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Behind the Art: What Is Teppanyaki Cooking?

Updated: Aug 1, 2023


Flames over bbq chicken and steak
Always cooked right at your table

Japanese cuisine has always been praised by food lovers all over the world. It offers an endless range of flavours that are sure to delight anyone. And not to mention the different styles of cooking that make this cuisine so incredible.


One Japanese cooking style that has earned itself a reputation as a worldwide staple is teppanyaki. Everywhere around the world, you are sure to find a teppanyaki restaurant. Even Surfers Paradise is home to one of the best teppanyaki places.


But how well do you really understand this cooking technique? What is teppanyaki cooking? Answering this question will help you to appreciate teppanyaki.


The Art of Japanese Cuisine

One country that never seems to be running out of praises is Japan. There is always something that this nation offers, from technology, fashion, culture, and even entertainment. That is why it should come as no surprise that even their food is globally loved. There is just something that makes Japanese food so good. Maybe it has something to do with the ingredients it uses, the flavours it gives out, or the way the ingredients are cooked. You can surely tell there is something special about food from Japan.


One of the things that make Japanese dishes stand out is perhaps its distinct flavour. These dishes have been known to tickle your taste buds.


And for most people, the dishes they are used to are sweet, salty, sour, or spicy. But Japanese food has marked itself for its umami taste. This is something that you don’t get from other types of cuisine. Umami is what most people know as savoury. Most foods in this cuisine revolve around this flavour, yet they still have a uniqueness of their own.

The way the Japanese cook their food is also remarkable. Japanese chefs follow the usual methods of cooking like steaming, frying, or simmering. But they do have tricks that make their food different from the others. One of those is coating their ingredients with cold batter right before frying. This gives their food a lovely, crispy exterior. Another style of cooking that is also truly Japanese is teppanyaki. This is the method of cooking something on a flat grill.


Japanese cuisine also has another ace, the presentation. If there is one thing you are sure to notice with Japanese dishes, it’s that they are always presented with perfection. Every detail of the plating is well thought of. The presentation is one of the main reasons why these dishes look so appetising. But more than the plating, some techniques add to the way the food’s presentation. In teppanyaki cooking, the meal is cooked in front of you. This means you get to witness the way your food becomes what you are craving for.


When it comes to Japanese cooking, there is so much to look forward to. This type of cuisine has pleased foodies all over the world. It has become one of the top foods people are always looking for. When it comes to the best of gastronomy, you should never miss out on what Japan has to offer.


Teppanyaki Delight

Now let’s go deeper into Japanese cooking. There is one style of Japanese cuisine that has become an experience everyone looks forward to trying. You hear global celebrities having this kind of Japanese dinner. And that is teppanyaki cooking. But what is teppanyaki cooking?


Here is where you delve into what this dining experience is all about.


Basic Definition

The term teppanyaki is derived from two words. The first word, “teppan”, means iron plate. The next word is “yaki”, which means grill or cook. So, as a loose translation, teppanyaki means to cook something on an iron plate. This name is pretty much straight to the point.


In teppanyaki, all dishes are prepared in one giant iron griddle. You can see different dishes cooked at the same time. There is an endless array of things you can find on a teppanyaki griddle, from rice, noodles, meats, fish, and vegetables.

History

Teppanyaki cooking has been around for 200 years. It is believed to have started with families grilling their food on a small plate. But it wasn’t until 1945 when this style of cooking was commercialised. The teppanyaki cooking style was made to appeal to foreigners in Japan after the second world war. With the main target being westerners, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this cooking style has crossed continents and has become a staple to food lovers and critics all around the world.


Skill

When it comes to cooking, being able to mix, match, and create flavour is a must. But it takes more than basic knowledge in the kitchen to be worthy of becoming a teppanyaki chef. There are a lot of skills needed to become a teppanyaki chef. Of course, being able to create amazing flavours is important, but having expert teppanyaki skills is the cherry on top. Or, in this case, the shrimp in your pocket.


Entertainment

The thing about eating at a teppanyaki restaurant is that you get more than just good food. You will also be entertained. The reason teppanyaki requires a lot of skill is because of the tricks you need to do when cooking. Teppanyaki chefs often give their diners a show when cooking. This is what brings up the whole teppanyaki experience. From making onion volcanoes, cracking eggs with a spatula, and catching shrimps and whatnot, you are sure to see something cool at a teppanyaki place.


Flavour

Now, let’s ignore all the theatrics. What is the main reason you wanted to understand teppanyaki cooking? It’s the food, is it not? Well, dear gastronome, the thing that truly makes teppanyaki unique is the dishes it offers. This kind of cooking is known for enhancing the flavour of your ingredients and not covering it. Teppanyaki will help you appreciate food in a simple yet mouthwatering way.


Get a Reservation Now!

Now that you have the answer to what is teppanyaki cooking, it’s time for you to try it. And if you ever find yourself in Surfers Paradise, there is only one place to go. Book a reservation at Asami, the premier teppanyaki restaurant on the Gold Coast. To book a reservation, you can call us on (07) 5504 6158.


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