Zoë Escher

What is Japanese gyoza?

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Japanese gyoza are in fact Japanese dumpings.

Originally, Japanese gyoza comes from China. China is known for making many different kinds of dumplings with fish, meat, seafood or a combination of it all.

When the Chinese dumplings came to Japan many years ago, the Chinese dumplings were adapted to Japanese cuisine. Other raw materials were used. The dough sheets used to make Japanese gyoza are made with classic ingredients used in Japanese cuisine.

Japanese chefs made their own interpretation of gyoza. It became like a banner bearer for all other gyoza that have since come into being. The Japanese chefs also developed their very own hand techniques used to fold the Japanese gyoza.

The actual preparation of gyoza is another. A gyoza must go through several steps before it is ready to be eaten.

In the Traditional Japanese food course for beginners, you will learn how to make gyoza as they are served in restaurants in Tokyo.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Authentic Japanese Teriyaki sauce which you can eat with a spoon

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Teriyaki sauce has become a popular addition to many Asian dishes, and most people know it as the bottled version found in supermarkets and Asian specialty stores.

However, the homemade, authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce is a completely different experience. It’s rich, well-balanced, and so full of flavor that many of our course participants cannot resist taking a spoonful straight from the pot the first time they taste it.

In our Traditional Japanese Cooking Class for Beginners, participants learn how to prepare three classic Japanese dishes entirely from scratch. One of the favorites is teriyaki salmon a dish that brings out the delicate aromas and depth of flavor in the salmon. The silky-smooth teriyaki sauce adds the final touch, elevating the dish to something truly special and making the taste buds sing.

Read more about Traditional Japanese cooking class for beginners

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Is porridge suitable for sushi?

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Sushi chef & sake sommerlier Zoë Escher

There are many different types of rice, and pudding rice is just one of them.
A question I am frequently asked is whether pudding rice can be used for sushi. My immediate answer is no even though pudding rice also falls into the category of short-grain rice.

That said, I should mention that I have not personally tried making sushi with pudding rice. However, I have made rice pudding many times, and the texture of cooked pudding rice is noticeably different from that of properly cooked sushi rice.

While it might not be something most people think about, the texture of the rice has a significant impact on the overall taste experience. If the sushi rice does not have the right consistency, it can affect the entire dish. Sushi rice plays a key role in the quality of sushi. It should be tender yet firm, never undercooked in the center, and certainly not overcooked. Achieving this requires a specific type of short-grain rice that is cultivated especially for sushi.

In our beginner sushi course, you will learn which types of rice are best suited for sushi and how to cook them properly to achieve sushi rice of the highest quality.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Boost your health with nutritious Japanese dishes

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Spring is just around the corner and what better way to kickstart the season than with healthy and delicious Japanese cuisine?

Japanese food is not only a delight for the taste buds but can also have a positive impact on your health.

Teriyaki salmon is an extraordinary flavor experience and a nutritious dish at the same time. The healthy fats in salmon provide the nourishment your body needs after the heavier meals of winter. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce adds a delicate and rich taste, making this dish a favorite among many.

Gyoza, the popular Japanese dumplings, are not only delicious but also filled with juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. They offer a well-balanced and nutritious option, whether served as an appetizer or a light main course.

Stir-fried noodles with tiger prawns and vegetables are a quick and flavorful dish that embraces the entire food pyramid without being boring. It’s the perfect choice for a busy day when both health and great taste are a priority.

Starting the season with healthy Japanese dishes such as teriyaki salmon, gyoza, and stir-fried noodles with tiger prawns is not just a culinary experience. It’s also an investment in your well-being.

Read more about Traditional Japanese cooking course for beginners

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Okonomiyaki is a dish for everyone

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Mini Ebook: 5 Japanese okonomiyaki for One
In Japan, food is more than just nourishment. It is a way to bring people together and share an experience.
One of the most beloved dishes is okonomiyaki. This Japanese pancake is not only delicious but also highly customizable, making it a favorite throughout the country.

The name okonomiyaki literally means “grilled as you like it,” which reflects the countless variations of this popular dish. Whether you prefer juicy pork, fresh seafood, or a vegetarian version, okonomiyaki can be tailored to suit any taste.

Okonomiyaki offers an irresistible combination of crispiness, tenderness, and deep umami flavors. It is typically topped with a sweet-savory okonomiyaki sauce, a touch of nori, and much more, creating a perfectly balanced taste experience.

This dish is enjoyed in Japan for both lunch and dinner all year round.

