16: Sheldon Simeon’s Recipe for Mochiko Fried Chicken
Jun 21, 2022
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Sheldon Simeon, former Top Chef contestant, shares his family's love for food, the story behind his 'hole in the wall' restaurant, and the history of his famous Mochiko Fried Chicken recipe. He discusses cultural influences, blending Korean and Japanese inspirations, and shares tips on how to make this unique chewy-textured dish at home.
Sheldon Simeon's Mochiko Fried Chicken blends Korean and Japanese flavors for a unique texture.
The dish symbolizes Hawaii's multicultural culinary heritage through diverse flavor combinations and simplicity.
Deep dives
Sheldon Simeon's Mochiko Chicken Recipe
Sheldon Simeon shares his iconic Mochiko chicken recipe from his restaurant, Ten Roof in Maui, blending Korean and Japanese influences. Inspired by a local shop, Koki-chi Ban, Simeon's recipe uses boneless chicken thighs marinated in sake, soy sauce, ginger, kochujang, and sweet rice flour for a unique texture. The chicken is double-coated with a batter of rice flour, all-purpose flour, leading to a crispy and flavorful dish. Simeon emphasizes the importance of letting the chicken dry after frying to achieve the perfect crispiness, making it an ideal picnic dish served at room temperature.
Culinary Fusion in Hawaii
Sheldon Simeon's Mochiko chicken recipe reflects the cultural fusion found in Hawaiian cuisine, blending traditions from Korea and Japan. This iconic fried chicken dish symbolizes the unity of diverse culinary influences, encapsulating the spirit of Hawaii's multicultural heritage. Simeon's recipe, rooted in a beloved local eatery, honors the essence of Hawaii's food culture, where different flavors and textures harmonize to create a uniquely Hawaiian culinary experience. The dish's simplicity and versatility make it a cherished favorite, embodying the essence of Hawaii's rich culinary tapestry.
Chef Sheldon Simeon joins producer Sally Swift this week to talk about his family’s love of food, why his ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant is everything he’s ever wanted, and the history behind his drool-worthy One: Mochiko Fried Chicken. Sheldon Simeon is an adoring father, former Top Chef contestant, and the author of Cook Real Hawai’i. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @chefwonder.