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7 Easy and Healthy Japanese Side Dishes | Chef JA Cooks

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Chef JA Cooks
Chef JA Cooks
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7 recipes
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Kinpira Gobo is a traditional Japanese dish that highlights the earthy flavor of burdock root, often served as a side dish in home-cooked meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium burdock root (gobo)
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1Peel the burdock root and cut it into thin matchstick-sized pieces. Soak in water to prevent browning.
  2. 2Peel the carrot and cut it into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
  3. 3In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
  4. 4Add the burdock root and carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. 5Add the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  6. 6Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
  7. 7If using, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and stir to combine.
  8. 8Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
  9. 9Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish.

Equipment

skilletcutting boardknifemeasuring spoonspeeler
vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Wakame salad, or wakame sunomono, hails from Japan, where seaweed has been a staple for centuries due to its nutritional benefits. Traditionally served as a refreshing side dish, it embodies the Japanese philosophy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Today, this salad has gained popularity globally, often found in sushi restaurants and health food menus, celebrated for its lightness and umami flavor.

Ingredients

  • wakame seaweed
  • cucumber
  • carrot
  • rice vinegar
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • sugar
  • sesame seeds
  • green onions

Instructions

  1. 1Soak wakame seaweed in cold water for 10-15 minutes until rehydrated.
  2. 2Drain and squeeze excess water from wakame.
  3. 3Julienne cucumber and carrot into thin strips.
  4. 4In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; whisk until sugar dissolves.
  5. 5Add rehydrated wakame, cucumber, and carrot to the dressing; toss gently to combine.
  6. 6Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

wakame seaweed

Healthier: arame

Cheaper: nori

Arame is lower in calories, while nori is more accessible.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: shoyu

Tamari is gluten-free, while shoyu is often less expensive.

Techniques

rehydratingmixingdressing

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Seaweed SaladWakame Sunomono
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. 1Wash the eggplants and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices or cubes.
  2. 2Sprinkle salt over the eggplant pieces and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. 3Rinse the eggplant pieces under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  4. 4In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  5. 5Add the garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf to the vinegar mixture.
  6. 6Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and let the pickling liquid cool slightly.
  7. 7Pack the eggplant pieces into sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top.
  8. 8Pour the pickling liquid over the eggplant, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jars tightly.
  9. 9Let the jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before consuming for the best flavor.

Equipment

cutting boardknifesaucepanmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonssterilized jars
vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Sunomono, originating from Japan, is a refreshing vinegared salad often served as a side dish. Traditionally made with seasonal vegetables and seaweed, it highlights the Japanese appreciation for balance and simplicity in flavors. Today, variations abound, with ingredients like shrimp or crab added, making it a popular choice in Japanese cuisine worldwide.

Ingredients

  • cucumber
  • carrot
  • seaweed
  • rice vinegar
  • sugar
  • salt
  • soy sauce
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Slice cucumber and carrot thinly.
  2. 2Sprinkle salt over the cucumber and carrot, let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Rinse vegetables under cold water and drain.
  4. 4In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, stirring until dissolved.
  5. 5Add the drained vegetables and seaweed to the vinegar mixture.
  6. 6Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
  7. 7Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  8. 8Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note while reducing acidity.

seaweed

Healthier: cabbage

Cheaper: spinach

Cabbage provides crunch and is more accessible.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey offers natural sweetness with a unique flavor.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: salt

Tamari is gluten-free and adds umami without soy.

Techniques

slicingmarinating

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Japanese Vinegared SaladSunomono Salad
vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Goma-ae is a classic Japanese side dish, often served in homes and restaurants. It showcases the rich flavor of sesame, highlighting the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cuisine. Traditionally made with spinach, goma-ae can also feature other vegetables like green beans or broccoli, making it a versatile dish enjoyed across Japan. Today, goma-ae has found its way into global cuisine, celebrated for its nutty flavor and healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

  • spinach
  • sesame seeds
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • mirin
  • salt
  • dashi
  • sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Blanch spinach in boiling water until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. 2Drain spinach and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. 3Squeeze excess moisture from spinach and chop coarsely.
  4. 4Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5In a bowl, combine toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and dashi.
  6. 6Mix well to create a dressing.
  7. 7Add chopped spinach to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  8. 8Drizzle with sesame oil and mix gently.
  9. 9Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

mirin

Healthier: rice vinegar + sugar

Cheaper: white sugar + water

Rice vinegar + sugar mimics mirin's sweetness and acidity.

dashi

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water + soy sauce

Vegetable broth offers a lighter flavor.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides a healthier fat option.

Techniques

blanchingtoastingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletmixing bowlcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesamesoy

Also Known As

Sesame Spinach SaladGoma-ae Salad
vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Daikon salad, a staple in Japanese cuisine, showcases the versatility of daikon radish, often served as a refreshing side dish. Traditionally enjoyed in summer, it balances flavors and textures, making it a favorite at picnics and family meals. Today, variations exist globally, adapting to local tastes while retaining its crisp, light essence.

Ingredients

  • daikon radish
  • carrot
  • cucumber
  • green onions
  • sesame seeds
  • rice vinegar
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • sesame oil
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Peel and julienne the daikon radish.
  2. 2Peel and julienne the carrot.
  3. 3Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
  4. 4Chop the green onions finely.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine the daikon, carrot, cucumber, and green onions.
  6. 6In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and salt until sugar dissolves.
  7. 7Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
  8. 8Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  9. 9Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
  10. 10Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Ingredient Alternatives

daikon radish

Healthier: jicama

Cheaper: regular radish

Jicama provides a similar crunch with fewer calories.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

Techniques

juliennemixingtossing

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowlwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesame

Also Known As

Daikon Salad with Sesame DressingJapanese Daikon Salad
vegetariangluten-freenut-free

Ingredients

  • 1 medium kabocha squash
  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Cut the kabocha squash in half and remove the seeds. Cut into wedges or cubes.
  3. 3Place the kabocha squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. 4Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. 5While the squash is roasting, prepare the salad base by combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl.
  6. 6In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  7. 7Once the kabocha squash is done roasting, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad bowl.
  8. 8Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  9. 9Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course.

Equipment

baking sheetmixing bowlwhisk

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