates to “parent and child bowl,” which is a poetic reference to the use of both chicken (the parent) and egg (the child) in the dish.

It is a favorite for home cooks due to its ease of preparation and is often found in Japanese eateries and fast-food chains and featured in Japanese cooking shows and food blogs. Just Google “oyakodon” to see hundreds of authentic recipes for this well liked Japanese comfort food.

I am sharing here today for those who aren’t familiar with this splendid, homey Japanese dish. Serve it for brunch, lunch, dinner or a late night snack. It can easily be prepared with almost all ingredients on hand in the Western kitchen. I give substitutes below in case Japanese ingredients are not available.

Oyakodon - Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl

Oyakodon Recipe

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