Japanese Beef Tataki

Tataki means “pounded” in Japanese, but the process of preparing this thin-sliced meat is actually subtle. Beef is first seared, then marinated, then seasoned with spices or other ingredients that have been ground (or “pounded,” if you will). Here, two sauces make the beef full-flavored and tender.

For the beef and garlic chips

• 1-1/4 lb. trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin
• Olive oil for frying garlic and for the beef
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced lengthwise

For the onion ponzu

• 1/2 cup minced white onion
• 3 Tbs. grapeseed oil
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 Tbs. dark soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp. minced fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic

For the tataki dressing

• 5 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• Pinch of bonito flakes (optional)

For the garnish

• 3 whole scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced chives

Sear the beef

Heat a griddle over high heat, or preheat a gas grill to high. Lightly brush the beef with oil and season with salt and pepper. Prepare an ice bath.

Sear the beef on the griddle or grill on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Plunge into the ice bath and allow to cool,  3 to 4 minutes. Remove the filet and drain well on paper towels, patting the meat dry.

In a 2-quart saucepan, heat 3/4 inch of oil over medium–high heat until shimmering hot. Add the garlic and fry until golden and crispy, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towel.

Make the onion ponzu

In a small bowl, whisk together the onion, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic until combined.

Make the tataki dressing

In another small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, vinegar, and bonito flakes, if using.

With a sharp carving knife, thinly slice the beef and arrange on 10 to 12 dinner plates. Spoon some of the onion ponzu on top of the beef, then drizzle on some tataki dressing, and top with the garlic chips, scallions, and chives.

Flat Iron Steak with Zucchini, Edamame, and Soba Noodles

The deep flavor of flat iron steak works really well with the umami-rich soy sauce and sesame oil featured in this dish. If you can’t find flat iron, substitute rib-eye.

• Kosher salt
• 8 oz. dried soba noodles
• 1 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 3/4 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/4-inch-thick slices peeled fresh ginger
• 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 flat iron steaks (8 to 10 oz. each)
• 1 lb. zucchini (2 medium), cut into 2-inch matchsticks
• 1 12-oz. bag frozen shelled edamame, thawed (about 2 cups)
• 1 Tbs. chopped pickled ginger (optional)
• 2 small scallions, white and light-green parts, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, toss with the sesame oil, cover, and keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, garlic, and 1 cup water in a 10-inch straight sided sauté pan. Bring to a boil, and then add the steaks. Turn the heat down and simmer gently, flipping once, until medium rare (130°F), 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, reserving the liquid in the pan. Discard the garlic and ginger.

Return the liquid to a boil. Add the zucchini and edamame, return to a boil, and then lower to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to the bowl of noodles. Toss well, cover, and keep warm.

Boil the cooking liquid until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Thinly slice the steaks across the grain. Arrange the noodle mixture on a platter or divide it among 6 shallow bowls. Top with the beef and the pickled ginger, if using. Drizzle some of the sauce over the beef and garnish with the scallions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve, passing the rest of the sauce at the table.

Miso-Glazed Salmon with Green Tea Rice

In Japanese cuisine, green-tea rice, known as ochazuke, is a beloved comfort food. It can be as simple as green tea poured over steamed rice, but it’s often embellished with flaked fish or other toppings to make it more substantial. This version borrows from another Japanese classic: fish glazed with a miso-mirin mixture and quickly broiled. Be sure to use loose-leaf green tea; it’s typically higher quality than the bagged kind.

• 1 1/3 cups white rice, such as jasmine or short-grain sushi
• 1/4 cup white miso
• 2 Tbs. mirin
• 1/2 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 4 5-oz. skin-on salmon fillets, preferably about 3/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup loose-leaf green tea
• Kosher salt
• 3 medium scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds; more for garnish

Cook the rice according to the package directions and keep warm.

Position a rack 4 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high.

