Yoko Isassi
Japanese Food Specialist
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Co-authored Articles (20)
How to Hold and Eat with Chopsticks (Plus, Some Handy Table Etiquette)
Getting a grip on these tricky utensils Chopsticks are the go-to utensil for much of the world, and in many restaurants, you might not have other options. Once you learn to wrangle ‘em, though, you’ll see that they�...
Simple 2-Ingredient Recipe for Homemade Chinese Rice Wine
All you need is rice, yeast, and time when making this delicious Shaoxing rice wineShaoxing rice wine is the key to Chinese traditional cooking as well as a deliciously sweet drink. Different countries have modified rice...
How to
Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
If you cook with sesame oil, it’s important to be aware of signs of rancidity, as sesame oil has a much shorter shelf life than other plant-based oils. If you're concerned with the condition of your sesame oil, take no...
How to
Dry Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a big deal--they are packed with flavor, fantastic in tons of dishes, and can be stored for essentially an eternity. You can rehydrate them and use them in soups, risottos, pasta dishes...pretty much...
How to
Cook Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms have been used for a long time in Asian cuisines, and they are gaining popularity across the world because of their versatility and mild taste. Very different in appearance from the popular button or port...
How to
Make Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a flavorful cooking oil that is rich in calcium, copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium. It is also very beneficial for overall skin health because of these minerals. To make sesame oil at home, toast the seeds ...
How to
Eat Rice with Chopsticks
So you've mastered eating meats, vegetables, and sushi with chopsticks, but still find yourself thwarted by the simplest food of all: ''rice''. Worry no longer. By brushing up on the fundamentals of good chopstick form a...
How to
Cook Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes due to their rich and buttery flavor. They have a lower water content than other types of mushrooms, so they tend to taste meatier. You can cook shiitake m...
How to
Cook Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are large ''Agaricus bisporus'', with a firm, meaty texture and delicate flavor. They can be cooked in a number of ways, and can served as a main course or as a side dish. Learn how to cook delicious...
How to
Eat Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and slight nutty flavor to a wide range of recipes, from dressings to desserts. They’re also packed with healthy oils and minerals, which means they’re both delicious and nutritious! ...
How to
Freeze Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms are popular and yummy wild mushrooms. They can be found in the wilds of Eurasia, North and Central America, and Africa. Unfortunately, freshly picked chanterelle mushrooms will last 7-10 days in the...
How to
Eat Natto
Natto is a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. People are usually hesitant to try the delicacy because of its strong smell akin to aged cheese, bitter-bean flavor, and sticky texture. Loaded with Vita...
How to Properly Hold and Use Wooden Chopsticks
Master the art of chopsticks and learn chopstick etiquetteChopsticks are an incredibly versatile eating utensil, though it usually takes a bit of practice to learn how to use and maneuver them properly. Wooden chopsticks...
How to
Rinse Rice
As one of the most popular grains worldwide, rice is part of almost every great culinary tradition. This can lead to culture clashes when different cooks meet, even over simple matters like whether to rinse your rice. In...
A Thorough Guide to Proper Chopsticks Etiquette
The dos and don’ts of eating with chopsticks Whether you’re traveling to Japan for vacation or moving abroad long-term, eating with chopsticks is a big part of the culture. If you’re worried about using chopsticks ...
How to
Mince Ginger
There are multiple methods for mincing ginger. Depending on your personal preferences or your recipe, you may choose to mince your ginger more roughly, or you may want it very finely minced, almost pulped. With little ...
How to
Dry Tofu
Since tofu is made of mostly water, you need to dry it before you cook it to get the best texture.. 30 August 2021. Pressing out the water also allows the tofu to absorb more flavors from any marinade or seasonings you m...
How to
Eat Tsukemen
Tsukemen, also known as dipping ramen, is a Japanese noodle dish where you dip your food into a hot concentrated broth to add flavor. Though it may seem intimidating at first, tsukemen is an easy dish to enjoy. All you h...
How to
Thicken Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a great way to liven up meat and vegetables and provides a delicious Asian flavour to any dish. Don’t fret if your sauce is a little thin, simply use heat to reduce the liquid or add a little corn flo...
This is What Happens If You Plant a Sesame Seed
A guide to how sesame seeds grow, and how they’re farmed and harvested Sesame seeds make a delicious addition to tons of foods. But have you ever wondered what they grow into? As it turns out, sesame seeds are planted...
