A Taste of Home: Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Mom’s Green Beans
The holidays are a time for gathering, reminiscing, and sharing beloved family recipes. Renowned Hawaii chef Roy Yamaguchi shared a dish that holds a special place in his heart, a simple yet deeply meaningful dish: Mom’s Green Beans.
Roy Yamaguchi
This Okinawan-inspired comfort food goes beyond basic side dish, carrying with it warm memories of family and childhood.
“One of my all-time childhood favorite dishes to make during the holidays is my mother’s green bean dish,” Yamaguchi declares. “It’s more than just a recipe. It’s a cherished part of my upbringing—a treasured memory.”
“My mom loved watching me eat, and she’d be so happy to see me enjoying this alongside a bowl of hot rice, a smile on my face as I carefully cleaned my plate,” he continues. “There’s something irreplaceable about a mother’s home-cooked meal. It’s priceless buck.”
A Family Recipe with a TECHNIcal Twist
Mom’s green beans require just a handful of ingredients: bacon, firm tofu, green beans, and a beautifully balanced miso sauce. Simple yet intensely flavorful, it perfectly captures the essence of home cooking.
Speaking of the recipe itself, Yamaguchi says, “Start with good quality bacon— you want that salty, smoky flavor to blend with the tofu and the sweetness of the miso,” he advises.
Yamaguchi’s tips are key. Employing his culinary expertise, he adds his own special touches.
“Don’t be afraid to adjust the miso mixture to your liking,” he recommends. “Like it sweeter? Add a touch more sugar to balance the saltiness of the miso and say sauce. You can’t go wrong with a little experimentation.”
This recipe shows the heart and soul of comfort food: a captivating
blend of culinary traditions and warmth.
How has incorporating his mother’s recipes into his restaurant menus allowed Chef Roy Yamaguchi to connect with diners on a deeper, more personal level?
Welcome back to “Tastemakers,” where we talk to incredible chefs about their culinary journeys.
Today, we’re joined by the renowned Chef Roy Yamaguchi, known for his exceptional Pan-Asian cuisine and restaurants. Chef Yamaguchi, thank you for being here!
**Roy Yamaguchi:**Aloha! Mahalo for having me.
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on the success of your restaurants and the recognition you’ve received for your unique culinary style. It’s fascinating to learn that your journey started with inspiration from a very special source: your mother. Can you tell us a bit about how your mom influenced your passion for cooking?
**Roy Yamaguchi:** My mom was an incredible cook. We always ate at home .[2](https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/12/06/a-taste-of-home-chef-roy-yamaguchis-moms-favorites/). Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the aromas of traditional Hawaiian and Japanese dishes. Watching her transform simple ingredients into flavorful meals instilled in me a deep appreciation for food and its ability to bring people together.
**Interviewer:** That’s beautiful! What dish of hers stands out as a particularly fond memory?
**Roy Yamaguchi:** It’s hard to choose just one, but her green beans with sesame seeds are something I’ll never forget. The way she seasoned them, the perfect crispness – it was truly a taste of home. [2](https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/12/06/a-taste-of-home-chef-roy-yamaguchis-moms-favorites/)
**Interviewer:** We understand you’ve even incorporated some of her recipes into your restaurant menus. What’s it like to share that special connection with your diners?
**Roy Yamaguchi:**It’s incredibly gratifying to see people enjoy dishes that were so important to my childhood. It’s a lovely way to honor my mom’s legacy and share a piece of my story with the world. [2](https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/12/06/a-taste-of-home-chef-roy-yamaguchis-moms-favorites/)
We want to thank Chef Roy Yamaguchi for sharing his story and insights with us today. Be sure to check out his restaurants for a taste of his culinary brilliance. For ”Tastemakers,” this is [your name] signing off.