Posts

  • Orata al Forno – Classic Italian Baked Sea Bream with Herbs and Lemon

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Orata al Forno is a classic Italian dish featuring whole sea bream baked with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. Commonly enjoyed along coastal regions like Sicily, this simple yet elegant preparation brings out the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it. In Italian, “orata” means gilthead bream, a prized fish for its delicate texture and mild flavor. Historically, baking whole fish with aromatic herbs and citrus has been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, dating back to ancient times when fishermen would cook their catch right on the beach. The method is rustic, wholesome, and perfect for home cooks seeking a healthy, impressive meal. In this recipe, you’ll learn…

  • Sweet & Juicy Teriyaki Chicken | Easy Japanese Recipe

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Teriyaki Chicken is one of the most beloved Japanese dishes around the world. Originally, teriyaki began as a cooking method for fish in Japan. The word “teri” means “gloss,” and refers to the shiny glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Today, chicken teriyaki has become a global favorite, known for its tender texture and sweet-savory flavor. This one was requested by my brother Soichi. He wanted to see more Japanese dishes! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make juicy teriyaki chicken thighs with a glossy glaze—all in one pan. I created this version to highlight the natural richness of the sauce without relying on crispy skin, making it perfect for a…

  • Must-Try Cakes in Japan – From a Sweet Couple & Pastry Champion

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Tucked away in a quiet corner of Japan, this charming patisserie is run by a sweet couple I met at the gym who won a national pastry competition. The shop is small but full of warmth, decorated with seasonal touches for Children’s Day and Mother’s Day. In this post and the full video, you’ll see how I ordered four of their signature cakes and experienced not just the flavors—but the kindness behind them. I wanted to share this story before Mother’s Day, when the shop is at its most festive, and to spotlight the incredible care that goes into every detail. It’s more than just dessert—it’s a beautiful moment shared through…

  • The Easiest Chocolate Panna Cotta – No-Soak Gelatin Hack Using Cook Gelatin

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Looking for an elegant yet incredibly easy dessert? This chocolate panna cotta is rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth—made possible with a clever shortcut: Morinaga Cook Gelatin. Unlike traditional gelatin that requires blooming in water, Cook Gelatin dissolves directly into warm liquid, saving you time and effort. Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Traditionally made with cream, sugar, and gelatin, it has become a globally beloved dessert for its delicate texture and flexibility with flavors—from fruit to chocolate to coffee. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to: • Use no-soak gelatin for a stress-free prep • Create a silky chocolate base…

  • The Ultimate Porchetta Recipe – Crispy Skin & Juicy Pork Belly

    ByKoichi

    The Ultimate Porchetta Recipe – Crispy Skin & Juicy Pork Belly Introduction Looking for a show-stopping pork dish? This Porchetta recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat—right from your home kitchen. Originally from Italy and dating back to ancient Roman times, Porchetta was traditionally made by roasting a whole pig over an open fire. Today, we can recreate that magic with a rolled pork belly, packed with garlic, herbs, and spices. In this post, you’ll learn how to prepare Porchetta from scratch, master the essential drying technique, and roast it to perfection with a crispy crackling finish. I made this version with a 1.4kg pork belly, ideal for…

  • Addictive Persian Combo: Joojeh Kebab & Tahdig with Saffron Paste

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Looking for an irresistible dish that’s both crispy and juicy? This Persian combo of Joojeh Kebab (saffron chicken) and Tahdig (crispy rice) brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table. Joojeh Kebab dates back to ancient Persia and is often enjoyed during celebrations for its rich aroma and tender, saffron-marinated chicken. Tahdig is a beloved rice dish known for its golden crust—often considered the best part of any Persian meal. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make both dishes using Japanese short-grain rice (Akita Komachi) and saffron paste, so it’s easy and accessible no matter where you are. You’ll learn: • How to create the crispy bottom layer of Tahdig in a frying pan •…

  • Skip Oslob? How Cebu City & Bohol Offer the Ultimate Island Adventure

    ByKoichi

    Introduction Why I Chose Cebu and Bohol If you want to swim with whale sharks, you don’t need to go to Oslob—Bohol offers the same experience! Plus, it saves you travel time, letting you visit other attractions more efficiently. While Oslob is famous, it can get crowded, and there are concerns about its environmental impact. On the other hand, Bohol offers a more natural setting to swim with whale sharks, making it a more sustainable option. Not only that, Bohol is home to the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate, both of which are unique to this area. By combining Bohol with Cebu City, you can enjoy…

  • Balkan-Style Burger: How to Make Pljeskavica & Lepinja | Serbian Street Food Recipe

    ByKoichi

    Introduction この記事は英語ですが、YouTube動画で作り方を詳しく解説しています。気になる方は記事の最後のリンクからチェックしてみてください！ Today, I’m making a Balkan-style burger with traditional flatbread! This dish has a long history in the Balkans and is packed with flavor. Pljeskavica is a flavorful meat patty, and Lepinja is a soft, chewy flatbread—together, they create the famous Serbian burger. A Brief History Pljeskavica dates back centuries in the Balkans and has been influenced by Ottoman cuisine. Over time, it became a popular Serbian street food, loved for its smoky grilled flavor and juicy texture. What You’ll Learn from This Recipe • How to make authentic Serbian Lepinja flatbread • How to prepare a juicy and flavorful Pljeskavica patty • Tips for achieving the perfect texture and smoky taste Ingredients For Lepinja…

  • Golden Cod Poêlé with Anchovy Sauce – Crispy Skin & Rich Mediterranean Flavors

    ByKoichi

    Introduction この記事は英語ですが、YouTube動画で作り方を詳しく解説しています。気になる方は記事の最後のリンクからチェックしてみてください！ If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant fish recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home, this Golden Cod Poêlé with Anchovy Sauce is perfect for you. Poêlé is a classic French cooking technique where fish or meat is pan-seared and basted with its own fat or butter to achieve a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. In this recipe, I’ve combined French poêlé with Italian-inspired flavors by adding anchovies, capers, and lemon. The result? A crispy-skinned cod fillet served with a savory anchovy sauce that perfectly balances richness, acidity, and umami. What you’ll learn: • How to achieve a golden crispy sear without overcooking the fish. •…

  • Easy classic Crème Brûlée Recipe | Silky, Caramelized perfect texture 

    ByKoichi

    Introduction この記事は英語ですが、YouTube動画で作り方を詳しく解説しています。気になる方は記事の最後のリンクからチェックしてみてください！ Crème Brûlée has a history of over 300 years, originating in France. It features a silky custard base with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. In the 20th century, French chefs popularized the use of a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, enhancing the flavor in less time compared to oven broiling. Along the way, we’ll also learn how to create silky custard and caramel using simple techniques. I’ve always been curious about this dessert and wanted to try making it myself—so let’s make it together! Ingredients • 3 Egg yolks • 35g Sugar • 100ml Milk • 200g Whipping Cream • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract • Sugar for Caramelizing • Hot Water…