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Sushi Ingredients: Wasabi

March 24th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (0 Comments)

sushiIf you have ever been to an Asian restaurant that serves sushi, you have probably noticed the green paste that goes between the fish and rice. This green paste is called Wasabi and it is a condiment used in sushi and other Asian dishes.

Wasabi, often referred to as Japanese horseradish, is the root of the Wasabia japonica plant which is actually a variety of cabbage. It has a smooth texture and an effect that hits your nasal passages in seconds. The flavor is  a little pungent but the strong flavor does not keep burning like chili peppers or jalapenos. A few sips of water or milk will dissolve the taste from your tongue.

 

When used for sushi, the root is grated fresh and mixed in a bowl or crock with a tight lid. A small amount is placed on the plate as a condiment to be stirred into the shoyu or soy sauce for dipping. The proper method is to pick up a small amount of Wasabi with your chopsticks and stir into the soy sauce, dip the sushi in it fish side down, and eat the whole bite at once.

 

The Wasabi and pickled ginger served in restaurants and packaged in sushi packages bought at the supermarket enhance the flavor and cleanse the palate for the next bite of sushi. Both have an astringent property which are antimicrobial in nature and at one time it was a belief this helps keep down the incidences of sickness from  raw fish.  Of course we now know that the fish served in sushi restaurants is a higher grade of fish grown specifically for consuming raw and handled according to food safety requirements.

 

If you are not used to eating Wasabi, it is recommended to consume it in small amounts due to the effect it has on the sinuses and nasal passages. It is good and many people like it as a condiment for their food. Try a little when visiting Asian restaurants.

 

 

Sushi Concerns-Is it Safe to Eat Raw Fish

March 21st, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (1 Comments)

school of fish 1Hungry diners flock to Asian restaurants by the dozen to eat their favorite meal: sushi. Many others who would like to try the dish are reluctant due to a fear of eating raw fish which  is one of the main ingredients used in sushi. Not all sushi contains raw fish though. There are many sushi rolls made only with vegetables and rice, or the California roll which is made with cooked imitation crab meat.

The fear of eating raw fish comes from the fact that some fish are  contaminated with parasites such as tapeworms and flatworms that lay eggs in the fish’s stomach.

Another reason is  high levels of mercury found in some fish in certain areas. Raw meat is known to carry possible contaminates such as e coli bacteria and a host of other nasty microbes. You should never eat raw chicken or beef.

So how is it that Asian restaurants serve raw fish in sushi and sashimi without concern? Well, the answer is related to how the fish is prepared and stored. The fish you buy at the supermarket may have been frozen while being transported to the store but most fish handlers do not set their freezers at a low enough temperature( -20 degrees Celsius) to kill the bacteria and parasites that may be in the fish. When you cook the fish, the heat kills any bacteria or parasites that may be there. Careful cleaning and thorough cooking eliminate any concern for bacterial infections.

Sushi restaurants take more care of the preparations for raw fish by following strict food safety guidelines which require the fish to be frozen at sub-level temperatures for 7 days to kill any live parasites or germs. Most often the fish purchased by restaurants is considered “sushi-grade” fish which has been caught and prepared by  local fisheries and grown for raw consumption. Extra precautions are taken for sushi-grade fish.

The fish served in most sushi restaurants and Asian markets are considered safe to eat raw due to the extreme care and precautions taken to ensure the safety of consumers. Japanese people eat sushi and raw fish (sashimi) every day and they are very healthy.

Despite the safety of sushi fish, if you are still not ready to try it, opt for a vegetarian version or one that has cooked imitation crab meat. You will love the sushi without fear of getting sick.


  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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Can You Be a Vegetarian and Eat Sushi?

                March 17th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (2 Comments)                 
                
				

            
Cool CucumberThere are a lot of misconceptions out there about what sushi is, and is not. Many Asian restaurants serve sushi but they are not all sushi restaurants. When the first sushi restaurants started popping up in the US many people avoided them because they are not fond of fish. We had a lot of misinformation about it from the media and television about what sushi is so many people were reluctant to try it.


Many people mistakenly think that sushi is raw fish. Not necessarily, there is fish in some of the sushi dishes but not all of them. The name “sushi” refers to the way the rice is treated by adding vinegar and sugar.  Sashimi is slices of fresh, raw tuna, salmon or other fish served on a plate with nothing else.