In a small bowl, stir the miso, mirin, and rice vinegar with a fork to blend. Put the salmon fillets skin side down on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between them. Pat the salmon dry and broil for 2 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and, with a spoon, carefully spread the miso mixture over the top of the fillets. Broil until the salmon is just barely opaque in the center (use a paring knife to check), 2 to 3 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring 2-1/4 cups of water to a simmer. Put the tea leaves and 3/4 tsp. salt in a 4-cup heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let steep for 1 minute.

Gently mix the scallions and sesame seeds into the rice and divide among four large shallow bowls, mounding it in the center. Pour the tea through a strainer around each mound. With a spatula, lift the salmon from the baking sheet, leaving the skin behind, and place on top of the rice. Sprinkle with more sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Miso-Honey-Glazed Turnips

These turnips may not look like much, but one bite will make you say “wow.” The savory miso combined with sweet honey and peppery turnips is pure magic. Web extra: View an audio slideshow to hear the sound of the glaze as it crackles, indicating that it’s time to lower the heat.

• 1 lb. trimmed and peeled turnips, cut into 1-inch wedges (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 1 Tbs. white miso
• 1 Tbs. honey
• Kosher salt

Put the turnips in an 8-inch-wide, 3- to 4-quart saucepan and arrange snugly. Add butter, miso, honey, 1/2 tsp. salt, and enough water to just cover the turnips (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil over high heat.

Cook over high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze and the turnips are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. (If the glaze is done before the turnips, add about 1/2 cup water and continue to cook. If the turnips are done first, remove them and boil the liquid until syrupy.)

Lower the heat to medium and toss to coat the turnips with the glaze. Season to taste with salt and serve. (The glazed turnips can be kept warm, covered, for about 20 minutes.)

Snow Pea, Scallion, and Radish Salad

The lively flavors and eye-catching look of this salad, excerpted from the cookbook The Food You Crave, are testament to how much just a few ingredients can accomplish when they are put together with care.

• 2 cups (8 oz.) snow peas, trimmed
• 2 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
• 4 radishes, trimmed and cut into thin strips (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbs. walnut or canola oil

Put the snow peas in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 Tbs. water. Cover tightly and microwave for 1 minute. Drain and let cool. Cut the snow peas on the diagonal into 1/2-inch diamond shapes, discarding the end pieces.

In a medium serving bowl, combine the snow peas, scallions, and radishes. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and oil until the sugar dissolves. Pour over the salad and serve.

Miso-Glazed Salmon with Green Tea Rice

In Japanese cuisine, green-tea rice, known as ochazuke, is a beloved comfort food. It can be as simple as green tea poured over steamed rice, but it’s often embellished with flaked fish or other toppings to make it more substantial. This version borrows from another Japanese classic: fish glazed with a miso-mirin mixture and quickly broiled. Be sure to use loose-leaf green tea; it’s typically higher quality than the bagged kind.

• 1 1/3 cups white rice, such as jasmine or short-grain sushi
• 1/4 cup white miso
• 2 Tbs. mirin
• 1/2 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 4 5-oz. skin-on salmon fillets, preferably about 3/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup loose-leaf green tea
• Kosher salt
• 3 medium scallions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds; more for garnish

Cook the rice according to the package directions and keep warm.

Position a rack 4 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high.

In a small bowl, stir the miso, mirin, and rice vinegar with a fork to blend. Put the salmon fillets skin side down on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between them. Pat the salmon dry and broil for 2 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and, with a spoon, carefully spread the miso mixture over the top of the fillets. Broil until the salmon is just barely opaque in the center (use a paring knife to check), 2 to 3 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring 2-1/4 cups of water to a simmer. Put the tea leaves and 3/4 tsp. salt in a 4-cup heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let steep for 1 minute.

Gently mix the scallions and sesame seeds into the rice and divide among four large shallow bowls, mounding it in the center. Pour the tea through a strainer around each mound. With a spatula, lift the salmon from the baking sheet, leaving the skin behind, and place on top of the rice. Sprinkle with more sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Miso-Honey-Glazed Turnips

These turnips may not look like much, but one bite will make you say “wow.” The savory miso combined with sweet honey and peppery turnips is pure magic. Web extra: View an audio slideshow to hear the sound of the glaze as it crackles, indicating that it’s time to lower the heat.

