We are thrilled to present the FIVE FINALISTS of the 2024 INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition! Hundreds of chefs competed for the chance to win a grand prize trip to Japan, and 50 were selected to create their best original dishes showcasing the versatility of Kikkoman® Soy Sauce.
The Chef’s Roll and Kikkoman judging panel then took on the challenging task of evaluating all of the mouthwatering entries visual appeal, quality, and use of Kikkoman products. Here are their Top 5 Recipes.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY TO RECEIVE $2,500!
In addition to a GRAND PRIZE WINNER and RUNNER – UP PRIZE WINNER, one entry will be awarded the “FAN FAVORITE” PRIZE of $2,500 USD. Here’s how it works:
- Grand Prize Winner: A trip to Japan!
- Runner-Up: $2,500 cash
- Fan Favorite: $2,500 cash
Voting Details:
Scroll down to see the five finalists, then cast your vote at the bottom of the page. Voting closes at 11:59 PM PT on Sunday, September 29th.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 1st, National Soy Sauce Day.
Please review the five incredible finalist entries, then vote at the bottom of this page:
Chef Brian Redzikowski – Wild King Salmon “Rice Bowl”
“An interactive Salmon Rice Bowl dish. Sourcing the best ingredients starting from the Soy Sauce to the mushrooms to let the simplicity of the ingredients shine. Using three different types of Kikkoman® Soy Sauce was the key to balance out each component to ensure nothing overpowered and all components worked in harmony.”
Chef Carlo Lamagna – Lobster and Mushroom Adobo Tartlet
“A modern re-imagination of the traditional Filipino dish, this takes the soul and flavor of classic adobo and turns it into an elevated version that brings out the elegance of Filipino cuisine.”
Chef Ethan Yang – Braised Soy Sauce Duck Leg
“Braised soy sauce duck leg, with Asian veggies and bok choy.“
Chef Evan Gonzalez – Mi Quang (Vietnamese Turmeric Chicken Noodle Soup)
“Black silkie chicken. Twice-cooked tamari confit farm egg. Homemade red beet-rice noodles. Turmeric chicken bone broth. Pineapple. Cherry tomatoes. Banana blossom. Scallion. Micro pea, corn, and amaranth. Black sesame rice cracker. Toasted peanuts.“
Chef Nathaniel Malone- Miso Cured Smoked Pork Jowl with Sticky Soy and Choy Sum
“Miso Cured Smoked Pork Jowl with Sticky Soy Glaze, Choy Sum Goat Cheese, Pink Oyster Mushrooms, Lemon Ginger and Honey Ginko Nuts, Fresh Mission Figs, Concord Grapes, Tremella Mushroom ‘Pork’ Rinds, and Espresso Soy Sauce Powder. “
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
Judging and next steps
What happens now?
A judging panel – including former Kikkoman Chef Competition Winners Ian Ramirez, Mark Rivera, and Jackson Kalb, along with Kikkoman Executive Chef Andrew Hunter – will collaborate with Kikkoman to select the following winners:
- Grand Prize Winner – Trip to Japan!
- Runner up Winner – $2,500 cash
This contest is subject to the official Terms and Conditions.
Images courtesy Chef’s Roll, and Tomas Malik via Pexels.
