Toasted sesame oil

Recipe from the book by Thibault Villanova "Cooking like in anime. Recipes for real otaku!".

Green salad with shrimp and mango is a vibrant combination of fresh leaves, tender seafood, and sweet fruits harmoniously blended with a tangy dressing. This dish, inspired by Pan-Asian cuisine, conveys the spirit of exoticism: the sweetness of mango enhances the rich flavor of shrimp, while greens and nuts add textural depth. The honey-lemon juice and sesame oil-based dressing makes the salad rich and aromatic. Traditionally, such combinations are found in Southeast Asian cuisine where the balance of sweet, sour, and salty is valued. This salad is perfect as a light main dish or festive appetizer. It pairs especially well with a glass of chilled white wine that highlights its refreshing taste.

Tempura vegetables are a true embodiment of Japanese culinary art, where simplicity harmonizes with sophistication. This recipe originates from traditional Japanese cuisine, where a thin crispy batter highlights the natural flavor of the vegetables. Fried in light batter, the vegetables take on a golden color and delightful crunch. The taste combines the delicate sweetness of baby carrots, the freshness of zucchini, and the spiciness of ginger sauce. A key feature of this dish is its immediate serving to preserve its perfect texture. It can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, enjoying every bite. Tempura not only pleases the eye with its fragile shell but also provides true pleasure to gourmets by uniting flavor, aesthetics, and the philosophy of Japanese cuisine.

Hot and sour chicken soup is a classic dish of Chinese cuisine that embodies a balance of flavors. Its history traces back to traditional provinces of China, where the hot and sour notes are valued for their ability to stimulate appetite and provide warmth. Tender chicken fillet infused with the aromas of wood mushrooms and shiitake combines with soft tofu to create an exquisite texture. Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil give the dish its characteristic spiciness, while cilantro adds fresh herbal notes to the composition. This soup is perfect as a warming lunch or light dinner, harmonizing beautifully with rice or noodles. Its hot and sour taste invigorates and provides gastronomic pleasure, making it a favorite dish in cold weather.

Japanese grilled chicken is a true embodiment of the harmony of Eastern cuisine flavors. The secret of the dish lies in the marinade that combines rich notes of fish sauce, sweetness of molasses, brightness of lemon juice, and deep aroma of sesame oil. Thanks to a unique cutting technique, the meat becomes tender and flavorful. When grilled, the chicken acquires an appetizing golden crust and a light smoky aroma. This dish is often served with rice or fresh vegetables, complemented by soy sauce and green onions. Japanese grilled chicken is perfect for both a cozy family dinner and a festive feast. Its taste awakens love for Japanese gastronomy, opening doors to a world of exquisite yet simple-to-prepare dishes.

Noodles with sesame is a harmony of simplicity and rich flavors. Although the dish belongs to Italian cuisine, it also carries Eastern notes thanks to soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Linguine coated in aromatic sauce acquires a deep, slightly nutty taste with a hint of spiciness. Sesame adds a pleasant texture while fresh green onions refresh the composition. Perfect for those who love unusual combinations and seek a light yet hearty dish. It is great for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Serve it chilled to better reveal the layers of flavor and enjoy its richness!

Sushi is one of the most famous dishes of Japanese cuisine, known for its refined taste and aesthetic presentation. Its history dates back to ancient times when fish was preserved in fermented rice. Modern sushi combines soft, slightly sweet rice with rice vinegar and various fillings wrapped in nori sheets. This recipe uses fresh vegetables, tender tofu, and savory sesame to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Ginger-soy sauce adds a mild spiciness that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. Sushi is not just food; it is a true philosophy of enjoying every bite, making it an ideal choice for a light dinner or festive gathering.

Fried pork with tamarind and sweet potato puree is a dish that combines rich flavor contrasts. Tender, aromatic pork is infused with the sweet-sour notes of tamarind, while the creamy sweet potato puree adds softness and harmony. This combination is characteristic of European cuisine with Asian touches, where special emphasis is placed on balancing sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Tamarind is an important ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines; its use adds exoticism and sophistication to the dish. Frying the pork in sesame oil gives it a rich flavor, while ginger, garlic, and chili pepper add spiciness. This dish is perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions as it impresses with its depth of flavor and elegance.

