Japanese Okra Salad

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!

Japanese okra salad topped with katsuoboshi bonito flakes being picked up with a pair of chopsticks.

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.

Japanese okra salad topped with katsuoboshi served in a white bowl topped with sesame seeds.

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.

Sauce for Japanese okra salad.

🍲 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.

Chopped boiled okra.

⚡ 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.

Japanese okra salad in a bowl.

🌿 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.

Japanese okra salad topped with katsuoboshi served in a white bowl topped with sesame seeds.

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 topped with katsuoboshi bonito flakes being picked up with a pair of chopsticks.

Japanese Okra Salad

Discover a delicious and nutritious okra salad recipe perfect for a healthy meal. Enjoy the firm texture of okra paired with a savory and sweet Japanese-inspired sauce.
4.72 from 14 votes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: okra salad, okra salad recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Print Recipe
Calories: 36kcal

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.
    Ingredients for okra salad.
  • 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.
    Sauce for Japanese okra salad.
  • Add okra in a pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached.
    Okra being boiled in a pot.
  • Remove okra, slice into bite sizes pieces and transfer to a serving plate.
    Chopped boiled okra.
  • 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.
    Japanese okra salad in a bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 259mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 716IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
*Values Based Per Serving
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4.72 from 14 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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