Japanese-Style Vegan Salad Recipe: Fresh and Light

Japanese-style vegan salad is a light, nutritious dish perfect for those who love healthy cuisine. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also offers a refreshing and pleasant taste thanks to the harmonious combination of natural ingredients. Let’s explore how to prepare this Japanese vegan salad at home to fully enjoy its delicate flavor.

Ingredients Needed

To make a light Japanese-style vegan salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Lotus root: 300g
• Carrot: 150g
• Cucumber: 1 (about 200g)
• Fried tofu: 200g
• Dried seaweed: 10g
• Green onions, cilantro: a small amount
• Fresh ginger: 1 small piece
• Toasted white sesame seeds: 15g
• Japanese soy sauce (shoyu): 3 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

Main ingredients for Japanese-style vegan salad

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Lotus root: Peel, wash, and slice thinly to about 2-3mm. Soak the lotus root in water with a bit of rice vinegar to prevent discoloration. Then, blanch in boiling water for about 2 minutes and drain.
• Carrot: Peel, wash, and cut into thin, long strips about 5cm.
• Cucumber: Wash, remove the seeds, and cut into thin strips similar to the carrot.
• Fried tofu: Cut into small, bite-sized squares. For a crispier texture, you can fry them again in hot oil.
• Dried seaweed: Soak in warm water for about 5 minutes until soft, then cut into thin strips.
• Green onions, cilantro: Wash and chop finely.
• Fresh ginger: Peel, wash, and mince finely.

Step 2: Making the Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients to create the salad dressing:

• 3 tablespoons of Japanese soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of minced ginger

Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. You can taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 3: Mixing the Salad

• Place the lotus root, carrot, cucumber, fried tofu, and seaweed in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour the salad dressing over the ingredients, using chopsticks or gloves to mix thoroughly so the flavors are well absorbed.
• Add the green onions, cilantro, and toasted white sesame seeds, and gently mix again.

Mixing Japanese-style vegan salad

Step 4: Presentation and Enjoyment

Arrange the salad on a plate and sprinkle a bit more toasted white sesame seeds on top to enhance the flavor and aesthetics. This light Japanese-style vegan salad is best enjoyed with steamed rice or crispy shrimp crackers.

Finished Product and Tips

The light Japanese-style vegan salad, with its vibrant colors from fresh vegetables, is sure to satisfy. The crisp sweetness of the lotus root, carrot, and cucumber, combined with the mild richness of the fried tofu, creates a balanced and appealing dish.

Tips:

• To keep the salad crisp, thoroughly prepare the ingredients and avoid soaking them too long in the dressing.
• You can store the salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before eating to let the flavors meld better.

We hope with the detailed instructions above, you’ve mastered how to make a light Japanese-style vegan salad. Try it out to bring a unique and nutritious dish to your family!

Learn more about other Japanese vegan dishes here

Check it out now!