Roast duck with hoisin sauce is a true embodiment of the sophistication of Chinese cuisine. This recipe has its roots in traditional methods of preparing duck in Beijing, where the caramelization of the skin and deep aroma of spices make the dish delightful. White pepper, garlic, and Chinese 'Five Spices' create a rich spicy flavor, while hoisin and orange liqueur give the duck a sweet glaze with a hint of citrus. The dish is tender and juicy with an appetizing crispy crust that pairs perfectly with rice, greens or flatbreads. This treat is suitable for both festive tables and exquisite dinners. Each piece reveals a wealth of flavors, turning the meal into a true gastronomic journey through China.

Sesame rice is a fragrant and exquisite dish of Pan-Asian cuisine that offers a delicate nutty flavor with a hint of citrus tang. Sesame oil permeating each grain of rice gives the dish a rich, deep aroma, while the combination of white and black sesame seeds adds textural variety and subtle flavor nuances. The finishing touch is fresh lime juice that highlights the Eastern character of the dish. It is a simple yet elegant side that pairs perfectly with fish, vegetables, or meat dishes in soy sauce. The origins of the recipe are tied to the traditions of Pan-Asian cuisine where sesame is widely used to impart richness and aroma to dishes. Sesame rice can be served as a standalone dish or used in complex gastronomic combinations.

Poke with trout is the embodiment of Hawaiian culinary elegance, blending ocean freshness with Eastern notes. This recipe originates from the traditions of island fishermen who marinated fresh fish with seaweed and spices to create a nutritious and flavorful dish. Here, tender trout is infused with the aroma of sesame oil, the heat of chili, and the zest of seaweed, achieving a multifaceted taste that balances tenderness and brightness. Salmon gravlax adds a delicate texture while soy aioli and tobiko provide umami depth. Poke can be served as a light appetizer on bruschetta or as tartare, bringing exotic sophistication to any menu. This dish not only looks beautiful but also offers a true gastronomic journey to sunny Hawaii.

Roasted eggplant and pepper salad with sesame dressing is a vibrant dish of Russian cuisine inspired by Mediterranean and Eastern motifs. Roasted eggplants acquire a tender, velvety texture, while sweet peppers add juiciness and a light caramel note. Red onion and cilantro provide sharpness and freshness to the dish, while soy sauce with sesame oil adds a rich nutty flavor. A light lemon hint makes the taste even more expressive. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to meat and fish. It pairs wonderfully with rye bread or crispy toasts. The salad is good both warm and chilled, and its aroma unfolds with each hour of infusion. It is a simple yet exquisite appetizer filled with natural flavors and rich textures.

Edamame beans in spicy sauce is a dish that embodies the harmony of Japanese cuisine, where simplicity meets rich flavor. Historically, edamame is young soybeans popular in Japan as a snack with sake. In this recipe, tender beans gain spiciness from garlic, chili pepper, and soy sauce. Stir-fried in sesame oil, they absorb its nutty aroma, while a pinch of sugar adds a light caramel note. The first serving option with coarse sea salt reveals the natural sweetness of the beans, while the second option with spicy sauce makes the dish rich and exotic. It's the perfect appetizer for a Japanese-style evening, complemented by a cup of green tea or a glass of chilled beer.

Soba with turkey 'Five Spices' and vegetables is a harmony of textures and flavors inspired by Asian culinary traditions. Thinly sliced turkey meat soaked in the spicy 'Five Spices' blend and aromatic teriyaki sauce becomes tender and rich. Crunchy vegetables—zucchini, daikon, carrot, and fennel—add freshness and structure to the dish. Soba noodles cooked to perfect firmness bind the ingredients together, while sesame oil and seeds add nutty notes. This dish combines lightness and richness, making it a great choice for those who appreciate flavor balance. Inspiring, fragrant, and cozy—soba with turkey offers gastronomic pleasure to anyone who decides to try it.

Beef tenderloin for tartare should be chosen very carefully - it should be fresh. Tartare left over from the holiday can be fried as a burger or in the form of meatballs.