12 Umami Flavor Boosts for Your Holiday Cooking
Celebrate 12 Days of Umami with Kikkoman
Thinking about holiday cooking? So are we. And we want to share one simple idea about what makes holiday food special: umami—that extra-tasty, super-savory richness that makes everyone say “yum.”
Celebrate the season over the next twelve days with umami-licious holiday recipes that get their rich flavor with a little help from our sauces—like Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, Teriyaki Takumi, Korean BBQ, and more. Some even get a little extra crunch-appeal from our Panko Bread Crumbs.
These twelve umami-packed recipes are easy to make and easy to love. We hope they’ll become holiday traditions you’ll share with family and friends for years to come.
Day 1: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha Balsamic Drizzle
These special-occasion potatoes are fun to make and fun to eat. A sweet-spicy glaze made with balsamic vinegar and Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce takes the umami factor over the top.
Day 2: Healthier Green Bean Casserole
Our Healthier Green Bean Casserole is a fresher, lighter take on the holiday classic, with extra umami from our Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce and plenty of satisfying crunch, thanks to our Gluten-Free Panko.
Day 3: Split Pea Soup with Pancetta Garlic Panko
A splash of Soy Sauce is the umami secret that makes this Split Pea Soup with Pancetta Garlic Panko so savory and delicious. A seasoned Panko topping adds a crispy finish to this hearty meal in a bowl.
Day 4: Stir Fry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The sweet-savory flavors of teriyaki and sweet potatoes are a perfect match. These Stir Fry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes get tons of flavor and umami from our Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce.
Day 5: Teriyaki Chicken Puff Pastry Bites
These Teriyaki Chicken Puffs are an awesome holiday appetizer that you can whip up on short notice. Our Teriyaki Takumi, Korean BBQ has all the flavor and richness you need to turn chicken and veggies into a filling everyone will love.
Day 6: Sweet Chili Meatballs
Meatballs are a holiday party classic. These Sweet Chili Meatballs are drizzled with our sweet-spicy Gluten-Free Sweet Chili Sauce—and served with plenty of extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Day 7: Umami Rich Mushroom Gravy
Want to give any holiday gravy an extra flavor boost? A splash of soy sauce will do the trick! Try this Umami-Rich Mushroom Gravy and taste what we’re talking about.
Day 8: Honey Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Our Honey Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with a rich honey sriracha dipping sauce turn a classic holiday veggie into a fun finger-food app.
Day 9: Teriyaki Takumi Mac and Cheese
Teriyaki Takumi Mac and Cheese takes a comfort-food classic to a whole new level of sweet-savory appeal. And it’s ready to serve in less than an hour!
Day 10: Caramelized Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf
Is it a side, a starch, or a vegetable? Yes, yes, and yes! Our Caramelized Sweet Potatoes Wild Rice Pilaf has something for everyone, and it’s the perfect complement to all the flavors on the holiday table.
Day 11: Panzanella Salad with Sesame Dressing
Panzanella Salad with Sesame Dressing combines chunks of toasted bread with mixed greens and crisp vegetables. Our sesame-honey dressing adds a fresh twist that pairs perfectly with the flavors of a holiday meal.
Day 12: Soy Sauce Brined Turkey
Here it is! The Soy Sauce Brined Turkey recipe everyone’s talking about. And here’s the amazing part. The brine doesn’t add a noticeable soy sauce flavor to your bird. It just makes it succulent, savory, and spectacularly golden brown.
