Come try my authentic Japanese Okra Salad recipe, a quick and delightful side dish bursting with umami flavors, perfect to accompany your favorite Japanese meals! Boiled okra, dressed in a savory soy sauce-based dressing with a hint of sweetness, topped with toasted sesame seeds and bonito flakes. Ready in just 10 minutes, my okra salad is a healthy, natural, and flavorful addition to your table!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine like I am, you’ll love my Japanese Okra Salad! It’s a traditional side dish I crafted to be served alongside main courses, featuring boiled okra drizzled in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, similar in taste to Japanese Spinach Salad, and packed with umami flavors! Just like my Japanese Tofu Yudofu and Japanese Cucumber Salad recipes, this dish captures the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine all in bite!
With its firm yet satisfying texture and umami-packed sauce, it’s an easy and healthy side dish that perfectly complements any Japanese-inspired meal. Don’t wait to try it out – make this recipe now and experience the traditional taste of Japan for yourself!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Okra – use fresh okra. Commonly found in most Asian supermarkets, and sold as a loose bunch. Look for those with smaller okra in them, as smaller ones taste better than larger ones.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Bonito Flakes – made from shaved Dried Bonito fish. Commonly used to make broth and responsible for giving Japanese cuisine that signature umami flavor. Can replace with Hondashi.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – optional garnish.
🥬 Okra Pro Tip
When buying okra, look for those with Smaller Okra. Smaller okra has Better Taste and Softer Texture compared to the larger ones.
🍶 Mirin Note
Since Mirin might not be available everywhere, I’ve adjusted the recipe by using a mix of Japanese sake and sweetener instead.
Directions
Step 1 Boil okra in water for 2-3 minutes. Then, run it under cold water, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set it in a bowl.
🍲 Cooking Pro Tip
Ensure the Water is Boiling before adding in the okra and starting the timer.
Step 2 To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, water, bonito flakes or hondashi, Japanese cooking sake, and sweetener in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 minute. Finally, remove the pot from the heat.
⚡ Sauce Shortcut Pro Tip
For a shortcut when preparing your sauce, opt for 1/8 tsp Hondashi instead of bonito flakes. This substitution eliminates the need to strain the sauce making for easier preparation.
Step 3 Drizzle sauce on top and serve.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For the perfect garnish, top your dish with a combination of Toasted Sesame Seeds and Dried Bonito Flakes.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
This dish can be enjoyed either Warm or Cold.
Recipe Variation
If you looking for a grilled version of this recipe, check out my Japanese Grilled Okra that takes the same flavors found in this salad and adds it to the BBQ grill!
Pairing Recommendations
This recipe for Japanese Okra Salad complements a variety of Japanese-style dishes like Japanese Miso Salmon or Japanese Nikujaga. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with another side such as Japanese Roasted Eggplant Yakinasu or salad tossed with my Japanese Sesame Dressing served alongside Tofu Miso Soup and a bowl of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes okra salad healthy?
Okra salad earns its healthy reputation due to its low calorie and carb content, coupled with its richness in protein and fiber. Additionally, it boasts an impressive array of vitamins including A, C, and K1, essential for various bodily functions. Moreover, it's packed with antioxidants known to combat serious health issues like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?
No, only fresh okra is recommended for this recipe.
How do I know when the okra is cooked perfectly?
The okra should take around 2-3 minutes to cook perfectly. The best way to determine if it's done is to taste it. You want the texture to be tender, not too soft, and not too hard.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
If you omit the bonito flakes, yes, it is vegan-friendly.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers effectively, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Leftovers can typically be safely consumed within 3 to 5 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Okra Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Okra
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tbsp Bonito Flakes can sub with 1/8 tsp of hondashi
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry
- 1 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seed garnish
- 1 tbsp Bonito Flakes garnish
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In another stove top pot, add soy sauce, water, bonito flakes or hondashi, Japanese sake and sweetener and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Once 1 minute has passed,remove from heat and set aside.
- Add okra in a pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached.
- Remove okra, slice into bite sizes pieces and transfer to a serving plate.
- Pour sauce from making sure to push out any excess sauce from the Bonito Flakes with a strainer & spoon and top with Toasted Sesame Seed & Bonito Flakes. You can either serve hot or cold. Note - if using hondashi no need to strain sauce.