Small Plates Anyone

Nowadays many ethnic restaurants serve small plates which is used to describe a type of cuisine that involves the preparation of food in small portions and served in parallel on small plates! The term is used in two culinary concepts either for the style of serving small courses of food instead of 2 or 3 large courses or used as a generic reference to small but appetizing dishes.
The enjoyment   of small plates are that you and your family and friends can order as many small plates as your heart desires and are a fun way to share and dine with your loved ones.
Generally with Asian small plates you will see dishes such as gyoza, edamame, tempura and so on, on menus. Gyozas are dumplings which are prepared with the fry, steam, fry method where the thinner skin crisps up more and the center of attention is the filling. They are filled with ground meat and vegetables and wrapped in a thin dough. They can also be referred to as potstickers or jiaozi. The customary filling consists of ground pork, nira chives, green onion, cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil.
There are three types of gyoza: Yaki gyoza which are pan fried and the most common, served with a crispy bottom side up. Sui gyoza – which are boiled and typically served in a light broth and Age gyoza – they are deep fried and usually only found at Chinese and gyoza specialty restaurants. Gyoza are served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and vinegar.  A touch of chili oil is commonly used. Yum, yum! Sounds good, right!
Another popular plate is edamame, which literally means steam bean. Edamame are boiled or steamed green soybeans. Believe me, they are yummy and really good for you too! This is a favorite snack in many American homes these days.  Just half of a cup of these little gems can really increase your days worth of fiber, protein and vitamin/minerals. They are low in calories, high in fiber, protein and iron and contain 10 percent of the daily value for two key antioxidants – vitamin C and A!
Another contender for the small plates is tempura which consists of a light batter of deep fried vegetables or seafood coated in a batter of wheat flour, egg and water…. delicious!  They are fluffy and crisp and are served with a dipping sauce and generally served with grated daikon and eaten hot. Tempura may be sprinkled with sea salt before eating.
If you and your entourage are in the mood for sushi or small plates then please join us. Kyoto Sushi offers more than just a meal, it’s fining experience! Come taste our savory and delicious dishes are created straight from the kitchen and indulge your palate.
Kyoto Sushi is located at 27039 McBean Parkway in Valencia. We are open Monday -Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 10:30 p.m. For more information, call 661-259-1001 or visit www.kyotosushirestaurants.com.