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Healthy Asian Salads You Can Make in 10 Minutes (Japanese Spinach, Chinese Cucumbers, Kimchi Salad)

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vegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Japanese Spinach Salad, or Gomae, is a traditional dish often served as a side in Japanese cuisine. It highlights the natural flavors of fresh spinach, complemented by a nutty sesame dressing. This salad is not only a staple in home cooking but also a popular choice in izakayas and restaurants. Today, variations exist with different greens and dressings, making it a versatile dish enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

  • spinach
  • sesame seeds
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • rice vinegar
  • mirin
  • garlic
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  2. 2Drain spinach and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. 3Squeeze excess water from spinach and chop coarsely.
  4. 4Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. 5In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, mirin, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.
  6. 6Add chopped spinach to the bowl and toss to coat with dressing.
  7. 7Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and mix gently.
  8. 8Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

mirin

Healthier: sake

Cheaper: white wine

Sake provides a similar flavor profile.

sesame seeds

Healthier: chia seeds

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and provide crunch.

Techniques

blanchingmixingtoasting

Equipment

large potcolanderskilletmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesame

Also Known As

GomaeSpinach Gomae
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from various regions in China, the Chinese cucumber salad is a refreshing dish often enjoyed during the hot summer months. It showcases the versatility of cucumbers, which are a staple in Chinese cuisine. Traditionally served as a side dish, it balances flavors of salty, sweet, and spicy, making it a popular accompaniment to heavier meals. Today, variations of this salad can be found globally, often featuring different dressings or additional vegetables.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • sugar
  • red pepper flakes
  • scallions
  • cilantro
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Wash cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds or quarters.
  2. 2Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. 3In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
  4. 4Mix the dressing until the sugar dissolves completely.
  5. 5Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and moisture.
  6. 6Drain the cucumbers well and pat dry with paper towels.
  7. 7In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers with the dressing.
  8. 8Toss well to ensure cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing.
  9. 9Chop scallions and cilantro, then add to the cucumber salad.
  10. 10Toss again to mix in the herbs.
  11. 11Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier while canola oil is a more budget-friendly option.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers health benefits, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey is a natural sweetener, while agave syrup is often less expensive.

Techniques

slicingmixing

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowlsmall bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Smashed Cucumber SaladChinese Pickled Cucumber
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the chopped napa cabbage, radishes, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and kimchi.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  4. 4Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. 5Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
  6. 6Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhiskcutting boardknife

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