Ono Inspiration
Three Hawaiian classics offer signature options
Ono Inspiration
Three Hawaiian classics offer signature options
By Rob Corliss
February 6, 2024
By Rob Corliss
February 6, 2024
In the Hawaiian language, “ono” means something pleasing and is often used to describe delicious food. Here are suggestions to give fresh interpretation to three iconic dishes for ono success.
TSUKEMEN
Tap into the massive appeal of ramen, paired with Hawaii-inspired stylings. A fun way to enjoy these noodle bowls is via contrasting cold/hot temperatures and flavorsome textures.
- Aloha Tsukemen: Chilled ramen noodles + shredded kalua pork broth + sides of bean sprouts, scallions, fried garlic bits, huli huli sauce + lime wedge
LOCO MOCO
Applying global flavor riffs, using the rice-patty-gravy-egg build, is a way to introduce fun menu “news” while maintaining loco moco’s comfort and essence.
- Cuban Loco Moco: Crispy black bean and ham rice + thick-sliced roast pork loin + grain mustard brown gravy + fried egg + pickle
- Veggie Loco Moco: Cauliflower “rice” + plant-based burger patty + maitake mushroom-gochujang brown gravy + fried egg
MUSUBI
Seize the opportunity to flavor the rice, along with the main component, to craft less-conventional, engaging musubi to-go snacks or restaurant appetizers.
- Meat Musubi: Smoked onion/short-grain rice + barbecue pork belly + nori wrap
- Vegetable Musubi: Tomato-flavored-short-grain rice and quinoa + charred Serrano half + white cheddar cheese + nori wrap
In the Hawaiian language, “ono” means something pleasing and is often used to describe delicious food. Here are suggestions to give fresh interpretation to three iconic dishes for ono success.
TSUKEMEN
Tap into the massive appeal of ramen, paired with Hawaii-inspired stylings. A fun way to enjoy these noodle bowls is via contrasting cold/hot temperatures and flavorsome textures.
- Aloha Tsukemen: Chilled ramen noodles + shredded kalua pork broth + sides of bean sprouts, scallions, fried garlic bits, huli huli sauce + lime wedge
LOCO MOCO
Applying global flavor riffs, using the rice-patty-gravy-egg build, is a way to introduce fun menu “news” while maintaining loco moco’s comfort and essence.
- Cuban Loco Moco: Crispy black bean and ham rice + thick-sliced roast pork loin + grain mustard brown gravy + fried egg + pickle
- Veggie Loco Moco: Cauliflower “rice” + plant-based burger patty + maitake mushroom-gochujang brown gravy + fried egg
MUSUBI
Seize the opportunity to flavor the rice, along with the main component, to craft less-conventional, engaging musubi to-go snacks or restaurant appetizers.
- Meat Musubi: Smoked onion/short-grain rice + barbecue pork belly + nori wrap
- Vegetable Musubi: Tomato-flavored-short-grain rice and quinoa + charred Serrano half + white cheddar cheese + nori wrap
About the Author
Rob Corliss is a three-time James Beard House guest chef with more than 30 years of experience that includes running world-class hotels, launching new concepts, working in top marketing agencies and owning the culinary consultancy ATE (All Things Epicurean) since 2009. Based in Nixa, Mo., ATE has an energizing passion focused on flavor innovation and is dedicated to connecting people to their food, environment and wellness. Rob is also a regular contributor to Flavor & The Menu.