In Japan’s history, the origins of sushi lie in a method of food preservation. In the old days, people used vinegar and sugar to make a brine for preserving fish and other meats. It was a crude method of pickling. This was to make it possible for soldiers to carry meat with them on long journeys.


Sushi can be any type of vegetable with rice, seaweed and meat or without meat. There are many delicious vegetable sushi rolls made with carrots, cucumber, yam, and avocado.


Asian restaurants offer a variety of food to appeal to just about every diner no matter what his or her dietary preferences are. So yes, vegetarians and vegans can enjoy sushi just like everyone else. It is your choice to have meat or not, so order whatever you like. Some good choices for a vegetarian sushi meal are the avocado roll, cucumber roll or vegetable roll with a side of green curry or pad thai noodles and a bowl of miso soup. Top it off with a cup of herbal tea and you have a meal that is very vegetarian-friendly.

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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The Correct Way to Eat Sushi

                March 16th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (2 Comments)                 
                
				

            
Chopsticks 4Sushi is a very popular menu item at many Asian-style restaurants and deli’s. If you have never eaten sushi but would like to try it you may be a little concerned about etiquette and the proper way to eat sushi. The Japanese people are very proper and polite so when visiting a restaurant or someone’s home, remember to always use your best manners. Please and thank you are very much appreciated.


Due to the popularity of sushi restaurants, many people have tried it and become sushi lovers. There are many sushi restaurants in NYC and the surrounding areas for diners looking for a quick bite before a show or Saturday night takeout. To avoid feeling self-conscious or nervous on your first visit to a sushi restaurant in NYC, here are some tips on the correct way to eat sushi so even a first timer will feel confident that they know what they are doing.


Seating


If you are visiting a family-style restaurant it is best to wait to be seated or ask the server if you may sit at the sushi bar. In a kaiten-style or conveyor belt sushi restaurant you may sit anywhere because the food comes right past your table and this type of eatery is a more casual environment. You may order from the server or choose items from plates that are served on a conveyor belt.


Chopsticks


When eating sushi you may use chopsticks or pick it up in your fingers. This is perfectly acceptable when taking food from your own plate. If someone offers you a piece from their plate you must pick it up with the end of the chopsticks and place it on your plate. This is considered a sanitary way to pick up food as long as you use the ends of the chopsticks that are held in your hand and not the ones you eat with. When not being used it is customary to place your chopsticks across the plate with the tips together. This also signifies when you have finished the meal. Never stick them in any food or leave in a bowl.


Eating Sushi


When eating sushi the correct way to do it is to pick up a piece with chopsticks or your fingers, dip the fish side in a bit of soy sauce and put the whole bite in your mouth at once. Ladies may cover their mouths when taking a big bite as this is acceptable and considered polite if you choose to do so. You are served soy sauce for dipping and a little dab of wasabi for flavor as well as a small piece of pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between bites of different items.

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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Terms You May Hear in Sushi Restaurants in NYC

                March 9th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (2 Comments)                 
                
				

            
sushiIf you have never visited a sushi restaurant in NYC you may be a little confused at the terms used to describe the food or the names of different sushi dishes. Some restaurants are formal or classic style while others may be more laid back and relaxed, either way it is important to be familiar with the food that is being served so you will not feel overwhelmed when it comes to ordering. Here are a few terms used and what they mean:


Sushi Rice: sushi rice refers to the vinegared rice used in sushi making.


Nori: Nori are sheets of dried seaweed that are flexible and bend while rolling. When rolling the sushi, the ends of the nori are moistened with water and rolled using a rolling mat.


Nigiri or Nigiri Sushi: this describes a serving of sushi rice, hand formed or rolled into a ball and topped with a piece of fish. It is often wrapped by a thin strip of nori to secure it.


Futomaki: Futomaki is a large sushi roll made with  rice topped with thin strips of fish and wrapped in a sheet of nori. The roll is then cut into large pieces and stood on end on the serving plate.


California Roll: The classic California roll is a roll with avocado, cucumber and imitation crab wrapped by a layer of rice and a sheet of nori. The roll in sliced into 6 to 8 bite-size pieces.


Vegetable roll: This is perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for something without meat or animal products. The vegetable roll is made with avocado, cucumber, asparagus and carrot slices wrapped in a layer of rice and nori.


Onigiri: This refers to a vinegared rice ball with black sesame seeds and fillings or plain, shaped into a cone, triangle or other shape formed by hand.


