Are Japanese Gyoza Suitable as a Starter?

Gyoza

A traditional Japanese meal often consists of many small dishes typically between 10 and 12.
Some of these are more suitable as appetizers than others, and one of the most popular small dishes is Japanese gyoza. These delicious dumplings are perfect both as a starter or a light main course. They can be enjoyed all year round whether on an ordinary day, with friends and family, or during festive occasions.

Gyoza actually has its roots in Chinese cuisine, where they are known as dumplings.
The variety of dumplings in China is vast and dates back hundreds of years. Over time, the dish made its way to Japan, where it was adapted to local ingredients and flavor preferences resulting in the version we know today as gyoza.

In our Traditional Japanese Cooking Class for Beginners, you will learn how to make classic gyoza entirely from scratch. You will master various cooking and hand-folding techniques and gain valuable insight into which ingredients to choose in order to achieve the best flavor and value.

Learn more about the Traditional Japanese cooking class 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.

What is Japanese gyoza?


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.

Cooking class: Traditional Japanese cooking for beginners

Traditional Japanese everyday dishes
Traditional Japanese cuisine is defined by carefully selected fresh ingredients, delicate flavor combinations, and a harmonious balance of textures and colors. This deep dedication to quality and detail has made Japanese food renowned and loved around the world.

What will you learn?

In this course, you will gain hands-on experience in preparing authentic and flavorful Japanese dishes, just as they are made by professional chefs in Tokyo.

You will learn how to use essential Japanese ingredients such as mirin and cooking sake, staples in the kitchens of experienced sushi chefs.

You will also gain insight into how Japanese chefs select fish, meat, vegetables, and other ingredients, and learn where and how you can source the right products yourself.

You will work with a variety of cutting and preparation techniques for handling fish, meat, and vegetables to ensure each dish is made to perfection.

Step by step, you will be guided through the preparation of three delicious Japanese dishes: crispy gyoza, a flavorful seafood noodle dish, and tender teriyaki salmon with classic Japanese sides.

Please 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.
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Is porridge suitable for sushi?

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

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

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.

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

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.

Can fish from the supermarket be used for sushi?

No, fish from the supermarket should not be used for sushi.
Sushi is a dish where the fish is eaten raw. It is very important that fish is as fresh as possible to prevent you from getting sick.

The problem with fish from a supermarket is that they have to meet a number of criteria before they can be used for sushi.

You do not know where in the world the fish have been caught.
You also do not know if the fish meets the criteria required for it to be used for sushi.
You also do not know when the fish was caught.
You also do not know how long the fish has been on its way to a supermarket.
You also do not know how long fish has been stored at a supermarket before it is filleted.
Fish from a supermarket is packed in such a way that it is only suitable to be prepared for a warm meal.

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.

Tasty Japanese Noodle Soup – a healthy meal that slims down!

Sushi chef & sake sommerlier Zoë Escher
Do you love Japanese noodle soups?

Then you must try a tasty Japanese noodle soup. Not only is it a great tasting meal, but it’s healthy too!

The Japanese noodle soup, also known as ramen, is a popular dish all over the world. And with good reason. It is full of flavour, low in fat and packed with vegetables and meat, which boosts your body.

But the best thing about Japanese noodle soups is that they are a healthy meal. The soup is made from a Japanese stock that is full of vitamins and minerals, add noodles that do not make you feel stuffed and toppings that embrace the whole food pyramid.

And if you are looking for a meal that can help you stay slim, Japanese noodle soups are a great choice.

On the Noodle soup course for beginners, you learn step by step how to make 2 very different healthy noodle soups that are perfect on a cold and wet autumn day.

Now on Sunday 5 November the last noodle soup course of the year will be held, so what are you waiting for?

Come to the course and learn how to make tasty noodle soup course like Japanese chefs in Tokyo.

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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.

Do seaweed for sushi taste different?


Yes, there is a difference in the taste of seaweed for sushi.
There are 3 countries that produce seaweed for sushi and that is Japan, Korea and China. Within sushi seaweed, there are several different types it affects the taste, the structure of the sushi seaweed and the way the seaweed behaves when it is used for sushi.

I have tasted seaweed for sushi from Japan, Korea and China and it tastes different.

Some seaweed sheets taste part of the sea, so it may seem surprising if you are not used to it.
Some seaweed sheets are completely neutral in taste it has an advantage over sushi because it does not affect the taste of the sushi pieces.
Some seaweed can be a little rubbery in consistency when sushi rolls are made and when eating the pieces. It gives a different feeling when biting through the sheet.

Seaweed is very healthy, and you should finally eat loose of it when you have the opportunity.

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.