Ep 11. Pantry Raid XII: Turning Japanese

In Good Eats season 13 episode 11, titled Pantry Raid XII: Turning Japanese, host Alton Brown delves into the world of Japanese cuisine. The episode begins with Alton raiding his pantry and discovering a variety of Japanese ingredients such as miso paste, kombu seaweed, and mirin cooking wine.

He then explores the concept of umami, the fifth taste, which is commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Alton reveals the history of the term and how it was discovered by a Japanese chemist in the early 1900s. He also discusses the importance of using umami ingredients in cooking, and how they can elevate the flavor of a dish.

Next, Alton dives into the art of making sushi rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine. He explains the importance of using the correct ratio of vinegar, sugar, and salt in the rice seasoning, and demonstrates the proper technique for cooking and seasoning the rice. He also shares some tips for rolling sushi and creating different shapes and styles of sushi.

Alton then turns his attention to miso soup, a traditional Japanese soup that is commonly served as a starter. He explains the different types of miso paste and how they are used in cooking, and demonstrates how to make a simple miso soup using kombu seaweed and dashi stock. He also shares some tips for adding additional ingredients to miso soup, such as tofu and seaweed.

The episode continues with a discussion on Japanese knives, which are known for their precision and sharpness. Alton explains the different types of Japanese knives and their uses in cooking, and demonstrates the proper technique for sharpening and honing a Japanese knife. He also shares some safety tips for using a Japanese knife in the kitchen.

Finally, Alton prepares a classic Japanese dish, chicken teriyaki. He demonstrates how to make the teriyaki sauce from scratch using soy sauce, mirin, and sake, and explains the importance of using high-quality chicken for the dish. He also shares some tips for grilling the chicken and achieving the perfect glaze.

Throughout the episode, Alton provides in-depth explanations and demonstrations, making it easy for viewers to replicate the recipes and techniques at home. So, take a trip to Japan from the comfort of your own kitchen with Pantry Raid XII: Turning Japanese.