• 1 lb. trimmed and peeled turnips, cut into 1-inch wedges (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 1 Tbs. white miso
• 1 Tbs. honey
• Kosher salt

Put the turnips in an 8-inch-wide, 3- to 4-quart saucepan and arrange snugly. Add butter, miso, honey, 1/2 tsp. salt, and enough water to just cover the turnips (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil over high heat.

Cook over high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced to a syrupy glaze and the turnips are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. (If the glaze is done before the turnips, add about 1/2 cup water and continue to cook. If the turnips are done first, remove them and boil the liquid until syrupy.)

Lower the heat to medium and toss to coat the turnips with the glaze. Season to taste with salt and serve. (The glazed turnips can be kept warm, covered, for about 20 minutes.)

Crisp Panko Chicken Cutlets

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten with 1/3 cup water
• 2 cups panko crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 small head cabbage, finely shredded
• Tonkatsu Sauce

Tonkatsu Sauce (yields 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

If the tenderloins are still attached to the chicken breasts, remove them and bread and fry them separately, or save them for another use. With a sharp knife, lightly score both sides of the chicken breasts in a checkerboard pattern. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the breasts and pound until they're about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Dredge the chicken in the flour and then dip it in the beaten eggs, shaking to remove excess. Dip each piece in the flour and egg again and then coat the chicken in the panko.

In a deep, straight-sided sauté pan, heat about 1/4 inch vegetable oil over medium high until the oil ripples and shimmers in the pan and instantly erupts into lots of bubbles when you dip a corner of a chicken breast into it. Immediately reduce the heat to medium low and fry the chicken in batches until cooked through and golden brown on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side. If the oil seems to cool down too much during frying, increase the heat a little to maintain a steady bubbling action. Drain the chicken on paper towels and serve it with abundant shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.

For the sauce:

In a small saucepan, whisk together the Worcestershire, sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and whisk often until reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard and allspice. Cool to room temperature. The sauce will keep for one week, tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Seared Baby Bok Choy with Tofu & Shiitakes

If you're trying to eat less meat these days, but aren't crazy about giving up its texture and flavor, this stir-fry will please you. The combination of extra-firm tofu and earthy shiitakes are an apt stand-in for chicken or beef, and the slight bitterness of the bok choy holds its own alongside the assertive flavors of jalapeños and sesame oil.

• 1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu
• 1/3 cup low-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/2 Tbs. minced jarred jalapeño slices
• 2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 3 Tbs. canola oil
• 1/2 lb. baby bok choy (about 2), split in half lengthwise
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1-1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 Tbs.)
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 1 Tbs.)
• 3-1/2 oz. fresh shiitakes, stemmed

Drain and cut the tofu into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice crosswise into 1/2-inchwide sticks (you should have fat, rectangular sticks). Put the tofu on paper towels and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the broth, jalapeño, sesame oil, and sugar.

Set a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add 1-1/2 Tbs. of the canola oil and once it's shimmering hot, add the bok choy, cut side down. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and cook, without touching, until browned, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, tossing, until the bok choy stems start to soften and wilt, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

Add the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. canola oil and the ginger to the skillet and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and let it sizzle for 10 seconds. Add the tofu and shiitakes, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown and soften, about 3 minutes.

Return the bok choy to the pan, add the broth mixture, and cook, tossing, until the sauce evenly coats the vegetables and the bok choy is tender, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Wasabi and Ginger

Wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce give this otherwise typical fried fish sandwich a bright and spicy flavor. Look for tubes of wasabi paste near other Asian ingredients in the supermarket.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 medium lime, finely grated to yield 1/2 tsp. zest and squeezed to yield 4 tsp. juice
• 1-1/2 tsp. wasabi paste; more to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1 cup panko
• 4 4- to 5- oz. boneless, skinless hake, haddock, or cod fillets (preferably 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick)
• 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
• 3 cups thinly sliced iceberg lettuce (about 1/4 head)
• 4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime zest, 1 tsp. of the lime juice, and the wasabi paste. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more wasabi, if you like.

