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These Potstickers are one of my favorite appetizers to come out of my kitchen. They are perfect for upcoming New Year’s (or any occasion), because you can assemble them and refrigerate or freeze beforehand. Homemade potstickers do require some time and effort but they are SO worth it! I kid you not that my husband and I ate all but 5 of the potstickers in one sitting! Even while I was photographing, Patrick was swiping whatever pot sticker I would point to that wasn’t in the shot to gobble it down because they are just SO good....

baked feta pasta video PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER What is this Tiktok Pasta? I’m not on TikTok, but this baked feta pasta has become so popular, I’ve seen it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest! On TikTok alone, the #bakedfetapasta hashtag has amassed 52 million views and counting! Baked feta pasta is going viral all over the world because it’s astonishingly simple to make with just a handful of fresh ingredients – and it actually tastes amazing!...

Strolling down the aisle of a Japanese or Asian supermarket, you’d see bags of Japanese rice in all sizes—some come with English labelings but very often only in Japanese. Even if you can read Japanese characters, it’s still easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of choices. Which type of rice should you use for Japanese cooking? How are they different? Which is the best rice for everyday Japanese meals?...

Unagi sushi is a mainstay item at most sushi restaurants, but have you tried unagi rice bowl before? This classic Japanese dish is called Unadon (鰻丼) or Unaju (鰻重), or you might have known it as eel rice. The Japanese have a special affection for Unadon because the satisfaction of eating perfectly grilled unagi over a bed of warm rice is incomparable. Oh, and the aroma of the sweet caramelized sauce…that alone is enough to make my mouth water....

Wasabi (山葵, わさび) is the spicy green paste served as a condiment to sushi and in some Japanese dishes. Real wasabi is made from the rhizome of the Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonicum plant of the Brassicaceae mustard plant. While it resembles a root, we eat the plant’s stem. It’s native to Japan and grown commercially in southwest China, Taiwan, Korea, and the United States. Read about the JOC family’s visit to a wasabi farm in Azumino, Nagano prefecture....

Chili peppers originated in South America, but are now grown around the world because they are used as spices or as medicine. Christopher Columbus reportedly sampled a chili pepper and thought it was a relative of the black pepper, dubbing it a “pepper”, which is inaccurate, though the name persists today. In South America, they were known as Aji. Here is a useful link on Wikipedia Chili Pepper Institute...

Since I shared 5 reasons why I love my Instant Pot, the question I’ve received most is which Instant Pot should I buy. It’s a fair question, but it can be a confusing one to tackle. Mainly because there are quite a dizzying array of Instant Pots to choose from! Just like shopping for a camera or a laptop, Instant Pot comes in different sizes, models, and styles – each one even has a fancy name that comes with a string of numbers....

Let’s talk about how to make Yakisoba Noodles, shall we? Plus! A good stir fry is so easy to make and always huge on flavor. This particular recipe is one you’re going to enjoy. We’re talking Chicken Yakisoba Noodles, and I think you’re going to love it. This is a chicken yakisoba recipe, though you can easily make it with shrimp, pork or other proteins, or go vegetarian. It’s a great go-to for busy nights when you want to get something on the table fast that doesn’t compromise on flavor....

After a series of successful installments on Japanese movies and dramas, we’re back on the topic by popular demand. This time, we’re throwing in more variety to the list, which includes our favorite travelogues, cooking show, and documentary that you can watch across different channels. While you’re at home, let’s make the most of your downtime and take a dive into Japan and its culture with us! Also, here’s another good news to share: Netflix has started releasing 21 films from the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli on its global network starting Feb 1, 2020....

(Updated recipe photos; original recipe 7/14/2014) pin this recipe to save for later Buffalo Mac and Cheese Recipe I confess. The blue box mac and cheese was my go-to in college (and maybe just a little beyond) when I needed something quick and easy. And I know we all need something quick and easy (and creamy!) once in a while – okay, a lot and a while, so I giddily bring you this 20 minute, super quick and easy Buffalo Mac and Cheese!...