Now that you know a bit about sushi you should be able to order off the menu from any sushi restaurant in NYC with confidence!


 

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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Eating in Asian Restaurants May Be Better for Your Health

                March 9th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (6 Comments)                 
                
				

            
Red HeartAsian restaurants and low-fat cuisine offer health benefits. It has long been understood that the reason that many countries have a longer life span and mortality rate is related to their diet and lifestyle.  The American diet contains too much fat, sodium and cholesterol that contributes to diabetes and heart disease.


We eat food that has been fried in animal fat, covered in tons of cheese and topped with heavy, fat-laden condiments and paired with too much carbohydrates. I am referring to the average american fast food meal of burgers and fries.


The meat is fried on a grill or under a broiler where it sits in its own grease until ready to be served when it is then topped with cheese and  a bun coated in mayonnaise and ketchup. French fries are submerged in cooking oil or lard in a deep fryer until golden brown (of course the potatoes soak up quite a bit of the grease while cooking). While these meals appeal to our taste buds it really is not healthy to consume this much grease and fat.


The philosophy towards cooking in many Asian restaurants is to enhance the flavor of the food but not change it or cover it up. In most authentic Chinese and Japanese restaurants, the food is lightly coated with any type of sauce and condiments are served on the side so the diner can enjoy the flavor of the food they are being served.


Many dishes that we assume are authentic Asian cuisine is actually an Americanized version of it. We like to add sauces and fried dishes which increase the amount of fat and sodium to an otherwise healthy meal.


The basics of an Asian diet include meat (typically fish in moderately small amounts), vegetables, fruit in season, rice (boiled or steamed, not fried) and green tea. This is why Japan and China have lower incidences of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Simple foods prepared simply.


You get the most nutrients from food that has been lightly steamed and served closest to its natural state. Fish and vegetables served with steamed rice is the staple meal in many Asian households.


 

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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Asian Cuisine: Condiments, Sauces and Drinks

                March 2nd, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (4 Comments)                 
                
				

            
Sushi PlateAsian restaurants around the world serve a variety of savory dishes. Asian food is delicious and offers a variety of different tastes and flavors based on the local cuisine of that country. China, Japan and Korea have their own versions of barbecued meats, grilled vegetables and sweet treats. The flavors in each dish are very different from those of Thailand, India or The Philippines even though they use many of the same ingredients in cooking.


Many Asian cooks like to add a little heat and spice to their dishes by adding chili paste, black bean pods or paste, curry, diced Sichuan chilis and Sriracha or another type of pepper sauce. Additional condiments or sauces can be used in cooking or as a topping to a finished meal.


Condiments and spices familiar to Asian cooking include:


    

  • Bean paste
    • 

  • Curry powder
    • 

  • Chili paste
    • 

  • Chili oil
    • 

  • Turmeric
    • 

  • Sesame seeds
    • 

  • Soy sauce
    • 

  • Fish sauce
    • 

  • Duck Sauce
    • 

  • Sriracha sauce
    • 

  • Wasabi
    • 



Noodle dishes are a favorite in many countries with or without the addition of meat and/or vegetables. Pad Thai is a noodle dish made with rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts and tamarind sauce. It is a favorite among vegetarians and those who do not eat meat for religious or ethical reasons.


The majority of Asian restaurants include some type of alcohol or fermented drinks (sake, plum wine or beer) hot jasmine tea, hot and sour soup, spring rolls, fried noodles and vegetable dishes. Vegetarian and vegan diners can find many healthy, appetizing vegetable dishes, spring rolls, fried noodles or rice and almond pudding.


When eating out  you have many options to choose from. Barbecued or roasted meat, grilled fish, sushi or tofu, vegetarian dishes and many noodle dishes offer something for everyone no matter their preference.


 


 



  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
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The Basics of Sushi for Beginners

                March 1st, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (2 Comments)                 
                
				

            


sushi




If you have never had conveyor-belt sushi or are unfamiliar with the different aspects of Asian cuisine, then this is for you. Many people mistakenly think that sushi is just raw fish and have not tried it due to the concerns of bacteria associated with uncooked meats. Lately many people are avoiding fish of any kind due to high levels of mercury found in some types of fish.







Here is some background information for those who are not familiar with sushi. Sushi originated in Japan as a normal part of the Asian diet. It is included in meals or eaten as a snack. The basics include rice, vegetables and fish served in a seaweed wrapper and rolled in sesame seeds. Part of the reason for the misconception concerning sushi is reports of people who have eaten Fugu, another name for the poisonous puffer fish in Japan. When cooked properly, the puffer fish is a Japanese delicacy, but when cooked incorrectly it becomes lethal.







