What is the difference between Danish and Japanese sushi chefs?

Sushi Chef & Sake Sommelier

The biggest difference between a Danish and a Japanese sushi chef is the food. Yes, I said the food.

Sushi prepared by a Danish sushi chef taste very different from sushi prepared by a Japanese sushi chef. There are several reasons for this.

Danish sushi chefs have a very different professional background from Japanese sushi chefs. In Japan, different standards are set for the skills of sushi chefs.

Danish sushi chefs also use different ingredients when preparing sushi. Japanese sushi chefs use ingredients that enhance the flavor of the specific fish used for sushi. This brings out the flavors and creates a balanced culinary experience.

Danish sushi chefs also use different cooking techniques when making sushi. This includes everything from cooking sushi rice and filleting fish to the special hand techniques used to shape each piece of sushi.

In the Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn step by step how to make sushi like Japanese sushi chefs. You will learn this because Japanese sushi simply tastes the best. You will also get useful tips on which ingredients work best and how to handle fish properly.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

_
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.

Why is the standard of sushi so high in Japan?

Sushi chef & sake sommerlier Zoë Escher

Japan has many more sushi styles and levels of quality than we are used to in Denmark. The variety is enormous. It ranges from simple everyday sushi to exclusive dining experiences at the very highest level.

At the top, you will find some of Japan’s most exclusive sushi restaurants. Some are so sought-after and private that they are not listed in the Michelin Guide. Others have been recognised with Michelin stars.

There are also many other levels of sushi restaurants in Japan. What they have in common is a generally high standard. Even everyday sushi in Japan can be of a quality that we would consider exclusive in Denmark.

There is a natural reason for this. Sushi originated in Japan and is deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. There are many sushi restaurants, and competition is strong. As a result, there are high expectations when it comes to ingredients, craftsmanship, flavour and precision.

Sushi that is often considered gourmet in Denmark may therefore be seen as everyday sushi in Japan.

In our Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn step by step how to use some of the fundamental techniques used by Japanese gourmet sushi chefs. You will gain an insight into the art of Japanese sushi making. You will also learn how technique, quality ingredients and precision can take your sushi to a higher level.

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

How do the Japanese view soy sauce?

White soya sauce plate with sushi

In Japan, soy sauce is regarded primarily as a seasoning. It is used to enhance and balance the flavors of a dish rather than simply adding saltiness. There are almost as many different varieties of soy sauce as there are types of cheese in a Danish supermarket.

But that’s not all. In traditional Japanese cuisine, it is perfectly normal to use several different types of soy sauce in the same dish. This is because soy sauce is brewed and aged in different ways, depending on its intended purpose.

That is why it matters which soy sauce you choose for sushi or for a traditional Japanese noodle soup. These two dishes require different flavor profiles, and the right soy sauce can complement the ingredients and add the perfect finishing touch without overpowering their natural taste.

In our Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn which type of soy sauce is best suited for sushi and how to use it to enhance the flavors instead of dominating them.

_
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.

Which sushi fish is the healthiest to eat?

Salmon

Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat, and there are several good reasons for this.

Salmon is classified as an oily fish, but in a healthy way. It contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats and are essential for the human body.

Salmon is also rich in protein. A 200-gram serving of salmon contains approximately 44 grams of protein. This makes salmon an excellent choice if you want to improve and maintain your health.

The Japanese population eats almost as much fish and seafood as Europeans eat meat. Japan offers a wide variety of fish species, and many Japanese people therefore follow the seasonal availability of fish.

Throughout the year, Japanese people eat both fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and, at other times, fish and seafood that are leaner but contain other important vitamins and minerals.

As side dishes, Japanese people eat a wide range of vegetables and different types of cabbage, prepared in many different ways.

At Sushi Course for Beginners, you will learn step by step how to make delicious sushi using the most popular types of fish.

_
Zoë has lectured and held sushi courses for A. P. Moller – Maersk, Hugo Boss Nordic, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Capgemini, 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

_
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 the benefit of eating sushi rolls?

Sushi roll futomaki with prawns, web: http://chefzoeescher.com
One of the biggest advantages of sushi rolls is the unique taste experience they offer.
Each sushi roll is like a small work of art with a harmonious combination of taste and texture.
From the fresh fish to the carefully prepared rice and crisp vegetables, every bite gives you an exciting experience.

Sushi rolls are not only a delicious meal, but they can also be a healthy part of your diet. Fish used in sushi rolls such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the body.

Another advantage of sushi rolls is the endless variety and possibility of customization. From classic rolls such as California Roll and Sushi roll with salmon to more experimental combinations, sushi rolls can be adapted to suit every taste.

Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or have specific dietary requirements, there is always a sushi roll that suits you.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

_
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.

How is sushi seaweed produced?

Sushi seaweed is produced in the sea.

In autumn, seaweed grower in small boats sails out to sea. Small seaweed plants are attached to the mesh and lowered just below sea level. Here the seaweed is allowed to grow at its own pace until spring. When the seaweed plants are approx. 20 cm long, they are ready to be harvested.

Small boat sails out to sea and the seaweed grower picks up the many mesh nets on board. The boats sail directly to the seaweed factory which is right next to the coast. Seaweed is filled in large plastic containers and poured directly into large containers that wash and clean the seaweed. Air is supplied to make the mass softer. The seaweed must go through several processes, where it is both cleaned and chopped into smaller pieces.

Once the tongs have been given the right consistency, the tongs poured into, long in square shapes and air-dried by several rounds. Before the final forceps are fine-sorted, the forceps are checked for microscopic irregularities that cannot be seen with the eye.

The tongs are then divided into grades and packed in airtight packaging.

Read more about Sushi course for beginners

_
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.

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

_
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.

Therefore, Japanese sushi seaweed is so healthy!

Most people have heard that eating seaweeds are healthy. And that’s it.
There are more and more companies that sells seaweed to consumers.

However, I am a little skeptical.
It does matter where the seaweed are picked. There are areas that are contaminated.

Therefore, I continue to eat seaweed Nori for sushi.
Seaweed for sushi is grown as oats grow on a Danish soil. That’s why I know that the quality is okay.

In addition, sushi seaweed is the vegetable in the world that contains most minerals and vitamins.

At Sushi course for beginners I talk a lot more about seaweed.

_
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.

What kind of sushi do the Japanese prefer to order as take-away?


Well, both nigiri sushi and the large futomaki sushi rolls are popular among the Japanese. When it comes to take-away, many choose sushi rolls. However, it is not just any sushi roll.

There are many people who buy the large futomaki rolls. In the large rolls, there is room for several different types of filling. With just a few futomaki rolls you embrace the entire food pyramid.
Due to the size of the pieces, they are also easy to transport, they do not tip over so easily.

Nirigi sushi is very popular among the Japanese who are interested in eating several different fish during a meal.
Most often, nigiri sushi boxes are sold with 8 pieces of sushi.
3 of the pieces will be with 3 different kinds of fish. One will be with squid.
The last 2 will most often be vegetarian; it can be Japanese omelet and tofu.
A mixed Japanese nigiri box ensures that proteins come from several different sources without compromising on the healthy fish oil.

On the Sushi Course for Beginners, you learn step by step how to make tasty sushi that can be enjoyed on a daily basis and on special occasions.

_
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.