Japanese Inspired BBQ Menu

In lieu of a more traditional Labor Day BBQ, Jason and I decided to give things a little twist. We came up with a Japanese inspired BBQ meal. We pieced together recipes we found online, from the Nobu cookbook, and that we made up on our own to create what was probably one of our best meals in quite awhile. We are already looking forward to leftovers tomorrow! Follow the links for the recipes...

Beef Yakiniku skewers
Marinated Japanese style chicken thigh skewers
Shrimp skewers
Soba noodle salad with scallions and cabbage
Green beans in a black bean paste dressing
Tomato ceviche, Nobu style

Marinated Chicken Thigh Skewers

MARINATED CHICKEN THIGH SKEWERS

1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp sake
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp sambal
1/2 tsp grated ginger
*scallions optional

- If thigh meat is flattened, thread 2 skewers through each thigh. Otherwise, cut into pieces and thread onto skewers. Lay in a 9x13 baking pan

- Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over skewers.

- Cover and marinate for at least an hour.

- Heat coals and grill until just cooked through.

Beef Yakiniku - Japanese style beef skewers

BEEF YAKINIKU (from Food.com)

1/2 lb beef
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp sake
1 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 apple, grated to release the juices
2 Tbsp roasted and partially crushed sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp mustard
*scallions (optional)

- Slice beef, thread onto skewers* and lay in a 9x13 baking dish. *optionally, alternate with slices of scallion

- Roast sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat. Remove to a plate and crush lightly with the side of a knife, or grind with either a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and pour over beef skewers.

- Cover and let marinate at least an hour.

- Heat coals and grill until just cooked through.

Soba Noodles with Scallions and Cabbage

(adapted from yummly.com)
8 oz soba noodles
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup tahini
2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup chili oil
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 Tbsp brown rice vinegar
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 bunch scallions, sliced thinly on the diagonal
1 1/2 cups thinly shredded cabbage
handful chopped cilantro

- Pour soy sauce into a small sauce pan and reduce by half over high heat.

- Combine soy sauce, tahini, sugar, oils, and vinegars. Mix well.

- Bring a pot of water to a boil, cook soba noodles for 3 minutes and drain. Rinse with cold water.

- Combine noodles, sauce, and scallions in a large bowl and refrigerate

- Before serving, stir in cabbage and cilantro

Green Beans in a Black Bean Dressing

8 oz green beans, trimmed and sliced in half

1 Tbsp black bean paste

3 Tbsp oil

2 tsp sake

1/2 tsp sambal

a squeeze of lime

- Steam the beans until they are bright green. Remove from heat and run under cool water to stop cooking.

- Whisk together the rest of the ingredients

- Combine beans and sauce in a bowl and serve