In a wide, shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs and 1 Tbs. of the soy sauce until combined. Put the panko in another wide shallow bowl.

Pat the fish fillets dry and lightly season with salt. Working with one fillet at a time, dip it in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then coat with the panko, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish. Set each breaded fillet on a plate or tray as you finish it.

In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1/2 cup of the oil over medium heat until shimmering hot. Fry the fish, flipping once, until well browned and just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to paper towels to drain and sprinkle each fillet with a pinch of salt.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the remaining 1 Tbs. lime juice, 1 Tbs. soy sauce, 1 Tbs. oil, the ginger, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add the lettuce and toss to coat.

Spread the wasabi mayonnaise on both cut sides of the buns. Put one fish fillet on the bottom of each bun, and then top with the lettuce and the bun top.

California Rolls

The California roll is an example of an "inside-out" sushi roll, where the rice is on the outside.

For the rolls:

• 1/2 recipe Sushi Rice, slightly warm
• 3 sheets toasted nori (dried seaweed)
• Sesame seeds or flying fish roe for garnish (optional)

• 3 Tbs. wasabi powder, mixed with 2 to 2-1/2 Tbs. cold water to make a paste 

• 1 large, ripe avocado
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into fine julienne
• 6 oz. cooked crabmeat or diced cooked shrimp, picked over for shells

For serving:

• 10-oz. jar pickled ginger
• Good-quality soy sauce for dipping

Prepare the fillings for the rolls"

Cut slender wedges of avocado. Try this trick: without peeling, trim the top and bottom of the avocado and cut it in segments lengthwise to the pit. Pull away the peel and then gently grasp one segment at a time and pull it off. Set the avocado aside as you prepare the cucumber and crabmeat; set them aside as well.

Coat the nori with rice and start the California roll

Stack the sheets of toasted nori and cut them in half, parallel to the lines on the seaweed (as if you were folding the longest side in half). Or crease them along the fold and then tear them apart.

Completely wrap the bamboo mat in plastic wrap (to keep the rice from sticking) and put the nori in place. Make sure the mat lies completely flat after wrapping. Lay a sheet of nori horizontally on the wrapped mat, aligned with the edge of the mat that's closest to you.

Moisten your hands with a little water to keep the rice from sticking. (Keep a bowl of water handy). Grab a large handful of rice and toss and squeeze it lightly to form a loose oval ball.

Starting in one of the upper corners of the nori, spread the ball of rice across the top of the nori to the other side. Using both hands, “pull” the rice down to cover the nori. Spread the rice until the sheet is covered in a layer about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds or flying fish roe, if using, and pat evenly.

Holding the top corners of the rice-covered nori, flip it over. The rice will now be face down on the mat. Keep the bottom edge of the nori even with the edge of the mat closest to you.

Add the fillings and use the mat to make a neat roll

Using your fingers, spread a pinch of wasabi across the middle of the nori. A little goes a long way, so spread lightly. You can always put more in your dipping sauce if you like more heat.

Lay equal amounts (about a small handful) of each filling ingredient down the middle of the nori. Start with a row of cucumber, overlap with the avocado slices, and then lay the crab on top.

With all eight fingers holding in the ingredients, lift the edge of the mat closest to you with your thumbs. Tucking the ingredients into the middle of the roll, bring the edge of the mat over the ingredients and straight down. Leave 1/2 inch of the nori exposed at the top edge.

Press the roll together with your thumbs and middle fingers, while pressing down on the roll with your index fingers.

Lifting just the edge of the mat, pull it forward so that the nori roll rolls another quarter turn. The seam will now be on the bottom.

Press again with fingers and thumbs, molding the roll into a squared log.

Cut and serve the roll

Lift the mat away and transfer the roll to a cutting surface. Dip a sharp knife into a bowl of water and let a bead of water roll down the knife’s blade. Cut the roll in half and then bring one half around and cut both into thirds. Stand the pieces up on a cut side.

