Black Cod, Tempura and Japanese Home Cooking
Black Cod, Tempura and Japanese Home Cooking
If you want to learn the Japanese home cooking, this class is for you.
During the class, you will make 6 iconic dishes.
The highlight of the half-day class is undoubtedly Black Cod. It is probably the most expensive fish on the menu in Japanese restaurant, the price could be as much as £45 a portion. The legendary restaurant NOBU made it famous for its intense aroma and melt in mouth texture, it's buttery and rich flavor enhanced by the sweet miso marinade has captured the heart of so many food-lovers all over the globe. During the class you learn how to prepare and marinade the fish, and how to cook to its perfection. As marination takes 2-3 days, you will prepare and marinade a slice of black cod to take home and cook in your own time. As for your dinner, we will cook the pre-marinated black cod with you, so you will taste the fish with your lunch. You get 2 black cods!!
You will also prepare and cook the following dishes:
Ginger rice with sake and miso
Spinach with tofu and sesame
Japanese dashi omelette
Vegetable tempura
Miso soup
At the end of the class, you will enjoy a full meal you have created, assisted by a great sip of sake or your choice of drink.
Instructor
Akemi Yokoyama
Akemi Yokoyama is a highly respected Japanese food specialist, chef, presenter, writer, and educator based in London. Her deep understanding of Japanese food provenance stems from her upbringing in Hokkaido, where, under her father's guidance, she spent her childhood foraging, fishing, and developing a profound appreciation for Japan's seasonal ingredients and culinary traditions.
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As Principal of Sozai Cooking School, Akemi leads acclaimed Japanese cookery classes that have earned praise from UK national media. Her expertise has been featured on major television and radio programmes, including Channel 4's 'Sunday Brunch', CBBC's 'Saturday Mash-Up,' BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row,' and Channel 5's 'Faking It!', where she appeared as a panel judge identifying the fake sushi chef. Alongside teaching, she is also a sought-after private chef, creating authentic and refined Japanese dining experiences.
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A passionate ambassador for Japanese food culture, Akemi regularly collaborates with Japanese government organisations and industry partners to promote washoku, sake, and traditional Japanese culinary techniques throughout the UK and Europe. She has a particular passion for Japanese fermentation, producing a wide range of traditional Japanese seasonings at home—including multiple styles of miso, shoyu-based condiments, and other fermented foods—while continually researching and practising time-honoured fermentation and preservation techniques.
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Combining historical insight, technical expertise, and engaging storytelling, Akemi brings Japanese cuisine to life for both professionals and home cooks alike. Her mission is to preserve and share the depth, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Japan's culinary heritage with audiences around the world.
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Professional Affiliations & Qualifications
* Committee Member, Japanese Culinary Academy EU
* Certified Miso Sommelier, Japan
* Certified Koji Making Instructor, The Koji Academy, Japan
* International Wine Challenge (IWC) Sake Judge
* Culinary Committee Member, British Sake Association
We loved the workshop and are already looking into booking another. Part was demonstration and part was hands on, so it was not intimidating to join in as someone who is not confident in the kitchen. We really enjoyed the small group setting and the friendly, casual atmosphere. It felt effortless and we learnt a lot! Highly recommended.
Such a lovely evening learning to make tofu! A wonderful atmosphere and a fantastic teacher. I left inspired and eager to try it at home.
I really enjoyed attending the Sozai - Essential Ramen Course yesterday. Akemi is a great teacher - learning how to make delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere was a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning and lunchtime.
Highly recommended.