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Somerset Foodie recipes - let us inspire you...

Japanese Gyudon - Beef Rice Bowl

Japanese Gyudon - Beef Rice Bowl

In Japan, Gyudon is a really popular dish, it's a Japanese beef rice bowl, the word 'Gyudon' just comes from a combination of the word for beef (gyu, pronounced 'goo') and the word for bowl (don). It's basically a type of donburi of which there are lots of different recipes.
Japanese Udon Noodle Soup

Japanese Udon Noodle Soup

The whole idea of this udon noodle soup recipe is simplicity - slightly chewy thick noodles in an umami rich broth that's comforting, delicious and surprisingly filling. In fact the eggs and mange tout that I've used here are optional extras. In it's simplest form, this dish can come together in the time it takes to boil a kettle. It's made super easy by using the wonderful Hamadaya ingredients. They are made in the Southern area of Japan, close the Islands largest volcano called Mount Aso.
Short Rib Beef Ramen

Short Rib Beef Ramen

When it's cold and rainy this beef ramen recipe has magical reviving properties, it's like nestling into an enormous sheepskin rug in front of a roaring fire on the grimmest of winter days.
Pork & Chive Dumplings with Black Rice Vinegar Dressing

Pork & Chive Dumplings with Black Rice Vinegar Dressing

Dumplings are just one of life's little joys. Juicy, succulent and full of flavour. If you don't have time to make you're own, these ready-made dumpling are totally delicious and perfect for a quick meal. Simply cook them straight from frozen for 6-7 minutes, toss them in a tasty sauce and enjoy.

Japanese Gyozas

Japanese Gyozas

Gyozas are little, half moon shaped dumplings made out of a hot water, wheat flour pastry and stuffed with pork, chicken and vegetables. They are generally steamed before being crisped up in a pan and served with a dipping sauce. We think of Gyozas as being Japanese, in fact they actually originated in China but were adopted by the Japanese as they are soooooo good. 
Karaage - Japanese Fried Chicken with Sweet Miso and Sesame Slaw

Karaage - Japanese Fried Chicken with Sweet Miso and Sesame Slaw

Fried chicken is one of the true joys in life, it's heralded in many parts of the world and done differently wherever you go. The Japanese version is known as Chicken Karaage and it's absolutely delicious, particularly when dunked in some rich Kewpie mayonnaise, spiked with Japanese seven spice. I've served my Karaage with a simple slaw that I dressed with a really great sweet miso and sesame dressing and some plain rice.
Char Siu Pork Belly Bao Bun Recipe

Sticky Char Siu Pork Bao Bun Recipe

This is a great warm bao bun sandwich recipe - incorporating layers of flavour and texture so each mouthful is a sensory explosion. This recipe cranks up the umami dial with sweet, sticky umami pork, contrasting with sharp pickles, crunchy veg textures, creamy mayo and fragrant herbs.
Shoyu Pork Ramen

Shoyu Pork Ramen

In a Japanese ramen bar, the menu is divided into three main categories. This recipe is for a 'Shoyu' (soy) ramen - because soy is used to season the broth. The two other types are Miso ramen, which uses miso as the seasoning and Shio ramen that uses salt. Shoyu ramen is the most popular in Japan and there are loads of variations.

Easy Chicken and Mushroom Ramen Ingredients online with recipe to follow

Easy Chicken & Mushroom Ramen

Ramen is one of Japan's best loved dishes and with more restaurants serving up this slurpy noodle delight, it's popularity is still on the rise here. Deeply satisfying, umami packed broth with special ramen-style noodles and toppings that add texture, freshness and flavour - this is such a special dish.  
Noodle Salad with Sesame, Ginger & Soy Dressing

Noodle Salad with Sesame, Ginger & Soy Dressing

I just love the fresh vibrant flavours of a noodle salad, a riot of textures and flavours - brought together with a zingy, aromatic dressing. Year-round versatility, you can incorporate whatever fresh veg or salad happens to be in season at the time, or lurking in your fridge and needs using up.
Yakitori Chicken

Yakitori Chicken

Chicken Yakitori is a Japanese BBQ classic and so simple to cook, it literally means 'Grilled Chicken'. As with sushi chefs, you can train in Japan to become a 'Yakitori Chef'...
Kombu Dashi Braised Shin of Beef Recipe

Kombu Dashi Braised Shin of Beef Recipe

The Japanese understand seasoning better than anyone. People talk about 'umami' as the 5th sense of taste, elevating savoury flavours to a new level. Umami literally translates as 'yummy' and was first discussed in Tokyo in the early 20th century. 

Ben's basic Sushi Recipe

Ben's basic Sushi Recipe

The idea of making sushi can be a little intimidating, particularly when you hear stories of 15-year sushi chef apprenticeships. The truth is, it's pretty straightforward. You can experiment with loads of different fillings - they are not hard to find in your local shop, and if you're not a fan of handling raw fish, then use smoked fish or just vegetables instead. You could also try different meat fillings like hoisin duck or char sui pork if you're feeling adventurous.

Chicken Katsu Curry

Chicken Katsu Curry

Both my kids love Wagamama, for a multi-site restaurant group, they do a really great job. Chicken Katsu is an absolute favourite on their menu, it's pure comfort food. Crispy breaded chicken breast slathered in a luscious, silky curry sauce served with rice and salad, yes please.

This recipe is really simple to make and is a total joy to eat, our Katsu Curry paste does all the hard work for you. Panko breadcrumbs are used extensively in restaurants but often over looked in the home.  The way they're made gives you a much lighter, crisper crumb than just blitzing up fresh bread - try it and you'll never go back.

Miso Mushroom Poke Bowl

Miso Mushroom Poke Bowl

You could easily be mistaken for thinking that a Poke bowl is a Japanese invention, but actually it's one of the national dishes of Hawaii. Slap bang in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian cuisine has lots of influences from the Orient.