How to Shop at a Japanese Supermarket (A Tour of Uwajimaya in Seattle) | Kenji's Cooking Show

J. Kenji López-Alt

J. Kenji López-Alt

29 min, 15 sec

Kenji tours a Japanese supermarket and cooks Gyudon.

Summary

  • Kenji visits Wajimaya Japanese Supermarket, explaining how to shop for Japanese staples and fresh foods.
  • He provides detailed information on selecting produce, meat, fish, and pantry items, highlighting specific products and their uses.
  • Kenji prepares Gyudon in a walkthrough cooking demonstration, starting with a Dashi base and adding various ingredients.
  • The video includes a tour of different sections of the supermarket, showcasing produce, meat, frozen goods, pantry staples, and snacks.
  • Throughout the tour, Kenji shares personal anecdotes, cooking tips, and cultural insights related to Japanese cuisine.

Chapter 1

Introduction and Teaser

0:00 - 20 sec

Kenji introduces the video and teases the content.

Kenji introduces the video and teases the content.

  • Kenji jokes about feeding people and possibly causing legal trouble.
  • He introduces the video's intent to tour Wajimaya Japanese Supermarket and cook Japanese ingredients.

Chapter 2

Begin the Supermarket Tour

0:20 - 1 min, 57 sec

Kenji starts the tour at the supermarket's produce section.

Kenji starts the tour at the supermarket's produce section.

  • He expresses his preference for buying unique or better quality items at Wajimaya.
  • Kenji highlights kabocha squash, matsutake mushrooms, pomelos, and Japanese eggplants.

Chapter 3

Shopping for Gyudon Ingredients

2:17 - 25 sec

Kenji picks up ingredients for cooking Gyudon.

Kenji picks up ingredients for cooking Gyudon.

  • He selects ginger, onions, and scallions, necessary for the Gyudon recipe.
  • Kenji explains the quality of the meat sold at Wajimaya, focusing on thinly shaved beef for Gyudon.

Chapter 4

Meat Section and Frozen Goods

2:42 - 1 min, 16 sec

Exploring the meat section and frozen goods at the supermarket.

Exploring the meat section and frozen goods at the supermarket.

  • Kenji notes the variety of meat cuts and preparations unique to the supermarket.
  • He picks up sausages for his kids and kurobuta pork, commenting on its flavor and quality.

Chapter 5

Fish and Seafood Selection

3:58 - 1 min, 18 sec

Kenji showcases the fish and seafood section.

Kenji showcases the fish and seafood section.

  • He observes the frozen fish department, emphasizing salted pollock roe.
  • Kenji praises the fresh fish department, noting the variety and quality, and highlights the prepared Sashimi section.

Chapter 6

Prepared Foods and Snacks

5:16 - 1 min, 51 sec

Kenji explores the prepared foods and snacks available.

Kenji explores the prepared foods and snacks available.

  • He points out the convenience of pre-made sushi, noodle salads, and onigiri.
  • Kenji shows how the onigiri wrapper works and discusses other ready-to-eat options.

Chapter 7

Pantry Staples and Noodles

7:07 - 1 min, 28 sec

Kenji focuses on pantry staples including pickles, noodles, and bread.

Kenji focuses on pantry staples including pickles, noodles, and bread.

  • He selects beni shoga pickles for the Gyudon and discusses preferences for noodles and shokupan bread.

Chapter 8

Japanese Curries and Drinks

8:35 - 1 min, 4 sec

Kenji discusses Japanese curry options and popular drinks.

Kenji discusses Japanese curry options and popular drinks.

  • He talks about his personal preference for golden curry and the different available brands.
  • Kenji shares a story about the drink Calpico and its name change from Calpis.

Chapter 9

Essential Flavors and Seasonings

9:39 - 41 sec

Kenji talks about essential Japanese flavors and seasonings.

Kenji talks about essential Japanese flavors and seasonings.

  • He picks up furi kake, a rice seasoning, and discusses different types of soy sauce and cooking wines.

Chapter 10

Variety of Seaweeds

10:19 - 1 min, 1 sec

Kenji examines the variety of seaweeds and their uses.

Kenji examines the variety of seaweeds and their uses.

  • He explains the different types of seaweed like nori, wakame, and katsuobushi, and their culinary applications.

Chapter 11

Japanese Rice and Soup Bases

11:21 - 2 min, 19 sec

Kenji talks about Japanese rice varieties and soup bases.

Kenji talks about Japanese rice varieties and soup bases.

  • He selects his preferred brand of rice and discusses the importance of rice in Japanese meals.
  • Kenji also explains the use of suyu, a concentrated soup stock, in Japanese cooking.

Chapter 12

Instant Noodles and Soy Sauce

13:39 - 1 min, 16 sec

Kenji discusses instant noodles and different types of soy sauce.

Kenji discusses instant noodles and different types of soy sauce.

  • He shows his favorite brand of instant noodles and explains the difference between air-dried and fried noodles.
  • Kenji also elaborates on dark and light Japanese soy sauces and the significance of tamari.

Chapter 13

Snacks and Candy Kits

14:56 - 3 min, 37 sec

Kenji explores Japanese snacks and candy kits.

Kenji explores Japanese snacks and candy kits.

  • He picks out rice crackers, arare, and Pocky, sharing his childhood memories of the snacks.
  • Kenji shows a variety of candy kits, including a make-your-own candy Hamburg steak kit.

Chapter 14

Cooking Gyudon

18:33 - 4 min, 15 sec

Kenji cooks Gyudon, starting with the Dashi base.

Kenji cooks Gyudon, starting with the Dashi base.

  • He begins by preparing the Dashi, the base for the dish, and discusses its importance.
  • Kenji slices the onion and ginger, and talks about cooking preferences and variations.

Chapter 15

Finishing the Gyudon

22:48 - 6 min, 25 sec

Kenji finishes cooking the Gyudon and serves it.

Kenji finishes cooking the Gyudon and serves it.

  • He adds the beef to the simmering sauce and discusses the desired doneness of the meat.
  • Kenji serves the Gyudon over rice, garnishing with pickled ginger and scallions.

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