The Citrus Condiment Delivering Savory Heat
Japan’s yuzu kosho is a spicy citrus paste that packs a flavorful punch
The Citrus Condiment Delivering Savory Heat
Japan’s yuzu kosho is a spicy citrus paste that packs a flavorful punch
By Rob Corliss
January 11, 2024
By Rob Corliss
January 11, 2024
Tap into the growing allure of this Japanese condiment, a showcase of multiple trend influences, including yuzu, hot chiles, modern fermentation, umami and the enduring popularity of Asian flavors. Yuzu peel (plus a touch of its juice), fresh green or red chiles and salt are short fermented to create the spicy citrus paste, which delivers bold depth to recipe development. Leverage the appeal of this high-impact ingredient, calling it out in menu descriptions.
TRY THIS
- Hot Citrus Fries — Waffle fries + Calabrian yuzu kosho-maple syrup-ponzu sauce + crumbled queso fresco
- Yuzu Kosho Chicken Meatballs — Mini red Thai yuzu kosho roasted chicken meatballs + creamy chicken bone broth sauce
- Yuzu Kosho Corn Griller — Grilled corn cob + whipped Hatch-yuzu kosho butter
- Japanese Short Rib Pretzel Roll — Boneless beef short rib (braised in beer and honey and finished with Serrano yuzu kosho) + silken tofu slice + soft pretzel roll
- Yuzu Kosho Carnitas Taco — Carnitas + cumin-red Fresno yuzu kosho crema + avocado slices + white corn tortilla
ELEMENTAL CHANGE-UPS
Add extra oomph to the standard yuzu kosho formula with these flavorful additions.
- Lemon zest + touch of lime juice + red Thai chile + sea salt
- Lime zest + touch of lemon juice + Serrano pepper + sea salt
- Grapefruit and lemon zest + touch of lime juice + green Thai chile + sea salt
Tap into the growing allure of this Japanese condiment, a showcase of multiple trend influences, including yuzu, hot chiles, modern fermentation, umami and the enduring popularity of Asian flavors. Yuzu peel (plus a touch of its juice), fresh green or red chiles and salt are short fermented to create the spicy citrus paste, which delivers bold depth to recipe development. Leverage the appeal of this high-impact ingredient, calling it out in menu descriptions.
TRY THIS
- Hot Citrus Fries — Waffle fries + Calabrian yuzu kosho-maple syrup-ponzu sauce + crumbled queso fresco
- Yuzu Kosho Chicken Meatballs — Mini red Thai yuzu kosho roasted chicken meatballs + creamy chicken bone broth sauce
- Yuzu Kosho Corn Griller — Grilled corn cob + whipped Hatch-yuzu kosho butter
- Japanese Short Rib Pretzel Roll — Boneless beef short rib (braised in beer and honey and finished with Serrano yuzu kosho) + silken tofu slice + soft pretzel roll
- Yuzu Kosho Carnitas Taco — Carnitas + cumin-red Fresno yuzu kosho crema + avocado slices + white corn tortilla
ELEMENTAL CHANGE-UPS
Add extra oomph to the standard yuzu kosho formula with these flavorful additions.
- Lemon zest + touch of lime juice + red Thai chile + sea salt
- Lime zest + touch of lemon juice + Serrano pepper + sea salt
- Grapefruit and lemon zest + touch of lime juice + green Thai chile + sea salt
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.
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