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It’s going on who-knows-how-many-days of quarantine and we figure that, like us, you are tired of your own cooking. We asked local chefs to share some of their favorite safe-at-home foods to cook during the isolation period. Interested in submitting a recipe? Email [email protected].

“I’m focused on the restaurant and providing for the community. When I’m not at the restaurant, I spend much of my time at home developing new dishes and foods for Shiro’s based on my training and experience in Japan, cooking in the great Northwest, and a recent apprenticeship. I had the pleasure of visiting Honolulu in February and worked under renowned Sushi Master Chef Nakazawa for a short apprenticeship at his high-end sushi bar, Sushi Sho, in the Ritz Carlton Residence in Waikiki. I learned a lot about real techniques of Edomae Sushi and the preparation so right now I’m able to work on incorporating those learnings into a sushi and kaiseki concept to be introduced soon at Shiro’s. I also wash hands a lot!

We started a to-go business shortly after dining rooms were closed, thoroughly complying with all health guidelines. We hope to continue this for the duration until guests can join us at Shiro’s again.

—Yoshinori Kinomoto is the chef of Shiro’s Sushi, which has been open for nearly 25 years, offering premium Edomae Sushi and Japanese cuisine in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Chef Kinomoto trained in Ishikawa, Japan, where local Kaga cuisine is known for its artistic presentation. Purchase gift cards here. Order takeaway from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. by phone, 206-443-9844.

  

 

Stir-Fried Pork Ginger (“Buta no Shouga Yaki”—”buta” means pork). 

Pork Ginger is one of the best recipes! It is very popular in Japan, especially for lunch, and is very affordable when cooked with pork loin especially (my recipe uses pork belly, but either is delicious). The recipe is very straightforward and easy to prepare. This dish also helps improves health and the immune system. Ginger contains a chemical compound called gingerol which improves blood circulation and warms up the human body. Garlic and onion are rich in allicin which helps the absorption of vitamin B1 (pork contains a lot of vitamin B1). It suppresses the buildup of neutral fat and helps recovery from exhaustion. Pork also slows down the development of cholesterol in our bodies. So, the sauce and pork combination is ideal for keeping us healthy. Apple, on the other hand, is rich in polyphenol, which also reduces cholesterol and helps prevent food allergies.

Multi-Purpose Ginger & Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• soy sauce, 3 cups
• mirin (sweet sake), 3 cups
• 1 apple
• 1 carrot        
• 1 onion           
• 1/2 cup ginger
• 1/3 cup garlic (make all, ½ or ¼ for a smaller portion)
• Mix all ingredients in the blender. The sauce will be good for about a month in the refrigerator.

Application of the Sauce

Stir-Fried Pork Ginger (“Buta no Shouga Yaki” buta means pork) 

• Prepare sliced pork belly (about 3/4 pound per serving).
• Soak pork belly in the sauce for 10 minutes.  
• Stir-fry until it is cooked about 80%, then add vegetables of your choice.
• (Sliced onion is the popular vegetable used in Japan, but cabbage or carrots are also a good match.) 
• Add sauce to your liking (more if you prefer stronger flavor and aroma).
• Continue stir-frying until pork belly is completely cooked.