Niki Nakayama of two-Michelin-starred n/naka teaches you how to honor fresh ingredients with her innovative take on Japanese home cooking techniques.
Where to Watch Niki Nakayama Teaches Modern Japanese Cooking
18 Episodes
Meet Your Instructor: Niki Nakayama
E1
Meet Your Instructor: Niki NakayamaChef Niki Nakayama fuses Japanese tradition with Californian ingredients to redefine kaiseki cuisine. In her first lesson, Niki will share the challenges and victories she encountered on the road to two Michelin stars.
Kaiseki Cooking
E2
Kaiseki CookingKaiseki originated from the multicourse style of dining practiced by Zen monks in medieval Japan. Similar to a tea ceremony, this elaborate meal is designed to slow the mind and attune the senses. Niki shares her modern spin on kaiseki.
Japanese Pantry Essentials
E3
Japanese Pantry EssentialsIn order to prepare great Japanese food, you will need authentic ingredients. Niki shares tips for sourcing and selecting traditional Japanese ingredients.
Ichiban Dashi: Kombu and Bonito Stock
E4
Ichiban Dashi: Kombu and Bonito StockLearn how to make dashi, the deceptively simple broth that is a staple of Japanese cooking and the base for many dishes in this class.
Japanese Culinary Tools
E5
Japanese Culinary ToolsFor many of the techniques you’ll learn in this class, you’ll need some specialized tools. Niki gives you an overview of the essentials and shares some of her favorites.
Rockfish: Whole Fish Preparation
E6
Rockfish: Whole Fish PreparationLearn to handle a whole fish with confidence as Niki shares a few professional tricks and demonstrates key knife skills.
Balance in Kaiseki
E7
Balance in KaisekiThe order and composition of your dishes are key elements of the dining experience. Niki explains how to create balance in your meals.
Zukuri: Modern Rockfish Sashimi
E8
Zukuri: Modern Rockfish SashimiNiki introduces Western ingredients to Japanese technique as she demonstrates how to prepare, cure, and slice rockfish for this sashimi dish.
Owan: Soup With Bone Broth
E9
Owan: Soup With Bone BrothLearn how to create a delicious soup with no-waste cooking techniques. Niki shares her secrets for a perfect broth, as well as how to plate a bowl of soup.
Tuna: Portions for Otsukuri and Yakimono
E10
Tuna: Portions for Otsukuri and YakimonoIn Japan, tuna is prized for its bright red color and eaten at celebratory occasions. Learn how to identify parts of the tuna, how to section the meat, and where to find ethically sourced fish.
Otsukuri: Traditional Tuna Sashimi
E11
Otsukuri: Traditional Tuna SashimiImprove your knife skills as Niki demonstrates professional techniques for slicing fish and making beautiful vegetable garnishes.
Yakimono: Grilled Tuna
E12
Yakimono: Grilled TunaWhen grilling, your choice of fuel will impact the final flavor. Learn the slow, subtle method of grilling over binchotan, a special charcoal used in Japanese cooking.
Mushimono: Steamed Rockfish
E13
Mushimono: Steamed RockfishA light, steamed dish offers a heartwarming lift in the middle of a meal. Niki prepares steamed rockfish with potato purée and ankake sauce.
Agemono: Rockfish and Vegetable Tempura
E14
Agemono: Rockfish and Vegetable TempuraMaster the art of tempura frying, from selecting the right flour to keeping your batter cold. Niki offers suggestions for which vegetables and mushrooms are best for tempura.
Agemono: Tuna Karaage
E15
Agemono: Tuna KaraageNiki prepares a simple marinade for tuna in this dry-fried preparation. Learn when to fry fish and when to save it for sashimi.
Donabe: Japanese Rice Traditions
E16
Donabe: Japanese Rice TraditionsNiki introduces the donabe, a traditional clay pot, and demonstrates how to use it as she shares the significance of rice to Japanese culture.
Shokuji: Rice and Pickles
E17
Shokuji: Rice and PicklesIn kaiseki, the last course is often a simple bowl of rice with pickles. Learn how to prepare the perfect bowl of rice and how to reuse dashi for a pickle brine.
Ichigo Ichie
E18
Ichigo IchieCooking is about inviting people in, appreciating a shared moment, and enjoying each other’s company. Niki shares her personal philosophy for hospitality and encourages you to explore your own inspirations for cooking.
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