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Kabocha Korokke (Japanese Pumpkin Croquettes)
Kabocha Korokke (Japanese Pumpkin Croquettes)
Korokke are the Japanese equivalent of a potato croquet. You can use kabocha pumpkin, sweet potatoes, ir just regular potatoes when preparing this savory appetizer. The korroke can be shaped into oval sized patties or into smaller ping pong sized balls. Once formed, place on a parchment paper lined baking pan in the freezer to firm up. Then dredge them in flour, egg, then panko breadcrumbs. The korroke fry for a couple of minutes a side u til golden brown and crispy. Serve the korroke with tonkatsu sauce.
Equipment
- potato masher
Ingredients
- 1 lb kabocha squash seeded and cut into cubes
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
- tonkatsu sauce
Instructions
- Place the kabocha in a steamer. Steam for 10 minutes.
- Place the kabocha in a bowl and mash with a potato masher.
- Brown the ground beef in a small sauté pan over medium high heat for 5 minutes.
- Add in the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Drain any excess oil.
- Mix in the ground beef and onions, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the mashed kabocha. Let cool.
- Form the dough into 6-8 oval shaped patties. Place on a baking sheet lined in parchment paper. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Dredge the croquettes in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat up 1” of vegetable oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Place some of the croquettes into the oil, frying in two batches.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes a side until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain the drain the grease on a wire rack.
Smoked Provoleta
Smoked Provoleta
Provoleta is eaten at every Argentinian barbecue. This appetizer has its origins from Italy, which happens to have a large population of immigrants in Argentina. Traditionally, provoleta is prepared on a grill or in the oven, using a cast iron skillet. I took it one step further and smoked my provoleta. If using an oven or grill, preheat to 400 degrees. Cook for 10 minutes, then broil for 2. If using a smoker, preheat to 250 degrees. Smoke for 30 minutes. Serve the provoleta with a crusty baguette and chimichurri sauce.
Equipment
- Electric Smoker
- 6”-8” cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1” thick provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
To Serve
- crusty baguette toasted and sliced
- chimichurri sauce
Wood Chips
- hickory
Instructions
- Flour the provolone disc.
- Place in a small cast iron skillet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season with oregano and chili flakes.
- Place in a 250 degree preheated electric smoker.
- Smoke for 30 minutes until the provolone has completely melted and has color from the smoke.
Salmon Bulgogi
Salmon Bulgogi
Usually, when you think of bulgogi, you think of beef. The marinade is also great on salmon and other types oily fish. I used a 1lb. fillet of farm raised salmon with the skin on. Leaving the skin on is crucial to hold the salmon together. Without it, the salmon is hard to handle and will fall apart. I then cut 3/4” thick slices off the fillet. Seems like too small of pieces? The purpose of this recipe is to cook the salmon fast; so it is recommended to cut the fillets less than an inch thick. It also allows the marinade to penetrate the fish all the way through. Marinate the fish for 30 minutes. I chose to bake the salmon. With the pieces being thin, it takes 5 minutes in a 425 degree oven. You can also broil or pan fry the salmon for 2 minutes a side. Finally, garnish the salmon with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets cut into 3/4” thick portions
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp garlic grated
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- black pepper to taste
Garnish
- sesame seeds
- green onions finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix together the marinade ingredients.
- Marinate the salmon for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking pan with foil. Line up the pieces of salmon on the baking pan.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
