Cultures around the world have always used fermentation in food, beverages, and other products, but this process has recently been in the spotlight for its health and longevity benefits. In Japan, fermentation plays an extra special role in the nation’s cuisine which is highlighted in this summer’s JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles program on fermentation. Dive into this history with this short film and article, “Japan, the Land of Fermentation”.
Then, tune into our two-part Japanese Food Lab Fermentation Master Class series featuring the chef, cookbook author, restaurateur and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, and chef Shinji Ishida, of the Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant Nogizaka Shin, who share classic fermented dishes as well as information on the ingredients that might surprise even those familiar with Japanese cuisine.
To conclude the Master Class, co-host Giada De Laurentiis shares her reflections on Japanese fermentation and all she learned from Chef Ishida's Japanese cooking lessons. She describes her joy in discovering the wide variety of types of miso used in Japan, and all the ways that fermentation is incorporated into Japanese cuisine that she never knew before. She also notes how important wellness and boosting immunity has become to her own cooking practice, and all the potential she sees for Western cuisine to incorporate more inspiration from Japanese fermented food for health and longevity.
*To watch the video in full screen, please click on the image above, then click on the YouTube icon on the lower right-hand corner.
Watch Giada’s reflections on fermentation here, and try the recipes introduced, below.
Japanese Food Lab | Fermentation Master Class
Episode 1: Chirashi Sushi
Chef Ishida guides Giada in creating chirashi sushi, a dish where subtle flavors of vinegar, rice, and raw fish come together in various combinations.
Episode 2: Pickled Vegetable and Miso Fish
Chef Ishida introduces Giada to preparing classic Japanese pickles, as well as a healthy and delicious way to marinate fish with fermented miso.
About Giada De Laurentiis
Photo by Aubrie Pick
Giada De Laurentiis is the Emmy award winning television personality of Food Network’s Everyday Italian, Giada at Home, Giada In Italy, Giada’s Holiday Handbook, Giada Entertains, Giada On The Beach, Giada at Home 2.0 a judge on Food Network Star, a NBC Today Show contributor, a successful restaurateur with restaurants GIADA and Pronto by Giada in Las Vegas, as well as GDL Italian in Baltimore.
She is the author of 10 New York Times bestselling cookbooks, including her most recent, Eat Better, Feel Better, in addition to her children's book series, Recipe for Adventure. She is also the founder of the lifestyle and e-commerce platform, Giadzy.com, which features Italian lifestyle content spanning recipes, travel, entertaining and Italian Pantry products.