Learn to cook like Top Chef’s own Shota Nakajima

Earlier this week we discussed at length who we feel are the early frontrunners to win it all on Season 18 of Top Chef. Is it way too soon to be making calls like that? Probably, but that never stopped us before.

One of the chefs we really feel has a great shot to take the top prize is Chef Shota Nakajima. Hailing from Seattle and born in Japan, Nakajima is a master of Japanese cuisine and has been a James Beard semi-finalist for three years running. Until the pandemic hit he ran two successful restaurants that showcased Japanese comfort food and his stunning skill set.

In fact, it was those skills that first made him stand out in the premiere episode. He was tasked with cooking duck breast for the elimination challenge and used a technique to prepare it that left everyone with their mouths hanging open. Essentially he braised it by constantly putting it on and taking it off the heat. I’m sure there’s more to it than that but you get the idea.

The result was a duck breast that was tender, flavorful, and left the judges very impressed. He probably would have won the Elimination Challenge if it wasn’t for the other contender for the top spot, Sara Hauman.

Now you too can cook just like the cheftestants on Top Chef.

So how exactly did Shota make that duck? And is there any chance you could replicate the dish he made in your own kitchen? It turns out that thanks to the internet, you can at least give it a try.

Shota has launched a YouTube channel titled Make Umami where he goes over exactly how he made the dishes you see him prepare on Top Chef. If you follow along there is no reason you can’t impress the heck out of your partner by making your own Soy Braised Duck Breast.

The best part? Shota is really good at explaining what he is doing and more importantly, why. Not only do you learn how to make the dish but also why he does things a certain way or what to watch out for. Add in that he is incredibly personable and that infectious laugh and this is a channel any foodie would love.

He has already uploaded a video with instructions on how to make the Lobster Sunomono he was going to originally make in Top Chef Episode 2 so hopefully, this means more videos will follow as Season 18 continues. Go subscribe, get in the kitchen, and cook the Shota way.

What do you think Guilty Eaters? Would you want to give cooking Soy Braised Duck Breast a try or are you content to leave it to the professionals? Leave a comment below and let us know or join the conversation on our Twitter or Facebook page.