Japanese-themed Family Dinner

Once in a while, our family does themed dinners. Last Sunday's theme was Japanese. Had 3 dishes that I cooked. I was to make Maki rolls but then the Chairman of the Kitchen Stadium called the battle to an end, LOL. So here they are:

Soba with Nori (Roasted Seaweed) in Cold Shouyu

You can find Soba noodles at the imported section of select supermarkets. Bought mine at SM Supermarket North Edsa as well as the Nori. The cold soup-base or Shouyu is Kikkoman with cold water and you may add a hint of Wasabi. Make the Shouyu, add the Soba noodles and put in strips of Nori.

Beef Teriyaki with Fried Potato Wedges

This Teriyaki recipe is my own. Since cooked beef chunks are available from the fridge, I had the convenience of just defrosting it and reboiling until it gets tender. So I went to make the sauce. First, caramelize the onion by sauteing it with a little olive oil, butter and sugar then set aside. For the sauce, use the same sauce pan so the onion flavor is not wasted. Pour in 3 tbsp. oyster sauce, 1 tbsp. (each) butter, ketchup and sugar, 3/4 cup water, pepper and salt. When done, plate the beef with the caramelized onion on top then pour in the teriyaki sauce. Serve with fried potato wedges for a crunch.

Garlic Buttered Shrimps

Lastly, I stir-fried some shrimp with lots of garlic in a little olive oil and butter. Add a tsp. of tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper and squeeze in a little lemon or calamansi.

Themed meals are fun and it makes a family enjoy a dinner more than the usual. So, go ahead and add some new items on that list and check recipes online or follow mine, if you want. Trust me, it just has to be awesome!