JAPANESE CUISINE:

Sesame Green Beans

Ingredients:

    8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed   

    2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

    1/2 tablespoon miso paste

    1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

    4 cloves garlic, minced

    1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

    1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Directions:

    1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly toasted.

    2. Place the green beans into a steamer insert and set in a pot over one inch of water. Bring to a boil, cover and steam for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer beans to a serving bowl.

    3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, miso paste, red pepper flakes, garlic and ginger. Pour over the green beans and toss to coat. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Yakitori Don

Ingredients:

    1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces

    1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root

    1 clove garlic, crushed

    3 tablespoons white sugar

    2/3 cup soy sauce

    1 tablespoon sake

    1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)

    2 tablespoons cooking oil

Directions:

    1. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. In a glass baking dish or bowl, stir together the ginger, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, sake and mirin. Place the chicken into the mixture to marinate. Refrigerate, covered for several hours, or overnight.

    2. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces into the pan skin-side down, reserving marinade. Cook until light brown, then flip and brown the other side.

    3. Drain off grease, and pour the marinade into the pan. Cover, and reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking, shaking the skillet occasionally, until marinade is evaporated. Serve hot with rice or noodles.