Do you love the novel Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto? 

Do you admire the protagonist Mikage Sakurai and her passion for cooking?

Do you want to learn how to cook like her and create delicious dishes that comfort your soul?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. 

In this article, I will show you how to cook like Mikage from Kitchen by Yoshimoto, and share some of her recipes that you can try at home.

Who is Mikage Sakurai and why is she a great cook?

Mikage Sakurai is the main character of Kitchen, a novella by Japanese writer Banana Yoshimoto. 

She is a young woman who has lost her parents and grandparents, and finds solace in cooking and kitchens. 

She believes that kitchens are the most wonderful places in the world, where she can express her creativity and emotions through food.

Mikage is a great cook because she has a natural talent and a keen sense of taste. 

She also learns from various sources, such as books, TV shows, magazines, and other people. 

She is not afraid to experiment with different ingredients and cuisines, and she always strives to improve her skills.

Mikage’s cooking style is simple but elegant, comforting but sophisticated, traditional but modern. 

She uses fresh and seasonal ingredients, and pays attention to the presentation and flavor of her dishes. 

She cooks with love and care, and shares her food with the people she cherishes.

Mikage’s recipes that you can make at home

Here are some of Mikage’s recipes that you can make at home, inspired by the scenes from Kitchen. 

These recipes are easy to follow and suitable for beginners and experts alike. 

They are also adaptable to your preferences and availability of ingredients.

1. Fried Pork Cutlets

Fried Pork cutlets are one of Mikage’s favorite dishes, and she makes them for Yuichi Tanabe, her friend and love interest, when he is depressed after his mother’s death. 

Fried pork cutlets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they go well with rice, salad, or bread.

To make fried pork cutlets, you will need:

• 4 pork loin chops (about 1/2 inch thick)

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Oil for frying

• Tonkatsu sauce (or ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce) for serving

Instructions:

• Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

• Place the flour, eggs, and panko in three separate shallow dishes.

• Coat each pork chop with flour, shaking off any excess.

• Dip each pork chop in the egg, letting any excess drip off.

• Coat each pork chop with panko, pressing gently to adhere.

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

• Fry the pork chops in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.

• Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

• Serve with tonkatsu sauce and your choice of side dish.

2. Spaghetti with Clams

Spaghetti with clams is another dish that Mikage makes for Yuichi when he visits her at her new apartment. 

It is a simple but elegant dish that showcases the freshness and sweetness of the clams. 

It is also a dish that Mikage learned from Eriko Tanabe, Yuichi’s mother who was a trans woman and a nightclub owner.

To make spaghetti with clams, you will need:

• 1 pound spaghetti

• Salt

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 cup white wine

• 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

• Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

• Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Add the wine and bring to a boil.

• Add the clams and cover with a lid.

• Cook until the clams open up, about 10 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.

• Transfer the clams and their juices to the pot with the spaghetti.

• Toss well to combine.

• Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

3. Banana Cake

Banana cake is the dessert that Mikage makes for her first date with Yuichi. 

It is a moist and fluffy cake that is infused with banana flavor and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. 

It is a simple but decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

To make banana cake, you will need:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

• Stir in the bananas.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

• Stir in the sour cream and vanilla.

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

• Cut into pieces and serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

How to improve your cooking skills like Mikage?

Mikage is not only a great cook, but also a great learner. 

She is always eager to learn new things and improve her cooking skills. 

Here are some tips on how to improve your cooking skills like Mikage:

• Read cookbooks, magazines, blogs, and watch cooking shows to get inspiration and learn new techniques and recipes.

• Experiment with different ingredients, cuisines, spices, and flavors to expand your palate and creativity.

• Practice your knife skills, measuring skills, timing skills, and other basic skills that are essential for any cook.

• Ask for feedback from your family, friends, or guests who taste your food. Learn from their compliments and criticisms, and adjust accordingly.

• Have fun and enjoy the process of cooking. Cooking is not only a skill, but also an art and a way of expressing yourself.

Conclusion

Cooking like Mikage from Kitchen by Yoshimoto is not impossible. 

You can learn how to cook like her by following some of her recipes that I have shared in this article, and by improving your cooking skills with some tips that I have given you.

Cooking like Mikage can bring you joy, comfort, and satisfaction. 

It can also help you connect with other people who share your love for food. So why not give it a try? 

You might discover a new passion and a new way of living.