Repeat with four of the remaining sheets of nori (you'll have one leftover) and the remaining rice and filling ingredients. Serve the sushi with pickled ginger, a small dish of soy sauce, and a little mound of wasabi.

Porterhouse with Garlic-Soy Sauce Marinade

With a T-shaped bone that divides a cut of dense strip loin from a chunk of buttery tenderloin, the porterhouse is the iconic steak of American grilling. It's such a perfect steak that you don't want to do too much to it. Here we simply marinate it with garlic-soy sauce marinade to give it a bit more oomph, but that's it. Also use this method to grill a T-bone steak, which is a smaller version of the porterhouse, or a beefy, marbled strip steak. Adjust the grilling times to the size of the cut.

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 8 cloves garlic, grated,
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (1-1/2-inch-thick) porterhouse steaks, about 3-1/2 lb.

Whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Pour three-fourths of the marinade into a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan and reserve the rest. Lay the steaks in the marinade and flip them 4 times to generously coat all over. Marinate the steaks for 10 minutes.

Preheat a grill for a two-zone fire (medium and hot). Grill the steaks for about 11 minutes for medium. With the grill covered, start on hot heat for 1 minute, then shift the steaks to medium heat. After about 4 minutes, juices will begin to appear on top of the meat. Flip the steaks and repeat the two-zone grilling on the other side. Once you turn the steaks, brush with the reserved marinade. Uncover the steak and grill for 1 more minute on hot heat to caramelize the marinade, flipping the steak 2 times and brushing with marinade after each turn. When the steaks are ready, they'll be browned, glossy, and juicy on the surface, and the bone will stick out a bit, as the meat around has shrunk. Test for doneness. Let the porterhouse rest for about 5 minutes. Slice the steaks against the grain and transfer to a platter. Pour the juices released during slicing over the meat and serve.

Spicy Almond Soba Noodles with Edamame

This is one of my go-to vegetarian meals, probably because the almonds and almond butter (one of my addictions) helps me forget the dish is meatless. The combination of textures also helps make this dish satisfying, and the salad keeps well at room temperature, making it perfect for brown-bagging.

• 2 oz. dried soba noodles
• 1/2 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)
• 1 Tbs. sliced raw almonds
• 1 Tbs. almond butter (or substitute peanut or other nut butter)
• 2 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar, or more to taste
• 1 clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
• Kosher or sea salt
• 1 scallion, white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the soba noodles and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or according to package directions, until they are barely tender. Use tongs to transfer the cooked noodles to an individual-serving bowl, reserving the cooking water in the pot. Return the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the edamame and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and add to the noodles.

Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a small, dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking the pan frequently, until lightly browned and smelling toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to let them burn. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool. When they have cooled, coarsely chop them.

To make the dressing, combine the almond butter, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Add 2 Tbs. hot water, stirring to mix well. If the dressing seems too thick, add more hot water, a teaspoon at a time, until it has reached the consistency you want.

Add salt to taste; add more vinegar if you want the sauce tangier, and more red pepper flakes if you'd like it spicier. Add the dressing to the noodles and edamame, along with the scallion, bell pepper, and chopped almonds. Toss to combine, adding more water if necessary, and eat.

Pork Tonkatsu with Herb Salad

Tonkatsu is a classic Japanese dish in which a thin pork cutlet is breaded and fried. It’s typically served with shredded green cabbage, but here it’s topped with a fresh herb salad.

• 2-1/2 lb. boneless center-cut pork loin, trimmed
• 2 medium cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for frying
• 3 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1 recipe Mixed Herb Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Heat the oven to 200°F.

Slice the pork into 16 equal pieces. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over a piece of pork and pound until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. With a sharp knife, make tiny incisions at 2-inch intervals around the edge of the cutlet (this will help prevent it from curling as it cooks). Repeat with the remaining pork.

Rub both sides of each cutlet with the crushed garlic and then season generously with salt and pepper.

