For those out of the loop (or who just aren’t interest in anime) Shokugeki no Soma, or Food Wars!, is one of the hottest manga adaptations on television (and Netflix) at the moment. While most people consider it just another NSFW anime (there are a lot of boobs, not gonna lie) it actually has a pretty solid plot and some pretty amazing foodporn. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just like experimenting in the kitchen you should definitely try these unbelievable dishes from Food Wars!
Gotcha Pork Roast
One of the first drool-worthy dishes shown in the series, this “pork roast” is actually made of vegetables (mostly potatoes and mushrooms). In fact, it’d almost be healthy if it weren’t for the many, many slices of bacon wrapped around it. You’re going to want some loose-fitting pants if you plan on making this monster.
Sumire Karaage Roll
For those whose only experience with Japanese cuisine is mochi ice cream you may not know what karaage is. It’s essentially a broad term for the Japanese cooking technique of lightly frying marinated meat or fish, for this specific recipe we’re talking about karaage chicken. The karaage chicken is wrapped in a Vietnamese savory pancake and served with vegetables and sauce, making it a perfect snack if you’re on the go.
Eggs Benedict
A classic breakfast dish, this perfectly poached egg and glistening hollandaise sauce shows just how skilled these young chefs are. With simple and inexpensive ingredients that you could find in your fridge at this very moment you have no excuse not to make this.
Fried Rice
If you’ve ever been on a tight budget then odds are you’ve made the odd fried rice or two. Perfect for getting rid of whatever’s left in your fridge, this specific fried rice recipe uses leftover Chinese BBQ pork with lots of herbs to give it a tasty kick.
#SpoonTip: Use day-old or leftover rice for this recipe, it’ll prevent it from getting mushy.
Souffle Omelette
You’ve never made an omelette like this before, trust me. Unlike your standard egg dish you add a LOT of air into these eggs by beating them with an electric mixer. This results in a super fluffy omelette that practically melts in your mouth. Are you drooling yet?
Duck Katsu Curry
Katsu is another Japanese cooking technique which similarly to kaarage involves deep frying meat or fish, the only difference is that katsu is breaded instead of battered. If duck isn’t one of those things you regularly purchase feel free to sub it out for chicken or pork. Japanese curry is milder than curries you may find in other countries so it’s perfect for anyone who can’t handle spice.
Onigiri
Onigiri, or o-musubi, are Japanese rice balls. A common snack or light meal, onigiri is traditionally seasoned rice stuffed with some type of filling and wrapped with nori (seaweed). You can stick with the classics like cooked salmon or umeboshi plums or try something more adventurous like pork or eggs.
Beef Katsudon
Katsudon is the combination of two Japanese terms: “katsu” and “donburi“. Y’all already know what katsu means so let me introduce you to donburi: a rice dish served in a bowl and topped with fish, meat or vegetables. Donburi can be made with any ingredients, including leftovers, making it the perfect dish to recreate at home.
Pineapple Curry Fried Rice
Another fried rice recipe, this one differs from the last as it’s a touch more advanced. With sweet and spicy notes from the pineapple and curry you’re going to keep going back for more. This is the dish to make if you’re looking to impress a crowd without breaking (too much of) a sweat.
Char Okiakage
This tempura fish dish is all that stands between one of Food Wars! characters and expulsion, lucky for him the risky dish pans out and he winds up continuing on his culinary adventure. Served with vegetables, this meal is hearty while still being light and airy. Feel free to change the fish to your personal preference (I like salmon)!
Frittata
One of my go-to breakfast dishes, frittatas are perfect for anyone looking to stretch their ingredients and feed a crowd even if they might not be the strongest chef. The hardest part about making this dish is waiting for it to cook in the oven.
#SpoonTip: Sauté your vegetables before adding them to your egg base so they release more flavor (and more importantly, moisture).
Temari Bento
I’ve had a few bento in my day, but none of them looked like this. While disarmingly fancy-looking temari sushi is actually relatively easy to make. Similar to onigiri it starts with seasoned rice shaped like a ball, the fillings are then placed on the outside instead of the inside. Get it?