Dining With the Chef

In this episode, chef Rika Yukimasa makes simmered kinmedai alfonsino, by simmering this winter fish in a sweet-and-savory broth. The soy sauce-flavored sauce, featuring the rich flavor of the fish, gives it a depth that goes great with rice. For a side dish, she makes grilled shiitake mushrooms, with shungiku chrysanthemum leaves for an herb-like freshness, and a sesame dressing to bring them together. Chef Rika also prepares easy fried tofu that uses just a little bit of oil, served with a refreshing ponzu sauce.