Unforgettable fluffy Bao Buns, juicy Gyoza dumplings, ramen soups and Japanese curry

What is Bao Bun?

Bao bun is a traditional Chinese pastry popular throughout Asia and in other parts of the world. It is a soft and fluffy baked pastry, similar to sourdough bread, known for its unique shape and taste.

Pastries are usually made from a simple dough containing ingredients such as wheat flour, water, yeast and sugar. The dough is first kneaded and then left to rise until it becomes soft and airy. When the dough is ready, small balls or slabs are formed and then left to rise again.

A small amount of filling, such as meat, vegetables, tofu, or other tasty additions, is often added to the bao bun before baking. The pastry is then baked in a steam basket or in another way until it becomes fluffy and soft.

What is Edamame?

Edamame are immature, young soybean pods that are popular as a snack, side dish or ingredient in various dishes. The word "edamame" comes from the Japanese language, where "eda" means twig and "mame" means bean. This name refers to the way the pods are attached to the stems, similar to twigs.

Edamame is widely used in cuisine in Asian countries, especially in Japan, China and Korea. Recently, however, they have also become popular in other parts of the world, as they are often used in healthy diets and vegetarian/vegan dishes.

What are Gyoza dumplings?

Gyoza are popular and delicious Japanese dishes that have their roots in Chinese cuisine. These are small round dough noodles that can be stuffed with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork or chicken) and chopped green onions, grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. Instead of meat, only vegetables can be used as a filling. The dough is shaped into a crescent shape, with the edges of the dough folded by hand into distinctive folds called "gyoza folds."

Cooking gyoza is usually done using a method called "yaki-gyoza" or "iriguchi gyoza." In this method, the gyoza are first fried on one side to get a crispy bottom, and then water is added to cover the gyoza to steam until done. This ensures that the bottoms are crispy and the tops juicy and tender.

What is Japanese Curry?

Japanese curry is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine that is inspired by traditional curries from India, but has its own unique flavor and style of preparation. This creamy and delicious dish usually consists of sliced meat (often chicken, beef or pork) and potatoes, carrots and onions cooked in a sauce with curry spices.

Japanese curries often have a milder flavor compared to the spicier Indian curries. The sauce is made with basic ingredients such as flour, butter and curry powder, and often includes fruit ingredients such as apples or jam, which adds a slight sweetness and depth to the flavor.

It is usually served with a bowl of steamed white rice, which creates a perfect balance between the creamy sauce and the soft rice. Japanese curry is a popular quick and comfort dish that can be adjusted according to personal preference for ingredients and spices. It is one of those flavors of Japan that expresses the harmony between traditional and modern cooking.

What is ramen soup?

Ramen is an extremely popular and iconic Japanese soup known for its rich layers of flavor and diverse ingredients. This hearty and comforting dish consists of a triangle of ingredients: wheat flour noodles, a delicious soup base, and a variety of toppings that create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

The ramen broth base, also called dashi or shoyu, is usually made from core ingredients such as kombu seaweed and dried bonito fish flakes, which are cooked for a long time to create a rich and deep broth base. The main star of the ramen soup is, of course, the wheat flour noodles, which vary in thickness, shape and texture. They can be thin or thick, straight or curly, all with the aim of creating a unique experience with every bite.

Additionally, toppings can include marinated pork (chashu), hard-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, corn, nori seaweed, vegetables, mushrooms, onions, and many other options. The spiciness of the ramen soup can be adjusted according to personal preference, with some versions having a spicier and others a more sweet or salty flavor profile.