I’ve shared a few methods for making tamagoyaki, the Japanese rolled omelette that serves as a powerful protein side dish for breakfast and bento lunches. Both my original recipe and this one, inspired by Midnight Diner, involve a bit more skill and require the use of dashi (Japanese soup stock) in the ingredients. To encourage everyone to make tamagoyaki more often, I’ve developed a technique without the use of dashi....

Sloppy Joes Are you a Sloppy Joe fan? My husband wasn’t a fan until he tried my homemade easy Sloppy Joes, or more accurately, my mom’s homemade Sloppy Joe recipe. I don’t think homemade is always better, but in the case of Sloppy Joes, homemade is 1000x better than any canned variety. Growing up, I always looked forward to my mom’s Sloppy Joes when the cousins came over, or last minute company dropped in or for casual get togethers around the pool....

Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe You guys, this red pepper feta dip is one of my new obsessions. I even added the leftover dip to pasta to infuse it with creamy, roasted red pepper, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro deliciousness because I just couldn’t get enough. Basically, this dip makes everything better. I made this velvety Whipped Roasted Red Pepper Dip last Friday, and it being the 4th of July weekend, Patrick surprised me by coming home early to find me sitting crossed legged on our rug, just having finished taking pictures, stuffing my face with broccoli… Triscuits/crackers… Pita chips… …and cucumbers all blanketed in the creamylicious dip....

Friends, I am going to make a statement, you may disagree. At it’s best Aloo Palak should taste like the vegetables in the dish. One of the hallmarks to me of a really good Pakistani vegetarian dish is that it should showcase the flavours of the ingredients. One niwala with a little piece of chapati shouldn’t feel like korma lite. Okay so now we are on the same page or at the very least humoring me by reading along let’s talk about how to make this deliciousness happen....

I’m super excited to share a healthier cake recipe with you guys! This eggless atta cake is made with 100% whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with jaggery. A celebration is incomplete without some sort of cake in my opinion, be it birthdays or anniversaries or any other special day. And if you refrain from enjoying a piece of cake due to various dietary restrictions, then you definitely need to try this healthier alternative....

Fall is the season of desserts! We especially love whipping up cozy, comforting desserts this time of year like pear pie, pumpkin bundt cake, mini apple pies and pumpkin cheesecake. PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER PEAR CRISP RECIPE This sensational pear crisp recipe is about to become your go-to dessert whether for potlucks, Thanksgiving or a weeknight meal. You’ll love this recipe because: Quick and Easy. It’s a slice, dump and bake dessert that can be made at a moment’s notice – no making pie crust, no chilling pie crust, etc....

Love sushi, but feel intimated by the idea of making sushi at home? Don’t be! As a Japanese home cook, I’m here to assure you that everyone can make solid, beautiful sushi in their own kitchen. And oftentimes, it requires just a few ingredients and basic techniques. You’ll only get better with practice! More reasons to make sushi at home? It’s easy and a lot cheaper than eating at sushi restaurants....

TERIYAKI CHICKEN RECIPE We are moving this week – ah!!! So this quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with only one dish (if you grill) is just what I needed and hopefully will fit your bustling back to school/work needs too. But even if you have all the time in the world, this sweet and savory chicken with its bold flavors and lick-your-plate-homemade teriyaki sauce belongs in your life. On your plate....

There is a popular Chinese-style restaurant called Double Happiness (ダウブルハピネス) in my neighborhood in Yokohama, Japan. This restaurant specializes in Black Sesame Dan Dan Noodles or Black Sesame Tan Tan Men (黒胡麻担々麺) which we look forward to eating their noodles every year. We’ve tried dan dan noodles at many other restaurants, but we believe theirs is by far the best. The noodles are brilliantly redefined and oh-so-good! Inspired, I decided to tinker with the recipe and today I’m sharing my version of Black Sesame Tan Tan Men with you....

pin this recipe to save for later Caramel Brown Sugar Pound Cake I am so excited to share with you this Toffee Pecan Caramel Brown Sugar Pound Cake! I know that’s a loaded name, but this cake is LOADED with epic deliciousness! It comes from my love of everything brown sugar, caramel, toffee and pecan. Every year my mother-in-law gifts us with homemade toffee at Christmas time. It is my most favorite food/dessert combined that I eat all holiday season....