Put the flour in a wide, shallow bowl. Put the eggs in another wide, shallow bowl and beat them lightly with 3 Tbs. water, the oil, and 3/4 tsp. salt. Put the panko in a third wide, shallow bowl. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the pork in the flour and then the egg mixture, shaking to remove excess. Dredge in the panko, pressing the crumbs into the cutlet to help them adhere. As the cutlets are coated, transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet.

In a large, deep, straight-sided sauté pan (a cast-iron skillet works well), heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Working in batches, cook 3 cutlets at a time, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain the cutlets on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until all of the pork is cooked.

Portion the cutlets among 8 dinner plates and mound the herb salad on top.

Roasted Teriyaki Spareribs

A low oven gently roasts these ribs to a moist and tender doneness. The sweet-salty teriyaki glaze goes well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

For the ribs

• 2 racks pork spareribs (about 9 lbs.)
• 2 Tbs. light brown sugar
• Kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
• 2 tsp. five-spice powder

For the glaze

• 1/4 cup peeled and coarsely chopped fresh ginger 
• 2 medium cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbs. canola oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbs. white vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
• 2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp. Asian chili sauce (like Sriracha)
• 2 tsp. cornstarch

Prepare & cook the ribs

Position a rack in the center of the oven. Heat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place a cooking rack on top of the foil. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 1 Tbs. salt, the sesame oil, and 5-spice powder, and rub over the ribs. Arrange the ribs meaty side up on the rack. Roast until the ribs brown and become tender, about 2 hours.

Make the glaze

Put the ginger and garlic in a mini chopper or food processor and process until minced. In a small (2-quart) saucepan, combine the canola oil, garlic, and ginger, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes very fragrant and the garlic and ginger start to brown lightly, about 2-1/2 minutes. Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and chili sauce, and bring to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 Tbs. water and stir into the honey mixture. Cook the sauce, stirring, until it thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Divide the glaze between two bowls, and set one bowl aside.

Raise the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the ribs with one bowl of the glaze and continue to roast, brushing every couple minutes, until the glaze browns and caramelizes, about 10 minutes total. Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple minutes, then transfer the ribs to a cutting board and cut the racks in half (meaty side down so they’re easier to slice). Serve with the remaining glaze for dipping.

Snow Pea, Scallion, and Radish Salad

The lively flavors and eye-catching look of this salad, excerpted from the cookbook The Food You Crave, are testament to how much just a few ingredients can accomplish when they are put together with care.

• 2 cups (8 oz.) snow peas, trimmed
• 2 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
• 4 radishes, trimmed and cut into thin strips (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbs. walnut or canola oil

Put the snow peas in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 Tbs. water. Cover tightly and microwave for 1 minute. Drain and let cool. Cut the snow peas on the diagonal into 1/2-inch diamond shapes, discarding the end pieces.

In a medium serving bowl, combine the snow peas, scallions, and radishes. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and oil until the sugar dissolves. Pour over the salad and serve.

Udon with Tofu and Stir-Fried Vegetables

These wheat-based Japanese noodles are available both dried (used in this recipe) and fresh. Dried udon are flatter than their fresh counterparts and closer in texture to linguine.

• Kosher salt
• 3/4 lb. dried udon noodles
• 3 cups lower-salt chicken broth
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. oyster sauce
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 4 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbs. canola oil
• 3/4 lb. bok choy, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces (4 cups)
• 3-1/2 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (1-1/2 cups)
• 1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 3 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish

Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook, stirring, until tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander and run under cold water to cool slightly. Drain well.


In a medium bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, vinegar, and 2 tsp. of the sesame oil.


Heat the ginger and canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the ginger sizzles steadily for about 30 seconds. Add the bok choy and mushrooms, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsp. sesame oil and 3/4 tsp. salt and cook, tossing after 1 minute, until the bok choy turns dark green and begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth mixture, tofu, and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are soft and the tofu is heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.


Distribute the noodles among 4 bowls. Spoon the vegetables, tofu, and broth over the noodles. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.

