Recipe

Japanese-Inspired Caesar Salad

Umami Caesar Salad with a Japanese Twist

4.5 out of 5

In the context of Japanese cuisine, this Japanese-Inspired Caesar Salad combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with the umami-rich ingredients commonly found in Japanese cooking. The result is a refreshing and flavorful salad that pays homage to both American and Japanese culinary traditions.

Salad› Caesar Salad

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

15 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

Sesame, Soy, Dairy (if using Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, Soy-free

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is typically made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing, this Japanese-inspired version incorporates ingredients like miso, sesame oil, and nori seaweed to add a unique umami flavor profile. Additionally, the traditional croutons are replaced with crispy tempura flakes for an added crunch. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (235ml) crispy tempura flakes 1 cup (235ml) crispy tempura flakes
1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60ml) nori seaweed, thinly sliced 1/4 cup (60ml) nori seaweed, thinly sliced
1/4 cup (60ml) roasted sesame seeds 1/4 cup (60ml) roasted sesame seeds
For the dressing: For the dressing:
1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (30ml) miso paste 2 tablespoons (30ml) miso paste
1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon (5ml) honey 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 4g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, crispy tempura flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, nori seaweed, and roasted sesame seeds. Set aside.
2.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and honey until well combined.
3.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4.
Divide the salad into individual serving plates or bowls.
5.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Romaine lettuce — Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Nori seaweed — Use kitchen scissors to thinly slice the nori seaweed into delicate strips.
Miso paste — Opt for a lighter miso paste, such as white or yellow, to balance the flavors of the dressing.

Tips & Tricks

For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Experiment with different types of miso paste to find your preferred flavor profile.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase the amount of rice vinegar.
Add a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) for extra flavor and texture.
Serve the salad with a side of steamed Japanese rice for a more substantial meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Japanese-Inspired Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light lunch. Pair it with a bowl of miso soup and enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on individual plates or in shallow bowls, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a small piece of nori seaweed for an attractive presentation.