CREATIVE CHEFS. VERSATILE PRODUCTS. INSPIRED RECIPES.
Kikkoman® Soy Sauce has inspired generations of chefs and foodservice operators to add umami and savory depth to all kinds of menu items, Asian and beyond.
In that spirit, the INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition invites chefs and culinary professionals to submit cutting-edge menu ideas featuring our line of versatile foodservice products in three categories: Soy Sauces, Teriyaki Sauces, and four of our popular Finishing Sauces (GF Hoisin Sauce, GF Orange Sauce, Sushi Sauce, and GF Thai Chili Sauce).
This year’s entries blew us away! Nearly 200 chefs signed up to compete. 60 advanced to Round 2, where they submitted full recipes and photos of their dish. From there, our panel—last year’s contest winners, Chefs Nathaniel Malone, Evan Gonzalez and Brian Redzikowski, joined by Chefs’ Roll experts and Kikkoman Executive Chef Andrew Hunter—selected our Grand Prize winner and two Runner-Ups; and from among them, a Fan Favorite was also chosen by public vote.
The challenge? Create a globally inspired entrée that shows your innovation, technique, and creativity using Kikkoman products. The results? Absolutely inspired.
GRAND PRIZE: A Culinary Immersion Trip to Japan
Chef Mark Rivera
Private Chef, Healdsburg, CA
Soy–Squid Ink Dumplings with Clarified Mushroom Consommé
Soy Sauce Category Winner
Soy–squid ink dumplings with a mushroom-soy filling, served in a delicate mushroom–soy consommé.
Chef Mark Rivera, a runner-up in our inaugural Inspired by Kikkoman Chef Competition in 2023, returned this year with a showstopper that earned him the Grand Prize.
Inspired by Kikkoman:
“These dumplings feature soy sauce and squid ink in the dough for striking color and depth of flavor. They’re filled with a delicate blend of sautéed mushrooms seasoned with white miso and soy sauce. And they’re served in a consommé made from dried porcini, shiitake, and other mushrooms, clarified with egg whites for crystal clarity. The presentation is garnished with seasonal mushrooms, herb oil, fresh herbs and edible flowers. This dish highlights Kikkoman® Soy Sauce as both flavor and foundation—pure summer umami.”
VIEW RECIPE
RUNNER-UP $2,000 cash prize
Chef Faron Dexter
Ox, Portland, OR
Blackberry Tamarind Char Siu Pork Ribs
Teriyaki Sauce Category Winner
Slow-roasted ribs glazed in a blackberry–tamarind teriyaki sauce infused with five-spice.
Chef Faron Dexter is Chef at Ox, an Argentine-style woodfired steakhouse in Portland, Oregon, which made The NYT 2025 list of best Portland restaurants.
Inspired by Kikkoman:
“This dish is a playful twist on a traditional char siu recipe, infused with the tangy sweetness of tamarind and fresh Oregon blackberries—reminiscent of a rich, Mexican-style chamoy. Kikkoman® Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce and Soy Sauce provide a familiar umami base, while Thai chilies, molasses, and Chinese five spice round out the bold flavor profile.”
VIEW RECIPE
RUNNER-UP $2,000 cash prize
Chef Maria Renteria
Funky Frenchie, San Diego, CA
Tapioca and Thai Chili Dessert
Finishing Sauce Category Winner
Creamy coconut tapioca with Thai Chili Sorbet, Thai Chili Gelee, mango and toasted coconut chips.
Chef Maria Renteria brings her playful creativity to Funky Frenchie, a San Diego–based retro-pop-culture–inspired brunch concept delivered via food truck.
Inspired by Kikkoman:
“This dessert pairs cool and spicy in unexpected ways. Creamy coconut tapioca pudding is served with a refreshing Thai chili mango sorbet and a Thai chili gelée—both made with Kikkoman® Thai Style Chili Sauce. Fresh mango, lemon balm, and crunchy coconut chips add brightness and texture.”
VIEW RECIPE
FAN FAVORITE $1,000 cash prize
We also invited the public to vote for their favorite among the winners—and the people have spoken!
Congratulations Chef Mark Rivera—our 2025 Inspired by Kikkoman Fan Favorite!
THANK YOU!
A huge thank-you to everyone who made this year’s INSPIRED BY KIKKOMAN Chef Competition such a success—our incredible participants, our judges, our partners at Chef’s Roll, and the many fans who cast their votes. Your creativity, passion, and hard work inspire us to keep bringing versatile, flavorful products to foodservice year after year.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next. See you in 2026!
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