
I invite you to join me on a journey of sharing life, inspiration, and the true meaning of the Aloha Spirit. Explore my website for stories, insights on how to stay connected to your roots, and a touch of aloha.
Mahalo, Rochelle
- Plate Lunch: Hawaiian Style Chicken Katsu & Creamy SauceThis recipe for Hawaiian style chicken katsu is easy to make and is sure to please everyone at the table & in everyone’s plate lunch! It is the best chicken katsu recipe! Image: Finished Hawaiian Style Chicken Katsu Plate, Me showing my green onions growing in just water (I’m so proud lol), and my poor husband fixing our well pump while I cooked dinner (he deserves this plate!) Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. It is a popular dish in Hawaii, where it is often served with rice, macaroni salad, and a creamy katsu sauce. My katsu sauce is a mayo based katsu sauce because I like mine extra creamy. The trick is the Kewpie mayo (japanese mayo) that is a little sweeter and tangier than regular mayo. This creamy katsu sauce is sure to be a favorite! The chicken is first flattened and then coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. It is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Creamy katsu sauce is made with ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. It is the perfect topping for the crispy chicken. You can watch me make it, or skip down to the recipe to start cooking! To make Hawaiian style chicken katsu, you will need the following ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 egg, beaten 2 cups panko breadcrumbs 1 cup vegetable oil For the katsu sauce: 1 cup ketchup 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4-5 tablespoons Kewpie Mayo (or regular mayo if you prefer) Directions: Pound the chicken breasts to a 1/4-inch thickness. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the panko bread crumbs. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. To make the katsu sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. This recipe is for a basic Hawaiian style chicken katsu. You can add your own personal touches to the dish by adding different herbs and spices to the breading or by serving it with different sides. Here are a few ideas: No matter how you make it, Hawaiian style chicken katsu is a delicious and easy dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Squad Goals: Houston to NYC Adventure with My BestiesEvery year, I reunite with my two closest companions: my middle school bestie (who’s practically my sister) and my twin cousin (we’re the same age!). For the past three years, Houston, TX, has been our meeting point to explore the state and experience the legendary Houston Rodeo. Year 1: Houston Highlights and Beyond Our first Houston adventure kicked off with a thrilling concert at the Houston Rodeo. We also embarked on an epic exploration, venturing from NASA down to the charming seaside town of Galveston, soaking up everything in between. We embarked on a detour to Waco for a delightful day spent treasure hunting at Magnolia Market. We browsed Joanna Gaines’ signature home decor haven, soaking up the atmosphere of the Silos and indulging in some retail therapy! Year 2: Machine Gun Kelly, River Walk, and Buckee’s Bonanza Year two brought another exciting rodeo experience, this time with a concert featuring the high-energy Machine Gun Kelly. We then headed to the iconic San Antonio River Walk and marveled at the world’s largest convenience store, The Alamo, & Buckee’s, for the first time. Year 3: From Rodeo Rhythms to the Big Apple This year, our adventure took a thrilling turn! After rocking out to Brad Paisley at the Rodeo, the three of us embarked on a spontaneous trip to New York City (where I live!). We explored the historic museums of the Capital Region (Albany area), laughed the night away at a comedy show, and then drove down to the heart of NYC for a whirlwind 24 hours. Embracing NYC Culture (and Food!) We dove headfirst into NYC culture, indulging in authentic local eats. Lunch was a steal at a classic $1.50 pizza place, dinner was a quintessential NYC hot dog from a vintage stand on Broadway, and a chance encounter led us to the most incredible lobster roll I’ve ever tasted near Times Square! Times Square Twinkle Times Square at night was pure magic. We wandered around, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere and savoring delicious cannolis from the famous Carlo’s Bakery. This annual trip with my besties is a highlight of my year. It’s a perfect blend of revisiting cherished traditions (Houston Rodeo) and venturing into new territory (NYC adventure).