Japanese Cabbage Salad Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Japanese Cabbage Salad

Japanese Cabbage Salad Recipe - Authentic & Delicious
Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Japanese Cabbage Salad
Japanese Cabbage Salad

Japanese Cabbage Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The combination of cabbage, chicken, almonds, and noodles creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Japanese Cabbage Salad has its roots in traditional Japanese cuisine, where fresh and seasonal ingredients are often used to create simple yet flavorful dishes. This salad has become popular in many parts of the world for its unique combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Dressing

How to prepare

  1. Combine the dressing ingredients.
  2. Sauté sesame seeds, almonds, and noodles in 2 tbsp of oil until golden brown.
  3. Drain the mixture.
  4. Mix together the remaining ingredients.
  5. Add the dressing and let it stand overnight.

Variations

  • Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
  • Substitute the chicken breast with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
  • Use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or soba noodles, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steam the chicken breast until it is fully cooked before cutting it into small pieces.

- Toasting the sesame seeds, almonds, and noodles adds a nutty flavor to the salad.

- Letting the salad stand overnight allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Japanese Cabbage Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the chicken breast ensures that it is cooked through without drying it out.

- Sautéing the sesame seeds, almonds, and noodles adds a toasty flavor to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing for a natural sweetener.

- Replace the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The Japanese Cabbage Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Japanese Cabbage Salad with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Japanese Cabbage Salad with a glass of chilled sake or green tea for a traditional Japanese meal. It also goes well with a light and fruity white wine or a crisp lager.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Japanese Cabbage Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 320

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 45%

Calcium: 8%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains nuts (almonds) and gluten (noodles)

Summary

This Japanese Cabbage Salad is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Japanese Cabbage Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a combination of crunchy cabbage, tender chicken, and toasty almonds and noodles, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish with your favorite main course.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a cookbook that I had borrowed from a friend. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of a vibrant Japanese Cabbage Salad caught my eye. The colors of the salad were so beautiful - the bright green cabbage, the deep purple carrots, and the pops of orange from the mandarin oranges. I knew I had to try making it.

I had always been fascinated by different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Growing up, my family didn't have the means to travel, so I would often explore different cultures through their food. I would spend hours in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, trying to recreate the flavors and dishes that I had read about in cookbooks.

As I read through the recipe for the Japanese Cabbage Salad, I could practically taste the tangy dressing and the crunch of the vegetables. I knew that I had to make it for my family. So, I set out to gather the ingredients and get to work.

I started by shredding the cabbage into thin strips, taking care to remove any tough stems. I then grated the carrots, marveling at their beautiful purple hue. As I chopped the green onions and cilantro, the kitchen filled with a fresh, herbaceous scent.

Next, I prepared the dressing. It was a simple mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. I whisked it all together until it was well combined, tasting it along the way to adjust the seasonings.

Finally, I assembled the salad. I tossed the cabbage, carrots, green onions, and mandarin oranges together in a large bowl, drizzling the dressing over the top. I gently mixed everything together, making sure that each bite would be coated in the flavorful dressing.

As I sat down to enjoy the salad with my family, I watched as their faces lit up with each bite. The flavors were bright and refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami. It was a hit, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made the Japanese Cabbage Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I add in some shredded chicken or grilled shrimp for a protein boost. Other times, I swap out the mandarin oranges for fresh pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with its simple yet bold flavors. It has become a go-to dish for potlucks and gatherings, always disappearing within minutes of being served.

As I reflect on how I learned to make this recipe, I realize that it is a testament to my love for cooking and my curiosity about the world around me. Each dish that I make tells a story, whether it's a recipe passed down from my grandmother or a new creation inspired by a cookbook.

The Japanese Cabbage Salad has become a symbol of my culinary journey, a reminder of the joy that comes from exploring new flavors and sharing them with the ones I love. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that there will always be more recipes to discover, more stories to tell, and more memories to be made.

Categories

| Almond Recipes | Cabbage Recipes | Cabbage Salad Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Japanese Recipes | Japanese Salads | Ramen Recipes | Rice Recipes | Rice Vinegar Recipes | Sesame Seed Recipes |

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