Congratulations to the winners of the INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition!
Kikkoman® Soy Sauce has inspired generations of chefs to add umami and savory depth to all kinds of menu items, Asian and beyond.
This year, to celebrate Kikkoman’s 50th anniversary of brewing soy sauce in the US, we came up with a very special contest with a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a trip to Japan!
The INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition challenged chefs and culinary professionals to submit cutting-edge menu ideas featuring Kikkoman® Soy Sauce, and we were blown away by the outstanding entries we received!
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their recipes. We loved seeing how America’s #1 Soy Sauce* inspires your creativity!
And congratulations to the Grand Prize winner and the two runner-up winners who impressed the panel of judges with their big thinking and culinary creativity!
*Based on U.S. sales data during the 52-week period ending 8/12/23
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Will receive a trip to Japan! Plus a suggested itinerary from Kikkoman, complete with restaurants, museums, and other exciting experiences!
5 Spice Soy Sauce Caramel Mousse and Brown Butter Soy Sauce Brownies
Paired with an ube bubble waffle, toasted sesame brittle, blackberries, and soy caramel sauce.
“This dish showcases the versatility of Kikkoman® Soy Sauce and how it can be used for sweet applications. I started out by “fat-washing” the soy sauce using unsalted brown butter. I then used it to make a 5-spice soy sauce caramel mousse and brown butter soy sauce brownies. I paired this with an Ube bubble waffle, toasted sesame brittle, blackberries, and a sidecar of soy caramel sauce. The soy sauce brings a “salted caramel” taste by replacing the salt with soy sauce. However, the flavor profile adds so much more flavor and depth.”
Kikkoman Product Featured: Kikkoman®️ Soy Sauce
RUNNER-UP WINNERS
Will receive $3,000 each!
Kikkoman Soy- and Fig- Glazed Fire Roasted Liberty Farms Duck
Harmoniously accompanied by a symphony of flavors featuring garden-fresh figs, succulent plums, earthy beets, and the enigmatic forbidden black rice.
“This submission is a testament to my enduring partnership with Kikkoman, which has been an indispensable element of my culinary journey. Despite my extensive experience with this exceptional ingredient, the challenge of crafting a truly exceptional dish remained. I aimed to capture the essence of the season and pay homage to the exquisite local produce that is abundant in the Wine Country.
“My garden currently overflows with an abundance of luscious figs, which served as my muse for this creation. Pairing them with the rich flavors of Liberty Farms Duck felt like a serendipitous choice. Additionally, I had the privilege of collaborating with a gifted local pottery artist to provide a visually stunning canvas for my gastronomic masterpiece.”
Kikkoman Products Featured: Kikkoman®️ Soy Sauce, Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce, Double Fermented Shoyu, and Sweet & Sour Sauce
Beef Cheek Shoyu Cappelletti
“✅cheeks braised with memmi soup base, tamari, & mirin
✅shrooms made with kappou & mirin
✅filling made with usukuchi and sesame oil
✅dough made with soy sauce
✅pickles made with low sodium soy sauce
✅tuile made with soy sauce
✅consommé made with smooth aromatic & double brew soy sauces, finished with sesame oil
✅bubbles made with tamari”
Kikkoman Products Featured: Kikkoman®️ Soy Sauce, Less Sodium Soy Sauce, Tamari Soy Sauce, Smooth Aromatic Shoyu, Double Fermented Shoyu, Sesame Oil, Kotteri Mirin®️, Memmi Noodle Soup Base
Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. You can see all the incredible entries created for this contest at #InspiredByKikkomanCompetition on Instagram!