The fish used in sushi is the freshest available. Sushi chefs purchase and prepare only the best and freshest fish for their dishes. Slices of fresh fish or other seafood are used as a filling for sushi rolls and as a topping for vinegared rice balls called Nigiri sushi.







The Japanese have modernized the way people eat sushi as well. Conveyor-belt sushi restaurants are popping up all over. This is called Kaiten-style sushi and the food is prepared and placed on a conveyor belt that passes by each customer’s table so they can select the dishes they want. The customer can make their own custom meal from many small entrée-type dishes. 







There are many types of sushi dishes, so for those who do not like fish there are many vegetarian rolls such as the Avocado or cucumber roll.



  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
              
				

			
			
								
			

            	
                

				
What Goes in a Spicy Tuna Roll?

                February 24th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (2 Comments)                 
                
				

            
File:Roll sushi making.jpg Love spicy food and sushi? You can have both you know. There are many spicy dishes on the sushi menu at your favorite Asian restaurants. The spicy tuna roll is a favorite of many diners. The flavors of yellow fin tuna, cucumber, vinegared rice and a spicy sauce make this roll popular with spicy food lovers.


Yellow fin tuna is cut in strips and layered on a bed of sushi rice with cucumber strips and wrapped in a sheet of Nori. Served often with a spicy mayo, wasabi or hot sauce you can customize the roll to our liking. The tang of the pickled ginger complements the flavors of the rice and tuna.


Sauces and condiments are served on the side so you can have as little or as much spiciness as you want.  Asian restaurants serve spicy tuna rolls and many other delicious meat and vegetable type rolls as well as rolls for vegetarians or vegans. You can choose meat or no meat in your sushi rolls, this is why sushi is so popular. It is a versatile dish that nearly anyone can eat, even children.


Sushi rolls are made by hand with a sheet of Nori seaweed and a rolling mat. The rice is placed on top of the Nori and the topping are placed over the rice and the whole thing is rolled up and cut into bite-size pieces for ease of enjoyment. Soy sauce and wasabi sauce are on the side for dipping pieces of sushi in and pickled ginger to cleanse the palate for the next dish.


If you do not think you’re up for the a Spicy Tuna roll don’t worry, there are many other rolls that are not spicy like the Avocado roll, Salmon roll, or California roll. These are great choices for a first-timer or someone who is new to eating sushi.

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
              
				

			
			
								
			

            	
                

				
Takeout Menu-Sushi Restaurants in NYC

                February 20th, 2012 | Posted by lmusser in asian | food - (30 Comments)                 
                
				

            
Table settingAre you looking for something a little different for a last minute meal? Sushi restaurants in NYC offer a great takeout menu for quick meals to fill you up. Grab a menu from your favorite restaurant and stick it on your refrigerator. Some nights are great for takeout and a romantic comedy or action/adventure movie.


No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find a great selection of sushi dishes to suit every taste. Chose from appetizers, sushi platters, sushi/sashimi ala carte or deli sandwiches for a quick and delicious meal. Vegetarian or on a restricted diet? No problem, there are a variety of dishes for vegetarian/vegan diners as well as those who follow kosher diets.


The great thing about takeout food is that you get the best food and you can eat it wherever you like. Take it home, to work or to the park for a custom meal on the go.  Many sushi restaurants in NYC offer more than just sushi on their takeout menus. Noodle dishes, meat and vegetable combo platters, salads and soups round out a meal, or offer something a child would eat.


Many Asian restaurants now offer takeout or delivery if you live in Lower Manhattan or the Upper East Side. You can choose to pick up your meal or have it delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less.


Sushi restaurants make a great alternative to the fried fast food fare or sandwich chains that are so popular with diners. Kaiten-style sushi restaurants offer the best of both worlds by providing freshly prepared meals in a fast food fashion via a conveyor belt. You can watch your food being prepared and choose any dish that comes down the line for a customized meal.


It is tempting to go for pizza, chicken wings or other fatty, greasy foods when you are hungry, but why not have something healthy and different for a change?


 

  
                
                       
                        

       
              
                
				
	
              
				

			
			
		
    		
		    
        
    	
 
 
       

    

    
  
    
    
   



  




       


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