America's Test Kitchen Season 18 Episode 15 Weeknight Japanese Suppers

In season 18 episode 15 of America's Test Kitchen, the focus is on creating delicious and easy weeknight Japanese suppers. The hosts start by explaining the key ingredients and flavors that are commonly used in Japanese cooking, such as miso, soy sauce, and sake. They emphasize the importance of having these items stocked in your pantry so that you can quickly whip up a Japanese-inspired meal on a busy weeknight.

One of the first recipes demonstrated is a simple miso soup with tofu and scallions. The hosts explain how to choose the right type of miso for the soup (white miso is a good choice for beginners) and how to properly add the miso paste to the broth so that it doesn't clump. They also provide tips for achieving the perfect texture for the tofu, which should be just heated through but not cooked to the point of being tough or rubbery.

Next up is a classic Japanese dish, chicken teriyaki. The hosts explain how to make a sauce from scratch using soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, and then demonstrate how to sear the chicken in a hot pan before finishing it off in the oven. They provide tips for ensuring that the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, such as using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts.

Another recipe featured in this episode is a flavorful roasted eggplant dish called nasu dengaku. The hosts explain how to cut and salt the eggplant to remove its bitterness, and then demonstrate how to roast it until tender and lightly caramelized. They also show how to make a delicious miso glaze to coat the eggplant before it goes back in the oven to finish cooking.

For a lighter and healthier option, the hosts demonstrate how to make soba noodle salad with chicken and vegetables. They explain how to cook the noodles properly so that they don't become mushy, and then show how to make a flavorful dressing with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. They also provide tips for adding different types of vegetables to the salad, such as shredded carrots, cucumber, and radishes.

Finally, the hosts wrap up the episode with a refreshing drink recipe: a sparkling grapefruit sake cocktail. They explain how to make a simple syrup using sugar, water, and grapefruit zest, and then mix it with fresh grapefruit juice, sake, and sparkling water for a refreshing and easy-to-make beverage.

Overall, this episode of America's Test Kitchen provides plenty of inspiration for creating delicious and easy Japanese-inspired meals at home. The hosts provide helpful tips and demonstrate techniques for achieving the best flavor and texture in each dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you're sure to come away with some new favorites to add to your weeknight dinner rotation.