Seared Baby Bok Choy with Tofu & Shiitakes

If you're trying to eat less meat these days, but aren't crazy about giving up its texture and flavor, this stir-fry will please you. The combination of extra-firm tofu and earthy shiitakes are an apt stand-in for chicken or beef, and the slight bitterness of the bok choy holds its own alongside the assertive flavors of jalapeños and sesame oil.

• 1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu
• 1/3 cup low-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/2 Tbs. minced jarred jalapeño slices
• 2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 3 Tbs. canola oil
• 1/2 lb. baby bok choy (about 2), split in half lengthwise
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1-1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 Tbs.)
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 1 Tbs.)
• 3-1/2 oz. fresh shiitakes, stemmed

Drain and cut the tofu into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice crosswise into 1/2-inchwide sticks (you should have fat, rectangular sticks). Put the tofu on paper towels and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the broth, jalapeño, sesame oil, and sugar.

Set a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add 1-1/2 Tbs. of the canola oil and once it's shimmering hot, add the bok choy, cut side down. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of the salt and cook, without touching, until browned, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, tossing, until the bok choy stems start to soften and wilt, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

Add the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. canola oil and the ginger to the skillet and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and let it sizzle for 10 seconds. Add the tofu and shiitakes, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown and soften, about 3 minutes.

Return the bok choy to the pan, add the broth mixture, and cook, tossing, until the sauce evenly coats the vegetables and the bok choy is tender, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Japanese Beef Tataki

Tataki means “pounded” in Japanese, but the process of preparing this thin-sliced meat is actually subtle. Beef is first seared, then marinated, then seasoned with spices or other ingredients that have been ground (or “pounded,” if you will). Here, two sauces make the beef full-flavored and tender.

For the beef and garlic chips

• 1-1/4 lb. trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin
• Olive oil for frying garlic and for the beef
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced lengthwise

For the onion ponzu

• 1/2 cup minced white onion
• 3 Tbs. grapeseed oil
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 Tbs. dark soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp. minced fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic

For the tataki dressing

• 5 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• Pinch of bonito flakes (optional)

For the garnish

• 3 whole scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced chives

Sear the beef

Heat a griddle over high heat, or preheat a gas grill to high. Lightly brush the beef with oil and season with salt and pepper. Prepare an ice bath.

Sear the beef on the griddle or grill on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Plunge into the ice bath and allow to cool,  3 to 4 minutes. Remove the filet and drain well on paper towels, patting the meat dry.

In a 2-quart saucepan, heat 3/4 inch of oil over medium–high heat until shimmering hot. Add the garlic and fry until golden and crispy, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towel.

Make the onion ponzu

In a small bowl, whisk together the onion, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic until combined.

Make the tataki dressing

In another small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, vinegar, and bonito flakes, if using.

With a sharp carving knife, thinly slice the beef and arrange on 10 to 12 dinner plates. Spoon some of the onion ponzu on top of the beef, then drizzle on some tataki dressing, and top with the garlic chips, scallions, and chives.

Hanger Steak with Spicy Miso Glaze

Known for its intensely beefy flavor, hanger steak is also sometimes called “butcher’s steak” because butchers often keep it for themselves. If you can’t find it, you can use sirloin tip steak, but it will cook more quickly.

• 1/2 cup mirin
• 2 Tbs. minced shallots
• 2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. grapeseed oil
• 2 tsp. light miso
• 1/4 tsp. Asian hot sauce, such as Sriracha
• 1 1-3/4- to 2-lb. hanger steak, trimmed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

Simmer the mirin, shallots, ginger, and garlic in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat until the mixture is syrupy and large bubbles start to form, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1 Tbs. of the grapeseed oil, the miso, and the hot sauce. Set aside.

Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the remaining 2 tsp. oil, swirling it until the pan is well coated. Cook the steaks, flipping once, until browned, about 4 minutes total. Using a pastry brush, spread the glaze evenly over the steaks, transfer to the oven, and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak reads 130°F to 135°F for medium rare, about 4 minutes.

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, and then cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Pour any juice remaining in the pan over top and sprinkle with the scallions.