Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing

Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing Recipe - Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a touch of Japanese-inspired cuisine to your table. This recipe is perfect for those who love to add an exotic flair to their salads, with a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and other ingredients that create a unique and savory dressing. Whether you're looking to dress a simple green salad or want to add some zest to your vegetable dishes, this dressing is sure to impress.

History

The Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing finds its roots in the Japanese-American steakhouse chain, Benihana, known for its teppanyaki cooking style. The recipe was developed to complement the restaurant's array of dishes, offering a taste that is both familiar and excitingly different. Over the years, it has become a favorite among patrons, leading to its adaptation for home cooking.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of soy oil
2 tbsp of white vinegar
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of msg (optional)
0.5 tbsp of salt
0.5 tbsp of ginger
0.5 cup of sliced celery
0.25 cup of coarsely chopped onion

How to prepare

In a blender container, combine oil, vinegar, tomato paste, soy sauce, msg, salt, ginger, celery, and onion.
Blend the mixture at medium speed for 3 to 4 seconds until the celery is finely grated.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a finely chopped chili pepper to the blend. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup can balance the flavors beautifully.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and finely chop it before adding it to the blender. Fresh ginger will give the dressing a vibrant kick that powdered ginger cannot match. Additionally, if you're looking to reduce the sodium content, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients for a few seconds longer than suggested, ensuring the celery and onion are thoroughly pureed.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs wonderfully with a crisp iceberg lettuce salad, mixed greens, or a shredded cabbage slaw. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken or tofu, adding a flavorful twist to your protein choices.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth, emulsified dressing. For those without a blender, finely mince the celery and onion and whisk all ingredients vigorously in a bowl until well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If soy oil is not available, any neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used. Apple cider vinegar can replace white vinegar for a slightly different tang, and those avoiding MSG can simply omit it without significantly altering the taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld and intensify, making it even more delicious after a day or two.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dressing in a small pitcher or bowl alongside your salad, allowing guests to add the amount they prefer. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This dressing complements a wide range of dishes, from simple grilled vegetables to complex sushi rolls. It pairs particularly well with seafood, such as grilled shrimp or seared tuna.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It does not require reheating, but it should be brought to room temperature before serving if it has thickened in the cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing contains approximately 120 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option for dressing salads and other dishes.

Carbohydrates

This dressing is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the tomato paste and soy sauce. Each serving contains approximately 2-3 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those on low-carb diets.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe is the soy oil, which is a heart-healthy option rich in unsaturated fats. Each serving contains about 14 grams of fat, primarily from the oil. For a lighter version, you can substitute the soy oil with another lighter oil, such as olive oil, though this may slightly alter the flavor.

Proteins

This dressing contains minimal protein, with only trace amounts coming from the soy sauce. Each serving has less than 1 gram of protein, making it an excellent choice for a low-protein diet or as a complement to protein-rich dishes.

Vitamins and minerals

The ingredients in this dressing provide a range of vitamins and minerals. Ginger and celery are good sources of Vitamin C and potassium, while onion offers Vitamin C, B6, and folate. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting the immune system and heart health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy, which is a common allergen. Those with soy allergies or sensitivities should avoid this dressing or consider substituting soy sauce with a soy-free alternative.

Summary

Overall, the Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing is a flavorful, moderately caloric option that adds a unique touch to salads and dishes. It is low in carbohydrates and proteins, with a healthy amount of fats, and provides a good source of certain vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal, bringing a taste of Japanese cuisine to your table. With its simple preparation and healthful ingredients, it's a wonderful way to enhance your dishes with minimal effort.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a local yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing.

I had always been a fan of Asian cuisine, and the thought of being able to recreate the delicious dressing from one of my favorite restaurants at home was too tempting to resist. I immediately set out to gather all the necessary ingredients and get to work in the kitchen.

As I mixed together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of ginger, the aroma that filled the air was simply divine. I couldn't wait to drizzle this flavorful dressing over a fresh bed of crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and tender grilled chicken.

After taking the first bite of my homemade Benihana Oriental Salad, I knew that I had struck gold. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the richness of the sesame oil all worked together in perfect harmony. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it - a memory of where I had learned it, who had shared it with me, or the special occasion it had been made for. My culinary journey had been a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, and this new recipe was yet another thread to add to the intricate design.

I remembered the time my own mother had taught me how to make her famous chocolate chip cookies - a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family. The smell of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, the sound of laughter and chatter as we worked side by side, the joy of sharing a warm treat with loved ones - all of these memories flooded back to me as I tossed the salad and poured on the dressing.

I thought about the cooking classes I had taken in Italy, where I had learned the art of making homemade pasta from scratch. The feel of the dough under my hands, the satisfaction of rolling out perfectly thin sheets of pasta, the pride of serving a dish that I had created with my own two hands - all of these experiences had shaped me into the cook I was today.

And then there were the countless recipes I had collected from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances over the years. Whether it was a secret family recipe for meatballs, a twist on a classic dish from a faraway land, or a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner idea, each one had added a little something special to my culinary repertoire.

As I sat down to enjoy my Benihana Oriental Salad, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the people and places that had contributed to my love of cooking. From my mother's kitchen to the streets of Italy, from the pages of old cookbooks to the conversations with friends, each recipe had a story to tell and a memory to cherish.

And as I took another bite of the salad, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come. It wasn't just about the taste of the dressing or the freshness of the ingredients - it was about the journey that had brought me to this moment, the memories that had shaped me as a cook, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those I loved.

So here's to the Benihana Oriental Salad Dressing - a recipe that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the soul. May it remind us all of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to fill our lives with love and laughter. And may we continue to seek out new recipes, new flavors, and new experiences, knowing that each one has the potential to enrich our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Cheers to good food, good company, and good memories - may they always be plentiful in our kitchens and our hearts.