In the “Mini E-book: 5 Japanese Okonomiyaki for One”, you will find five different recipes for this flavorful dish.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Sushi is your shortcut to eat more fish

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Sushi roll futomaki with prawns, web: http://chefzoeescher.com

Then I have some great news for you.
Sushi can be your shortcut to eating more fish throughout the week.

This popular Japanese dish, originally consisting only of raw fish and rice, is not only delicious but also a healthy and convenient way to boost your body with essential oils and vitamins from fish in your daily diet.

Sushi is one of those meals that, in addition to providing healthy fish, also helps you consume the recommended 600 grams of vegetables per day. During a sushi meal, you naturally cover the entire food pyramid in a nutritious and balanced way.

At the Beginner’s Sushi Course, you will learn:

  • Which Japanese ingredients are best suited for sushi.
  • How to cook the perfect rice.
  • How to buy and prepare fish for sushi.
  • And most importantly, step-by-step guidance on making delicious sushi.

By joining Sushi Course for Beginners, you will also have the opportunity to explore different flavors and receive expert tips on how to create sushi with your favorite ingredients in your own kitchen.

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Learn how to make sushi that can be enjoyed all year round!

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Sushi is a dish that stands out from most other meals prepared in a kitchen.

It is enjoyed cold all year round, whether for lunch or dinner. This places unique demands on the ingredients used in its preparation—they must be as fresh and high-quality as possible.

Sushi is one of the few dishes that can provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals in a single meal, without compromising on taste or requiring a fully vegan approach.

Additionally, sushi is highly customizable, allowing you to use exactly the ingredients that make it your favorite.

However, there are certain ground rules.

Japanese culinary techniques play a crucial role in ensuring you get the best possible flavor and value for your ingredients. There is a world of difference in taste between self-taught methods and the techniques used by professional sushi chefs in Tokyo.

At Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn, step by step, the same techniques that Japanese sushi chefs in Tokyo use when preparing sushi for their guests. With these techniques, you will be able to create your favorite sushi using your preferred ingredients—just like a true sushi chef.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

That’s why noodle soups are the most popular dish in Japan!

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Noodle soup

Yes, it is true.
Noodle soups are the most popular dish in Japan, and there are several reasons for that.

It is the Japanese’s favorite fastfood. It is healthy, nutritious and low in fat. Noodle soups suits a busy day with long working hours, family and friends and is eaten all year round.

Noodle soup can be made in many different ways and each region of Japan specializes in their very own version. Indeed, most noodle restaurant have their very own unique signature that has been passed down through the generations. In Japan, noodle soups are most often made with ramen noodles, udon noodles and soba noodles.

Noodle soups are also made with different types of stock. The most popular are chicken stock, pork stock and fish stock.

On the Noodle soup course for beginners, you learn how to make the most used stock in Japanese cuisine. With the stock you will learn step by step how to make 2 very different types of noodle soups that can be enjoyed all year round.

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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Japanese noodle soup ideal for unstable weather!

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Sometimes it rains a lot in summertime.

Quite a few people have traveled to Spain, South of France or Italy to get some sun. If you are of those who have been home do not despair.

In many European countries more and more street food are opening.

A Japanese noodle soup is very popular in summer and winter time. A Japanese noodle soup and best known ramen noodles are a healthy, nutritious and tasty fast food that only takes many minutes to make.

It is the right match on a busy day without compromising on quality. On class Japanese noodle soup for beginnerss you will be introduced to Dashi which is the foundation of Japanese cuisine.

You can read more about the course here
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Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.

Get warm with a steaming bowl of Japanese noodle soup

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Noodle soup
The chilly days of winter call for warming dishes that can take the chill away. A perfect solution is a bowl of Japanese noodle soup, a tasty and nutritious way to fight the winter cold.

The Japanese noodle soup, also known as ‘ramen’, is not only popular in Japan, but also very popular worldwide. It consists of a delicious combination of noodles, stock, proteins and vegetables, all served in a steaming hot bowl. This traditional dish is not only a culinary experience, but also a soothing cure for winter fatigue.

The key to an authentic Japanese noodle soup is the stock, which is made with Japanese ingredients step by step from scratch. The warm base not only warms the body, but its complex flavor profile elevates the whole dish.

The noodles used in Japanese noodle soups vary according to the types of noodle soups being made. Combined with proteins, tasty vegetables and proteins, they create a taste experience that will make you forget about the winter cold outside.

On the Japanese noodle soups course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty soups that suit the changeable weather.

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Zoë has held sushi courses and cooking classes for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Velux, Gorrissen Federspiel, Beierholm revision, Elbek & Vejrup and many more.