What is Japanese Cooking at the Table Called?
Before you head to the local Japanese restaurant, you may be wondering, What is Japanese cooking at the table called? This article will explain the different terms and styles of Japanese cuisine. For example, teriyaki is the name given to the method of cooking meat on a hot griddle. In teriyaki cooking, you coat the meat with a thin coating of a sweet sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, sake, or mirin, a sweet rice wine. The sauce gives the meat a glossy appearance and rich flavor.
Teppanyaki
Although traditional Japanese restaurants typically cook the food somewhere else, many teppanyaki restaurants make their meals right at the table. The large iron plate is placed on each table. This keeps the food hot for an extended period of time, while allowing each diner to control the amount of time it takes to cook. The teppanyaki menu is typically simple, but often features creative combinations of flavors and textures.
Teppanyaki cooking is an art that requires mastery of knife skills and other culinary skills. There are several techniques for cooking this dish, including flaming an “onion volcano,” juggling utensils, and flipping a shrimp’s tail into his pocket. As with any profession requiring performance skills, you need a good education to get started. Teppanyaki chefs have studied the art form for years to become masters.
Hibachi
Whether you are dining in an old-school hibachi restaurant, or a new-school Japanese-style one, there are a few things to know before trying it out. First, hibachi restaurants typically have a menu. Usually, the menu lists proteins along with various side dishes like rice, vegetables, noodles, soup, salad, and more. Many restaurants offer a variety of side dishes as well, including chicken and beef. Typically, the chef begins cooking rice and vegetables first and then moves onto meat and seafood.
While hibachi is popular in many countries around the world, it is also popular among Asian-Americans. In 1959, Japanese-American Rocky Aoki, a professional wrestler, came to the U.S. looking for opportunity. He opened the first Benihana Japanese steakhouse restaurant in New York, and drew attention to the cuisine. Hibachi is the art of cooking in a hot, coal-fired oven.
Teriyaki
A popular Japanese way to prepare grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and tofu is through the charred process called teriyaki. This simple technique uses soy sauce to glaze or marinate meat, fish, or tofu. While many recipes call for vegetables, they aren’t necessary. Using a charcoal grill is just as effective. In any case, teriyaki is a simple way to prepare delicious Japanese food at home.
Teriyaki sauce is a classic Japanese sauce made with a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and yeast. If you aren’t a fan of alcohol, you can substitute it with honey or starch syrup. Or, you can simply add dry white wine to the mixture to make it more flavorful. As with all teriyaki sauces, it’s best to purchase a bottle of teriyaki sauce if you’re unfamiliar with the preparation process.