Flavor, flavor, and more flavor! We’re always looking for ways to spice up the kitchen game. And when it comes to whipping up new and exciting flavors, nothing hits home quite like fusion cooking. It’s often unique enough to leave a lasting impression but sneaky enough to feel familiar.
What is Fusion Cuisine?
Fusion cooking consists of a combination of different cuisines from different regions or sub-regions. This culinary remix is the fusion of two cultures into new distinct dishes that celebrate both cultures. Fusion cuisine has been taking the U.S. by storm since the 1970s with a plethora of fusion cuisines, such as Japanese fusion, Indian fusion, Chinese fusion, and more!
The ever-popular Asian fusion
Traditional Asian food is full of delicious and diverse flavors, and as western influence has seeped into Japanese culture, many traditional western dishes have taken an Asian twist. Recently, more Japanese fusion dishes have been making their way to menus. Many fusion dishes result from creating a taste that is more appealing to western tastebuds, but it is also done in the spirit of innovation and creating new unique flavors. Take, for instance, pizza. Pizza can easily be given a Japanese influence by adding teriyaki chicken and changing the base from marinara to teriyaki. As consumers become more adventurous, everyday western dishes may become boring but keep in mind not every Asian fusion dish has to be so unique that it’s unrecognizable. In a time when consumers demand to be constantly entertained, they’ll require it within their tastebuds as well. SGC Tip: Poll your staff on their favorite flavors outside of your establishment and mix them into an entrée for a Friday night special
Fusion cooking has been around for a long time but as taste buds mature and cuisines blur, this culinary remix will be around for the long haul. When contemplating fusion cooking, take into consideration a few of these tips and tricks:
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Know your ingredients
You might think you have mastered pork, or that your green beans are out of this world, but new foreign ingredients can cause a stir. Be aware of how each ingredient interacts when cooking.
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Understand the process
You’ve learned a lot of cooking tricks along the way, and they’ve served you well. But cooking with flavors that are not inherently found in the same areas can be tricky. Keep in mind the separate ways each individual ingredient is normally prepared. Short cuts will come later.
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Take it easy
It’s easy to dive headfirst into an exciting new creation but remember that although cooking is an art form, you don’t have quite the same level of freedom. Keep in mind, the pallet of those who will be tasting your food -- how advanced they are, what they’re used to, and how far you can push them. A little might go a long way when it comes to adding a unique fusion twist.
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Be creative and have fun
Yes, you must consider the pallet of guests but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Don’t be afraid to try new things within your circle of trusted taste buds. Remember, once a dish is placed for the public, train your staff to ask for feedback.
Tandoori Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
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1 pound Jennie-O ground turkey - SGC# 215160
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1 small red onion, chopped - SGC# 192237
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½ cup chopped fresh cilantro - SGC# 193201
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2 tablespoons non-fat plain yogurt - SGC# 985286
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1 tablespoon tandoori paste - SGC# 050715
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1 tablespoon lemon juice - SGC# 082214
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1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley - SGC# 193136
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2 teaspoons ground cumin - SGC# 170266
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional) - SGC# 171033
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1 teaspoon chopped garlic - SGC# 124701
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1 teaspoon ginger puree - SGC# 340288
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½ teaspoon garam masala - SGC# 170437
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1 cup bread crumbs - SGC# 057364
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1 egg - SGC# 193029
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - SGC# 065312
Directions
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Mix turkey, red onion, cilantro, chili powder, yogurt, tandoori paste, lemon juice, parsley, cumin, red pepper flakes, garlic paste, ginger paste, and garam masala together in a bowl; cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Preheat oven to 350° F
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Stir bread crumbs and egg into turkey mixture; form into patties. Arrange patties on a baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes per side.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook burgers in the hot oil until browned, 7 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165° F
Cook’s Note: Substitute tandoori powder for tandoori paste if desired.
